Harry Psaros (second from right) and family (Courtesy)
When Harry Psaros talks about autism, he speaks not only as an advocate and author, but first and foremost as a father. Psaros and his wife, Michelle, who he lovingly refers to as “the hero of their story,” have raised their two sons, Gus (23) and Max (20) in McDonald, Pennsylvania. Today, among many accolades, Psaros serves on the board of the Autism Caring Center and is passionate about supporting families navigating an autism diagnosis.
But his journey to becoming an advocate wasn’t immediate. When Gus was diagnosed with autism, Psaros admits he struggled to accept the news. “Men want to fix things,” he says. “Many dads feel like they should be able to solve the problem.” He has met countless mothers who tell him their husbands are having difficulty coming to terms with their child’s diagnosis. Some of what he calls the “ultra-macho dads” wrestle with the belief that they somehow caused their child’s disability or view the diagnosis as something to be ashamed of. “I was one of those dads,” he says candidly.
That personal struggle ultimately became the inspiration for his book, “From Struggle to Strength: A Father’s Journey with Autism and the Power of Hope and Positivity.” Published in 2024, the book wasn’t written to replace the clinical guides and manuals available to parents. Instead, the book is a resource focused on hope, acceptance and helping parents shift their mindset. His goal is simple: to reach fathers and to help them realize they are not alone.
Today, Gus is pursuing graduate studies at Kent State University after recently earning his bachelor’s degree, two milestones that fill his parents with immense pride. Psaros is quick to point out that the journey has not been easy. Once after Gus suffered a concussion, the family felt as though they had lost years of hard-earned progress, which was heart wrenching for their family. “The goal never changed,” he shares. Instead, the family leaned into what Psaros calls “relenting love.”
“You can’t cure autism,” he says, “but you can nurture the best version of your child that they can be.” A martial arts enthusiast, Psaros embraces the mindset of perseverance. Giving up has never been an option, and that philosophy has guided both his parenting and his advocacy work.
For parents receiving a new autism diagnosis, he offers reassurance and practical wisdom:
• Take a breath and understand it’s going to be OK.
• Don’t look at this as a scarlet letter. Rather, look at it as a badge of honor.
• You were chosen to be this child’s parent.
• There is so much angst when you get the diagnosis. Focus on daily improvement.
• If you work hard, good things will happen.
Above all, Psaros hopes his sons see him as a role model. “Your children watch your actions,” he says. “Treating people with kindness is the most important thing.”
Family Favorites
Sports Team: Pittsburgh Steelers, Penguins and Pirates; college teams: Pitt Panthers (follow Psaros on X @PittGuru), Kent State Golden Flashes and Allegheny College Gators
Weekend Activity: Hiking, mountain biking, reading. During football season, we are either at a Steeler, Pitt or Allegheny College game (son Max is a junior safety on the Gators football team).
Family Movie: “JAWS,” all of the Marvel movies, Jurassic Park movies, Lord of the Rings
Family Restaurant: Ditkas (Robinson Township), Theo Yianni’s (Weirton, WV), Alla Famiglia in Allentown (Pittsburgh) for special occasions
Date Night: Movie, dinner and a fire outside with a beverage
Carrie Woodard is a National Certified Counselor, National Certified School Counselor and a Pittsburgh mama of two.
