Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark De Grasse
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m Mark de Grasse, and my journey into Autismland began about twelve years ago with the birth of my son Damien. Like many parents, those first months were filled with joy and what seemed like normal development milestones. Damien was actually an amazing sleeper as an infant – one of those stories you love to tell other parents. But around his first birthday, things started to change.
By then, we also had our second son, Declan, who’s just ten months younger than Damien. As both boys grew, the contrasts in their development became impossible to ignore. While Declan hit typical milestones, Damien’s progress took a different path. We found ourselves navigating a maze of doctor appointments, tests, and therapy sessions, all leading to what we already suspected – an autism diagnosis.
Today, Damien is twelve, and while he’s non-verbal with the cognitive development of a two or three-year-old, he’s one of the most remarkable people I know. He’s got this incredible mix of pure joy and mischievous spirit that lights up our home. But our journey hasn’t been without its challenges. I vividly remember when he was around 18 months old, our nights turned into early morning adventures – and by adventures, I mean Damien would be up between 1 and 4 AM, running through the house while we tried to keep up.
Raising Damien has reshaped every aspect of our lives. He requires constant supervision, similar to caring for a toddler, and now attends full-time ABA therapy at Central Texas Autism Center in Austin. We’ve had to think differently about everything – from my physical fitness (since Damien’s on track to be much bigger than me) to our financial planning, knowing he’ll be with us for life. I’ve developed various mental health practices and coping mechanisms along the way, because this journey demands both physical and emotional strength.
The idea for Dads in Autismland actually came through my wife Jamie during prayer at Ridge Bible Church in early January 2025. With my background in content creation and marketing – I’ve produced over 1,000 podcast episodes in my career – it felt like the perfect way to channel my experience into something meaningful. But I never expected the response we’ve received. This podcast has connected with other dads in ways that none of my previous projects ever have.
What started as sharing my story has grown into something much bigger. By creating a space for other dads to share their experiences, we’re building a community that understands the unique challenges and joys of raising children on the autism spectrum. Every story shared, every connection made, reinforces what I’ve learned through my own journey with Damien: we’re not alone in Autismland, and together, we can navigate this path with more hope and understanding.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been bumpy. Here are a few of the struggles:
Experiencing the emotional journey of watching his son’s development change course around 12 months, especially challenging as he could directly compare with his younger son Declan’s typical development just 10 months behind
Managing severe sleep disruptions when Damien was 18-24 months old, having to stay alert and supervise during unusual hours (1-4 AM) when Damien would be active and running around the house
Providing constant, around-the-clock supervision for Damien, who requires the same level of monitoring as a 2-3 year old child, despite being 12 years old – this impacts both parents’ ability to have personal time or handle other responsibilities
Preparing physically and mentally for Damien’s continued growth, knowing that his son will likely become significantly larger and stronger than him while still requiring the same level of supervision and care
Adapting his entire lifestyle and family planning around Damien’s long-term care needs, including making specific choices about living arrangements and financial planning with the understanding that Damien will live with them permanently
Developing and maintaining mental health practices and coping mechanisms to handle the ongoing stress and challenges of being a full-time caregiver to a severely autistic child
Navigating the complex and often overwhelming medical system, going through numerous doctors, tests, and therapy appointments to receive and confirm Damien’s autism diagnosis
Managing the financial implications of full-time ABA therapy at Central Texas Autism Center, along with other ongoing medical and therapeutic needs
Balancing attention and care between two children with vastly different needs – supporting both Damien’s special needs while ensuring Declan also receives appropriate parental attention and support
Facing the reality that traditional parenting milestones and expectations need to be completely redefined, as Damien’s development and capabilities follow a different path than typically expected
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Dads in Autismland is a pioneering podcast platform that uniquely addresses a critical gap in the autism support community – the distinct experiences and needs of fathers raising children on the autism spectrum. Our specialty lies in creating authentic, relatable content that combines real-world stories from dads with expert insights and practical guidance.
What sets us apart is our focused approach on the father’s perspective in the autism journey. While many resources exist for parents in general, we recognize that fathers often face unique challenges and have different ways of processing and handling their experiences. Our platform creates a space where dads can find their tribe and hear stories that resonate with their specific journey.
We’re particularly proud of how we’ve built a community that balances vulnerability with strength. Our content embraces both the challenges and triumphs of raising children on the spectrum, always maintaining an authentic, conversational tone that makes complex topics accessible and relatable. Whether it’s discussing behavioral strategies, educational advocacy, or emotional resilience, we approach each topic through the lens of real father experiences.
Our podcast stands out for three key elements:
Unfiltered Authenticity: We share real stories from fathers who are in the trenches, creating content that’s honest about both the struggles and the victories.
Practical Support: Beyond emotional connection, we provide actionable advice and strategies that dads can implement in their daily lives.
Community Building: We’re more than just a podcast – we’re fostering a supportive network where fathers can find understanding, share experiences, and grow together.
What truly makes Dads in Autismland special is our commitment to celebrating the unique journey of each father-child relationship while providing the tools, support, and community these dads need to navigate their path with confidence and hope. Our mission is to ensure that no father walks this journey alone, and we’re dedicated to being a trusted companion in their autism parenting journey.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was an extremely shy and introverted child, but loved humor and fiction. I always dreamed of being a business owner and would routinely pitch ideas to my parents. I started working to make money when I was around 10, and never stopped, working dozens of jobs and projects growing up. I realized I was introverted in high school and sought to build the interpersonal skills to help me succeed by becoming a real estate agent/broker in Los Angeles when I was 18, a job a worked throughout college. After college I joined a start up in educational technology, then got into small business ownership afterwards. I’ve always been hyper disciplined and hardworking, but my family life with my two sons and wife have changed everything. I’m now much more calm and dedicated to helping others than I have ever been in my life, and went through an “awakening” when I was 39 (I’m now 41).
Contact Info:
- Website: http://dadsinautismland.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dadsinautismland/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DadsinAutismland
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dads-in-autismland/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DadsinAutismland
