Many dads with children with autism have difficulty assisting them on their journey. Sometimes, they find it difficult to accept the diagnosis and cling to believing that their child’s behavioral anomalies are just quirks, not a sign of a developmental condition. Harry Psaros was also one of those fathers.
When his son Gus was diagnosed with autism, he could not accept it fully. But as reality set in, so did the realization that Gus needed him to involve himself in his journey in ways he had never imagined.
Harry and his family’s journey with Gus’s treatment and therapies was not easy, but they proved to help his child a lot. Through trial and error, Harry also learned about the complexities of autism and how to navigate them mindfully.
He shares his experience in his book From Struggle to Strength, advocating for the therapies that made a difference in his son’s life and offering a blueprint for other parents walking a similar path.
Therapies That Worked for Gus
One of the most transformative therapies for Gus was the Brain Balance Program. This approach was deeply grounded in the science of neuroplasticity and challenged the notion that the brain’s structure is fixed.
Dr. Robert Melillo, the prolific mind behind Brain Balance, emphasizes that the human brain can change and adapt. The program targets the underdeveloped hemisphere of the brain, working to reconnect synapses and restore balance.
At first, Gus struggled with challenging exercises to stimulate specific brain regions. But with the consistent effort of Gus and the family, he began showing notable progress. Over three semesters of intensive brain work, Gus moved from being less responsive to becoming more present and engaged. His assessment responses improved dramatically, and he no longer needed medicinal interventions.
The Wesley Wonderkids program was also beneficial to Gus’s progress. This initiative focused on social skills development, an area where many children on the spectrum face difficulties.
The program combined therapy with play, allowing Gus to interact with other children in a structured yet enjoyable environment. Over time, Gus became a leader among his peers, showing how far he had come in his journey.
The Importance of The 2% Rule
But do you know the most effective therapy that worked for Gus?
It was his family’s relentless efforts to help and understand him. Something very rare yet extremely important. Harry and his family remained patient because they realized that progress often comes in small increments.
He and his wife embraced the “2% rule”—the idea that even small improvements are worth celebrating. This mindset helped them stay focused on Gus’s long-term success, even when progress seemed slow.
For parents of children with autism, Harry’s journey stresses the importance of positivity and an open mind. While every child is different, and what works for one may not work for another, the key is to keep trying. Whether it’s through established therapies like Brain Balance or more innovative approaches, the goal is always the same:
To help your child thrive.
A Heartfelt Letter to Fathers
Harry Psaros’s story goes beyond the personal triumph of being there for his son but a message for fathers everywhere. Accepting your child’s autism diagnosis isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a strength.
As dads, you have to embrace your child’s quirks, oddities, struggles, and fears. You have to be there to help them achieve their full potential.
To all the dads out there: Take that first step or continue being the support your child needs. In the end, it’s not about the challenges you face but how you rise above them together as a family.
Need more fatherly advice on autism?
Grab your copy of From Struggle to Strength: A Father’s Journey with Autism and the Power of Hope and Positivity by Harry Psaros on Amazon and Kindle.
