In honor of Father’s Day, I want to shine a light on the Super Dads within our special needs community. Meet today’s Super Dad, Danish, father of four.

What is your favorite thing about being a special needs dad? 

I think my favorite thing is knowing that I will always have a friend for life.

What do you wish people knew about being a special needs dad?

Every father needs to put in a lot of work on their kids. But the reward that special needs father’s get is difficult to sum up.

What advice would you give to other special needs dads for cultivating a meaningful relationship with their special needs kiddo?

Just spend time with them and have fun with them. Enter their world, and do what they like, however they like it without forcing your own interest. I think all parents should try and train themselves on some type of therapeutic treatment because it will pay off in the long run.

As a caregiver, oftentimes, we give so much of ourselves that we forget to take care of ourselves. What do you do to take care of yourself?

As a muslim, we pray 5 times a day, which is a great reminder of how fleeting this world is and puts things in perspective.

What makes you “super dad” in the eyes of your special needs child?

I don’t think my child sees me as a super dad. But I do think he appreciates the time we spend together cooking, doing puzzles, playing ball and just enjoying each others company, doing nothing.