Autism Is A Superpower | Daycare Abuse to Autism Advocacy | Ep 222 | The Dear Son, Show

Every father should have honest conversations with his son. In this episode of The Dear Son, Show, we explore the lessons fathers must teach their sons before adulthood.

From Daycare Abuse to Autism Advocacy: Will Adams on Fatherhood, Purpose & The Village Network

In this episode of The Dear Son Show, host D Johns sits down with neighbor and nonprofit founder Will Adams, Sr. to discuss fatherhood, identity, and purpose through the lens of raising a son with autism. Will shares how his family discovered his youngest son’s needs after a daycare abuse case surfaced six months later through CPS, leading to a difficult diagnosis process and years of depression he largely masked while in corporate America. He explains the importance of early intervention, therapies, and ABA, and describes meaningful milestones like hearing his son say “Happy New Year” and progressing to full sentences. Will also talks about being laid off, ego and provision, building The Village Network to support fathers and families navigating autism, and challenging misconceptions while encouraging kindness and education about special needs.

00:00 Daycare Abuse Shock

01:21 Show Welcome Guest Intro

02:48 Life After Corporate Exit

04:00 Building The Village Network

06:42 Layoff Ego And Purpose

13:30 Kids Notice The Changes

16:20 How Autism Was Discovered

19:58 Diagnosis Depression And Masking

21:50 Early Intervention And ABA