The Hidden 20% Autism Dadcast: The Untold Reality of Profound Autism Parenting
Today Ben is joined by Andy and Gaz, hosts and founders of The Autism Dadcast Podcast, which has quickly become a vital voice for parents raising profoundly autistic children - gaining tens of thousands of followers and millions of views in just weeks. They share candid insights about parenting, grief, and the day-to-day realities of life with children who have profound autism, from navigating meltdowns and stimming to advocating in school and in public.
Andy and Gaz reflect on the moments that may look small to an outsider - a smile, a new word, a shared laugh - but are in reality huge victories that shape their children’s lives and their family’s world. This episode offers quietly powerful perspectives on empathy, resilience, and the deeply human side of raising children with profound autism.
Join us at hidden20.org/donate.
________
Host: Ben Branson
Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné
Video Editor: James Scriven
Social Media Manager: Charlie Young
Music: Jackson Greenberg
Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller
00:00 Introduction
1:03 Why Andy & Gaz Created the Autism Dadcast Podcast
4:44 Parenting Profoundly Autistic Children: Gaz & Andy’s Lived Experience
16:40 Processing Grief & Parenting Expectations for ND Children
23:40 Public Reactions to Autistic Meltdowns, Stimming & Neurodivergence
28:57 Being an Autism Dad: Advocating & Speaking Up on Parenting Challenges
33:29 Home Life vs School Masking: Supporting Autistic Kids Authentically
35:44 Understanding the Term “Profoundly Autistic” in Daily Life
41:36 Lessons Learned: How Andy & Gaz Navigate ND Parenting
47:06 Adjusting Life Around Autism: What Feels “Normal” Now?
54:12 The Future of Autism Dadcast & Growing Community Impact
56:06 Top 3 Parenting Tips for Raising Autistic Children Effectively
58:10 Surprising Insights About Being an Autistic Parent
1:03:33 Andy & Gaz’s Green Dot Badges
The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson.
Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence.
No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.
1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.
To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains.
With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.
Join us at hidden20.org/donate.
Become a monthly donor.
Be part of our community where great minds think differently.
Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348
______________
Follow & subscribe…
Website: www.hidden20.org
Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity
Ben Branson @seedlip_ben
The Autism Dadcast with Andy & Gaz @autismdadcast
If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.