TPP 517: James Guttman on Becoming the Father His Autistic Son Needed

Today I’m talking with James Guttman, author of Hi World, I’m Dad: How Fathers Can Journey to Autism Awareness, Acceptance, and Appreciation. James is the father of a nonspeaking autistic son and a neurotypical daughter, and through his writing and podcast he shares an honest, deeply personal perspective on fatherhood, autism, and the journey toward acceptance.

One of the reasons I wanted to have James on the show is because we so rarely hear fathers' voices in conversations about raising neurodivergent kids. Like all of us, James's understanding has evolved over time, and I appreciated the opportunity to talk with him about that evolution, what he's learned from his children, and why acceptance has become such a central part of his story.

In our conversation, we talk about fatherhood, acceptance, community, and the unexpected ways our neurodivergent kids can change us for the better.

About James Guttman

James Guttman is the author of Hi World, I’m Dad: How Fathers Can Journey to Autism Awareness, Acceptance, and Appreciation. As a father to a nonverbal son and a neurotypical daughter, he shares a message rooted in autism appreciation and the belief that our kids’ differences hold their own beauty.

His writing reached national attention when his HuffPost Personal essay drew more than 750,000 readers in a single day and became one of the most-clicked stories on Apple News. Through his long-running blog, Hi Blog! I’m Dad, James tells honest, heartfelt stories about parenting, connection, and the shared humanity between his children.

James is also the author of the Amazon-bestselling Expectant Father’s Activity Book, and his work has been featured by Love What Matters, The Mighty, the Organization for Autism Research, Yahoo Lifestyle, and more.

A survivor of a quintuple bypass at 35 and host of the Hi Pod! I’m Dad podcast, James brings humor, vulnerability, and perspective to conversations about parenting, mental health, and raising kids in a world that doesn’t always understand them.

Things you'll learn from this episode

• How James’s journey raising neurodivergent children reshaped his understanding of parenting, autism, and himself

• How surviving a heart attack transformed James’s perspective on fatherhood, presence, and what truly matters

• Why fathers need more inclusive spaces, community, and support as they navigate parenting neurodivergent kids

• How authenticity, vulnerability, and redefining masculinity can strengthen relationships with children and challenge outdated assumptions

• How James’s evolving relationship with his children, and his son’s example, helped him become a more authentic version of himself

Resources mentioned

• James Guttman’s blog, Hi Blog, I’m Dad

• Hi World, I’m Dad: How Fathers Can Journey to Autism Awareness, Acceptance, and Appreciation by James Guttman

• James Guttman on Facebook

• James on TikTok

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