Show Notes
Episode Summary: In this compelling episode of The Autism Dad Podcast, host Rob Gorski speaks with Amanda Lukof, a sibling to a brother with autism and the co-founder of Eleplan. Amanda provides a unique perspective on growing up alongside a neurodivergent sibling, highlighting the emotional dynamics, challenges, and triumphs that shaped her life. This heartfelt conversation explores the often-overlooked experiences of neurotypical siblings in autism families. Amanda candidly shares her journey, from the early days of her brother Liam’s diagnosis to how those experiences inspired her to create Eleplan. This groundbreaking platform simplifies caregiving through AI-driven solutions. Together, Rob and Amanda dive deep into family dynamics, sibling responsibilities, and the vital role of technology in caregiving.
Key takeaways from this episode include: - Insight into the sibling experience of autism families. - The emotional challenges faced by caregivers and siblings alike. - How Eleplan leverages AI to streamline caregiving and enhance family support.
Whether you're a parent, sibling, or caregiver, this episode offers validation, practical tools, and inspiration for your own journey. About the Host: Rob Gorski, *The Autism Dad*, is a trusted advocate for families raising autistic children. As a father to three autistic sons, Rob has dedicated his life to providing support, education, and validation to parents navigating similar paths. Through his award-winning blog, podcast, and social media platforms, Rob continues to be a guiding voice in the autism community. About the Guest: Amanda Lukof is the CEO and co-founder of Eleplan, a digital care planning platform designed to simplify caregiving for families of neurodiverse individuals. As the older sister to Liam, a 27-year-old with autism, Amanda draws from her personal experiences to advocate for better caregiving tools and resources. Her work empowers families to navigate caregiving with compassion, efficiency, and a touch of technology.
Key Resources and Links: - Learn more about Eleplan: eleplan.com - Connect with Amanda Lukof on LinkedIn: Amanda Lukof - Explore Rob’s resources for parents: The Autism Dad - Special Offer: Enjoy 3 months of Eleplan for free with the code provided in this episode! Listener Action Steps: - Subscribe to *The Autism Dad Podcast* on your favorite podcast platform. - Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. - Share this episode with friends or family who may benefit. - Visit eleplan.com to explore how Eleplan can support your caregiving journey.
This Week's Sponsors: Circle Care Services Circle Care Services offers personalized ABA therapy for children with autism in New Jersey and Georgia, providing support at home, in daycares, or clinics. Their skilled team partners with parents to build confidence and unlock each child’s potential. Visit circlecareservices.com or call (877) 460-1104.
Autism 360 Autism 360 is a neuro-affirming app for parents of autistic children, offering 24/7 expert guidance, personalized plans, and practical support for daily challenges. Trusted by thousands, it provides affordable, real-time help. Use the code “theautismdad” to save 10% Autism 360
Learn More: Mightier Mightier helps kids self-regulate emotionally through biofeedback-based video games. Learn more and get a discount at Visit Mightier. Use code “theautismdad22” to save 10%.
More from The Autism Dad
This episode is presented by Mightier.
Stephanie Kerns was a teacher before she was an autism mom, and the only autism she had seen up close was in boys. So when her daughter started putting sponges in her mouth and echoing every question back in the exact tone it was asked, the first read was a speech delay.
This episode is presented by Mightier.
This episode is sponsored by PESI. Nicole Carbone's son Luca is almost four, nonspeaking, and diagnosed with Level 2 autism. When he can't tell her what he needs, he bangs his head on whatever is closest. His pain tolerance is high enough that the thing strangers always say, that he'll stop before he really hurts himself, is just not true. In this Seen and Heard conversation, Nicole talks about the communication barrier underneath the self injury, the AAC device she hopes will ease it, and what it was like to separate her twins into different preschools so Luca could get what he needed. She also talks about the best 40 seconds of her life so far, the day he looked right at her and said "hi mommy" for the first time, and she got it on video. Then there's the part aimed at the rest of us. A stranger at the park watched Luca hum and asked her if he ever shuts that motor off. And inside the autism community, Nicole says the hardest thing about a Level 2 diagnosis is not the diagnosis. It's the comparing. Her advice is blunt and it applies to every level: don't compare your kid to any other kid. Nicole is the founder and president of The NEST Project, a nonprofit serving families in Pennsylvania and Ohio that buys what insurance won't cover for kids with special needs. Find them at nestcares.org. SPONSORThis episode is sponsored by PESI. Their 2026 Kids and Teens Autism Symposium runs November 18 and 19, online, and it is neuro-affirming the whole way through. There is a full session on demand avoidance, for every kid who got called defiant when it was really their nervous system, and another on kids who mask so well they get treated for anxiety instead of what is actually going on. Two hundred dollars for both days, up to 18 CE hours, and a 30 day replay if you cannot be there live. Built for clinicians, and parents can register too. pesi.com/theautismdad Rob's book, So Your Child Was Just Diagnosed with Autism, comes out December 29, 2026. Preorder at theautismdad.com/book.
Melvin Lopez is autistic. So is his five year old son, Mateo. And the first thing Melvin does in this conversation is take apart the assumption that those two facts give them something in common.