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.

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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

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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.

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