In this episode of Spectrum in Camouflage, I dive into the balancing act of family life, raising an autistic child, and finding time for my personal passion—hunting. I share an honest and raw reflection on a recent hunting trip that I almost didn’t take because of the demands of caring for my son, Wyatt. Struggling with guilt, responsibility, and the need for personal space, I open up about how hunting brings me peace and how my wife’s strength has allowed me to find moments of solitude. But, the journey isn't without its challenges. I talk candidly about the ongoing struggles Wyatt faces, including difficulties at school, and how these stresses ripple through our family.

Ultimately, this episode is about the importance of stepping up for your family when they need you most, but also recognizing when you need to recharge. I speak openly about the highs and lows of parenting a special needs child, the power of taking time for yourself, and the incredible support of a loving spouse.

Key Takeaways:

The Importance of Personal Time: I reflect on how hunting helps me reset mentally and emotionally, but I also highlight the internal conflict of leaving my family behind during tough times.

Balancing Family and Personal Needs: This episode centers on a pivotal moment when I had to cut a hunting trip short to support my wife and autistic son, Wyatt. I explore the tension between fulfilling personal desires and prioritizing family responsibilities.

Wyatt’s Progress Update: I share the ups and downs of Wyatt’s development, touching on a particularly difficult school year and the promising progress from a new chiropractic therapy focused on his vagus nerve.

The Power of a Strong Marriage: I emphasize the importance of communication and working together as a couple when raising a special needs child, offering insight into the strain autism can place on relationships.

Faith and Perspective: I reflect on a life-changing conversation that shifted my perspective on Wyatt’s struggles, helping me realize that while hardships may not be God’s plan, He can guide us through them to find greater strength and purpose.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

How to find balance between personal passions and family responsibilities, especially when raising a special needs child

The role of mental reset through personal hobbies like hunting

The critical importance of strong communication and teamwork in a marriage impacted by autism

Insight into alternative therapies for autism, including chiropractic care focusing on the vagus nerve

How faith can provide clarity and strength during difficult times

Join me as I share my stories of hunting, family life, and Wyatt’s progress, offering insight and encouragement to other parents navigating the world of autism. Whether you’re seeking advice on balancing family demands or looking for inspiration, this episode has something for everyone.

Feel free to reach out with your thoughts, suggestions, or personal experiences. Let’s build a community where we support each other in finding strength and balance in life’s chaos.

Hey everyone! In today’s episode, I’m reflecting on the importance of family support, building mental strength, and facing challenges head-on. As I prepare for my annual hunting trip to Colorado, I share how these trips have really helped me develop resilience—both mentally and physically. I also talk about how much my wife’s encouragement means to me. Without her pushing me to go when I feel unsure, I wouldn’t be doing half the things I am today. Whether it’s hunting or life as a father to an autistic child, having a solid support system is everything.

I also want to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for the incredible support since the first episode aired. I never expected to reach so many people so quickly, and it’s been an absolute blessing.

This episode is all about encouragement and the power of community. I hope it inspires you to push through your own doubts and discomforts, whether you’re balancing family life or chasing a personal goal.

Key Takeaways:

• Having the support of family and loved ones is crucial for building mental strength.
• Don’t let fear or discomfort hold you back from doing what you love or what’s good for you.
• A strong support system—whether it’s your spouse, friends, or community—makes a world of difference.
• Be sure to give back by encouraging those around you to do what’s right for them.
• Mental resilience comes from facing tough situations and pushing through discomfort.

Thanks again for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love it if you could share it with someone who might need a little encouragement today. Together, we can build a stronger, more supportive community. Feel free to visit spectrumincamouflage.com or email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com—I’d love to hear your thoughts!

In this episode, I dive into the topic of mental health—though I prefer to call it "mental strength"—especially in the context of raising a child with autism. I share some personal struggles, including anxiety, stress, and panic attacks, and how hunting and stepping into uncomfortable situations have helped me build resilience over the years.

I talk about the importance of getting outside your comfort zone and how consciously facing discomfort can lead to mental growth and peace. From hunting in the mountains out west to finding faith in God, these experiences have helped me navigate the challenges of parenting an autistic child while balancing work and family life.

Mental strength is something you build through practice, and it starts with small, conscious steps—whether it’s tackling daily anxiety or embarking on a new adventure.

• Building mental strength is essential, especially for parents of children with special needs.
• Getting uncomfortable—whether it’s through outdoor challenges or everyday tasks—helps you grow mentally stronger.
• Mental strength doesn’t happen overnight; it’s something you practice and build over time.
• Faith and community support are crucial in navigating the ups and downs of life.
• Consciously face your fears and discomfort to experience true personal growth.

Thanks for tuning in! If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might be dealing with similar challenges. Let’s build a community that supports mental strength and resilience.

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Welcome to the first episode of Spectrum in Camouflage, a podcast that explores life on the spectrum through the unique lens of host Tommy Rhine. Tommy is not only the dad of Wyatt, a bright and energetic child with autism, but also the dad to Jessie, his daughter, the husband of Kailee, and a dedicated small business owner. In this debut episode, Tommy introduces himself and his family, giving listeners an intimate glimpse into their daily lives and challenges as an autistic family.

Tommy is more than just the host of Spectrum in Camouflage. He’s a father navigating the intricacies of raising a child on the autism spectrum while balancing the responsibilities of running a small business. Tommy shares how his family dynamic, mainly his role as Wyatt, Jessie's dad, and Kailee’s partner, has shaped his perspective and helped him become a more compassionate and understanding father. His journey is at the heart of this podcast.

In this episode, Tommy shares how his passion for hunting has equipped him with the mental fortitude required to navigate the challenges of being a father to his son Wyatt and his daughter Jessie and a supportive husband to Kailee. For Tommy, hunting is more than just a pastime—it’s a discipline that has taught him patience, resilience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.

Tommy reflects on how the focus and discipline needed in hunting help him stay grounded during difficult moments at home. Just as hunting demands mental strength, clarity, and perseverance, so does raising a child with autism and maintaining a balanced, supportive family life. His experiences in the wilderness have shaped him into a more patient and understanding father, enabling him to be present for both of his children and a steadfast partner to Kailee.