Show Notes

Discover what’s possible when you see the glass half full.


What is it like to raise a daughter who is on the autism spectrum?


If you’re curious about the experience from a father’s perspective, you’ll want to listen to this episode with Russell Allen.


Russell is an American singer best known as the vocalist of Symphony X, a band which is universally considered one of the top-tier progressive metal acts in the world. He’s also one of the main vocalists in the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and has collaborated with numerous metal supergroups of international acclaim.


Russell recently released an acoustic song titled “Love Her Like I Do”, about his autistic daughter Ava.


This episode is part one of our conversation, and we discuss:



  • What it was like for Russell to receive his daughter’s autism diagnosis

  • Ava’s interests and talents

  • The importance of early intervention when it comes to autism services

  • Controversies around labels like “high-functioning” and “low-functioning”

  • Future plans for Ava’s independence as an autistic adult


Listen to the song “Love Her Like I Do” here on Spotify and Apple Music. 


You can follow Russell on Instagram @sirrussellallen.


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