A Father's Journey Through Autism: Love, Challenges, and Connections
In this heartfelt episode of All Abilities, No Filter, we sit down with John Fela, a former educator with experience in both general and special education, to explore the journey of fatherhood through the lens of raising a child with disabilities. John opens up about the emotional and practical challenges that come with balancing advocacy, parenting, and personal growth. He shares honest reflections on the hurdles he’s faced, but also the beautiful opportunities he’s discovered in building a deeper connection with his child. Throughout our conversation, John highlights the importance of community and support, encouraging parents to reach out, ask for help, and connect with others walking a similar path. With his background in education and his work with national advocacy organizations, John brings a unique perspective that blends compassion, experience, and wisdom. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or advocate, this episode will remind you that you don’t have to go through it alone—and that there’s real power in shared stories and support.
John Fela
Advocate, Speaker, Author
John Fela (M.Ed) is a national disability advocate, working with both faith based and non-faith based disability organizations. He previously worked for Joni and Friends, a global disability ministry. Prior to that, he spent almost 20 years in education, serving in a variety of roles as a classroom teacher in both public and private school settings, as well as being a mentor teacher and school director. He holds certifications in both Montessori and traditional teaching methods, and trained in a variety of specializations, including ESL and Special Education. He is a public speaker, blogger for a variety of disability advocacy platforms, and author of Faith Like My Father, a memoir of his journey as a parent of disability. John lives in Lyons, IL with his wife, Faith, and is father to his son Christopher (ASD/NS). Follow John on his website: www.johnfela.com