SHOW / EPISODE

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

Episode 222
1h 2m | Oct 19, 2026

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

25:08 Accepting A New Fatherhood

28:33 Learning Love And Communication

30:26 First Words Moment

32:19 Milestones Worth Celebrating

33:42 Family Shift and Legacy

35:52 Autism Misconceptions

38:28 Advocacy as a Black Dad

40:24 Dad Linkups Safe Space

42:28 Authenticity Over Clout

44:23 Called to the Work

51:33 Grace and Fear of Success

58:19 Fatherhood Without a Dad

01:01:03 Where to Find The Village

01:01:45 Final Message Be Kind


#fathersonrelationship #adviceformen #modernfatherhood #adultchildren #lifelessonsformen #raisingmen #raisingkids #mantalk


Channel Focus Areas:

“What Fathers Should Teach Their Sons”

“How to Be a Better Father”

“Father Son Relationship Advice”

“Mistakes Fathers Make”

“Lessons Every Man Should Learn”


Shop DSN Merch: https://thedearsonshop.store


Follow Will: https://instagram.com/thavillagepodcast

https://instagram.com/bigsir_84


Also, if you've made it this far, don't forget to:


1. subscribe to the channel,

2. turn on the notifications,

3. like this episode,

4. leave a comment, and

5. share this content with someone who needs it.



The DSP: https://thedearsonpodcast.com



Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors:


Love Kisha J Studios: https://houseoflkj.com



Let’s connect socially:


https://instagram.com/thedearsonpodcast


https://facebook.com/thedearsonpodcast




The Three Foundational Pillars of the DSP Community


1. Reveal trauma


2. Heal from trauma


3. Help through telling stories of it all




“Better Man. Better Father.”


The Dear Son, Network ®



Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Paused
Audio Player Image
Dear Son,
Loading...