Autism Awareness Isn’t Enough: What Real Acceptance Looks Like

Get Rita's free speech pathology guide for parents 🍷 https://www.rsspeechpathology.com.au/... In this episode of Wine with Wita, Rita sits down with David Flood, co-author of A Kids Book About Autism, which he created alongside his autistic son, Justin. David shares his experience of Justin’s autism diagnosis at 18 months. He also reveals the moments that led him to become a passionate advocate for autism inclusion. When Justin reached middle school, the invitations stopped coming and he began eating lunch alone. That experience inspired David to speak in schools across the United States, helping students understand the difference between simply being aware of someone with a disability and genuinely accepting them. David and Rita discuss the importance of entering an autistic child’s world. They explore how families can find support after an autism diagnosis and connect with others who understand the journey. They also talk about advocacy, kindness and belonging. Most importantly, they share how we can help every child feel seen, heard and valued. David’s message is simple but powerful: awareness is knowing someone has a disability; acceptance is inviting them to sit with you. In this episode 👇 Justin’s autism diagnosis at 18 months and navigating the early stages His experience of exclusion at school and eating lunch alone The difference between autism awareness, acceptance and true inclusion Helping autistic children feel seen, heard and valued Entering your child’s world and following their interests Connecting with other parents and finding the right support Advocating for your child during professional meetings Turning one family’s experience into autism advocacy Co-writing A Kids Book About Autism with Justin Kindness, community, human connection and trusting your child’s path Connect with David Flood: Instagram: Instagram: davidfloodspeaks A Kids Book About Autism :https://www.amazon.com.au/Kids-Book-A... Connect with Rita: Instagram: Instagram: winewithwitapodcast YouTube: @winewithwitapodcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2igo4o3... Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast... Website: https://www.rsspeechpathology.com.au/ Connection Creates Communication waitlist: https://wine-with-wita.kit.com/connec... Wita's Weekly Wecap (newsletter): https://wine-with-wita.kit.com/09e84e... Timestamps: 00:00 – Meet David Flood 03:40 – Justin’s autism diagnosis at 18 months 06:30 – Autism, exclusion and eating lunch alone 10:40 – Turning personal challenges into advocacy 12:00 – Entering an autistic child’s world 18:00 – Autism support needs and changing language 22:00 – Supporting families after an autism diagnosis 24:00 – Why parent connection and community matter 29:00 – Autism awareness and misunderstanding 33:00 – Creating A Kids Book About Autism 41:20 – Advocacy and connection for families 44:30 – Autism awareness versus acceptance Wine with Wita is Australia's leading podcast for parents navigating life with children with communication difficulties, disabilities and additional support needs. Hosted by Rita Shamoun, speech pathologist and founder of RS Speech Pathology. New episodes every Friday. Ad details: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/iros-young/a-per... License code: HNK2Y5KYSFI2JFGE The purpose of this podcast is to provide information. You must not rely on the information on this podcast as an alternative to speech and language therapy. You must always consult with a Speech Pathologist, GP and/or paediatrician if you have any concerns about your child's communication and/development.