Parenting a child on the autism spectrum hasn’t been a walk in the park — and if I’m honest, some of my own habits were holding both me and my son, Jake, back. I decided to make a change. I looked in the mirror, challenged myself, and walked away from five specific habits that weren’t serving us.

Today I’m sharing those habits — not because I’ve “arrived,” but because I learned, adapted, and grew. And yes: I still stumble sometimes. But the difference is now I’m aware. I’m present. I’m intentional. And the payoff? Our connection is deeper, his creativity is blooming, and I’m a better father.