Autism Dadcast: Episode 15 — “From AFL to Autism Dad: Michael & Sunday’s Story”

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<p>In Episode 15 of Autism Dadcast, we’re joined by <strong>Michael Hibberd</strong> — former AFL premiership player turned firefighter — as he opens up for the first time about life as a dad to Sunday, his four-year-old daughter with profound autism.</p><p><br></p><p>We chat about the early red flags, diagnosis, meltdowns in public, the emotional gut-punch of milestone checklists, and the unexpected joy in small wins (like hearing “Mum” for the first time).</p><p><br></p><p>Michael shares how nothing — not pro sport, not firefighting — prepared him for the relentlessness of autism parenting. But he also talks about humour, resilience, and the importance of getting on the same page as your partner early on.</p><p><br></p><p>This one’s raw, relatable, and full of the stuff most people don’t say out loud.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Timestamps</strong></p><p>0:00 – Meet Michael</p><p>1:22 – From footy to firefighting</p><p>3:00 – Finding the podcast</p><p>4:45 – About Sunday</p><p>10:00 – Early signs &amp; missed milestones</p><p>13:00 – Diagnosis &amp; the toll of the system</p><p>18:00 – Early intervention &amp; therapy</p><p>21:00 – Public meltdowns &amp; anxiety</p><p>26:00 – Small wins that hit different</p><p>30:00 – Food issues &amp; sensory quirks</p><p>33:00 – Routine, sleep &amp; locks on doors</p><p>36:00 – Funding, NDIS &amp; red tape</p><p>40:00 – Why nothing prepares you</p><p>44:00 – Friends, family &amp; being understood</p><p>49:00 – Advice for other dads</p><p>55:00 – The good, the bad &amp; the [literal] ugly</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>🧠 New episodes drop every Thursday at 6pm</p><p>🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple &amp; all major platforms</p><p>📲 Guest application via Linktree in our Instagram bio</p><p><br></p><p>#AutismDadcast #AFL #MichaelHibberd #AutismParenting #Neurodiversity #SEND #ParentingUnfiltered #AutismDad #RealTalk</p><p><br></p>