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

In Episode 15 of Autism Dadcast, we’re joined by Michael Hibberd — 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.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).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.This one’s raw, relatable, and full of the stuff most people don’t say out loud.Timestamps0:00 – Meet Michael1:22 – From footy to firefighting3:00 – Finding the podcast4:45 – About Sunday10:00 – Early signs & missed milestones13:00 – Diagnosis & the toll of the system18:00 – Early intervention & therapy21:00 – Public meltdowns & anxiety26:00 – Small wins that hit different30:00 – Food issues & sensory quirks33:00 – Routine, sleep & locks on doors36:00 – Funding, NDIS & red tape40:00 – Why nothing prepares you44:00 – Friends, family & being understood49:00 – Advice for other dads55:00 – The good, the bad & the [literal] ugly🧠 New episodes drop every Thursday at 6pm🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple & all major platforms📲 Guest application via Linktree in our Instagram bio#AutismDadcast #AFL #MichaelHibberd #AutismParenting #Neurodiversity #SEND #ParentingUnfiltered #AutismDad #RealTalk