When my son was diagnosed with autism, my wife and I felt utterly isolated, as if we were stranded on a deserted island without anyone who could relate to our struggles.
In those challenging times, I made a promise to myself that no other parents would experience such loneliness. Now, two decades later, I realize it’s time to share the invaluable lessons I’ve gained throughout this journey.
Initially lost, our family has cultivated a life rich in hope, joy, and resilience. Through my book, I aspire to be the mentor for fathers, providing practical strategies rooted in the mindset that helped me navigate the toughest days.
From uncertainty to empowerment
Drawing from my experiences in boxing and martial arts, I illustrate how I harnessed motivation and mental fortitude during difficult moments.
Most importantly, I want to reassure couples facing an autism diagnosis that they are not alone — there is a brighter path ahead if you embrace each day with compassion, optimism, and unwavering strength.
My vision for my book, From Struggle to Strength: A Father’s Journey with Autism and the Power of Hope and Positivity, is to serve as a reliable guide for parents, transforming uncertainty into empowerment.
Struggling to engage their husbands
Have you ever experienced that moment of connection with an audience, only to realize you’ve overlooked a segment you left out?
This was my experience in 2014 at the Autism Notebook’s Connection Conference in Pittsburgh, PA. As I concluded my presentation, a group of mothers approached me, and my initial thought was that I had offended them or misspoken.
However, as each mother shared her story, a clear theme emerged: they were struggling to engage their husbands in understanding their child’s autism diagnosis.
It was eye-opening to see how isolated these women felt while their partners remained distant.
This realization prompted me to address fathers directly, offering empathy and practical advice.
Men have an innate desire to solve problems: it’s part of who we are. When a child takes a tumble and scrapes their knee, the instinct is to apply a bandage and make it better.
However, autism isn’t something that can be patched up with a simple solution. Fathers must come to terms with the diagnosis and collaborate with their partner to support their child effectively.
Kindness and understanding
My book reflects a father’s journey through this experience, drawing from my own encounters with a resistant mindset.
With kindness and understanding, I provide the tools that helped me connect with my child.
I aspire for this book to serve as a valuable resource for fathers facing a new autism diagnosis, as a united front of informed parents fosters an environment of unconditional love for the child.
More information
To learn more about me and the book, please visit my website: https://www.harrypsaros.com/
