About the Book
From Struggle to Strength: A Father’s Journey with Autism and the Power of Hope and Positivity. Some are too stubborn or macho to accept the autism diagnosis. And once upon a time, Harry Psaros was that guy. Harry wants to be a voice for dads in the autism fight. From Struggle to Strength: A Father’s Journey with Autism and Power of Hope and Positivity was written so other dads can learn from Harry’s mistakes, work with their family to support their child on the spectrum and their successful development, see how his son Gus is thriving with the support of both parents and ultimately understand that an empowered mindset drives lasting growth and fulfillment in the journey with autism. From practical advice for nurturing your child’s growth to the mental attitudes and mindsets that parents of children with autism need to succeed, From Struggle to Strength helps fathers step up and support the children that they long to be. Yes, there is confusion on the autism journey. No, there is no step-by-step guidebook where you follow a recipe to
help your child succeed. But there is a way to be informed and supportive and create a unified front as a family fighting on this journey together.
About the Author
A devoted family man, Harry Psaros has been happily married to his wife Michelle for 24 years and is a proud father of two sons, Costa “Gus” and Maximos “Max.” Originally from the steel town of Weirton, W.Va., Psaros has called McDonald, Pa., home for the past two decades. Professionally, Psaros serves as an executive neuroscience account specialist for AbbVie. He is on the board of directors for the Autism Caring Center, one of the founders of North Fayette P.A.L.S. (an organization for special needs children), president of North Fayette Township’s Parks and Recreation Board, and vice president of All Saints Greek Orthodox Church in
Weirton, W.Va. Known affectionately by fans as the “Pitt Guru,” he is a top social media influencer for University of Pittsburgh athletics and the senior writer for Pittsburgh Sports Now.
With a bachelor of science in industrial engineering from the University of Pittsburgh, as well as minors in
physics and philosophy, Psaros has a strong educational foundation. Further expanding his expertise, he obtained a certification as a health coach from the Institute of Integrated Nutrition. Harry is an avid reader, enjoys strength training, running, and martial arts, and lives to serve others. He believes “if you are breathing air, you should be helping others.”
Qn 1: Can you tell us more about your book,From Struggle to Strength: A Father’s Journey with Autism and the Power of Hope and Positivity, What is it about?
My wife and I felt alone and isolated when our son was diagnosed with autism, adrift on an island
with no one who truly understood. But in those lonely moments, I vowed that no other parents
would feel so abandoned. Now, 20 years later, I know the time has come to share the lessons I’ve
learned on this journey with Gus. Though we initially felt lost, our family has built a life full of hope,
joy, and resilience. In my book, I want to be the guide for other fathers that I wish I’d had, offering
practical strategies grounded in the mindset that got me through the hardest days. Drawing on my
background in boxing and martial arts, I’ll share how I tapped into motivation and mental strength
when times were tough. Most of all, I aim to show couples facing an autism diagnosis that they are
not alone—there is light ahead if you approach each day with compassion, optimism, and an
unbreakable spirit. My dream is for this book to become a trusted companion for parents, helping
transform uncertainty into empowerment.
Qn 2: Who do you think would be interested in this book, From Struggle to Strength: A Father’s Journey with Autism and the Power of Hope and Positivity, is it directed at any particular market?
This book is excellent for: 1. Fathers unwilling to accept an autism diagnosis. The book is less than 150 pages for a reason. I wanted to break through their belligerence and get them to accept the diagnosis and help their spouse and child. 2. Any family affected by autism will appreciate the message of hope, and lastly, 3. People want to learn more about autism.
Qn 3: Out of all the books in the world, and all the authors, which are your favourite and why?
Mindset written by Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D. You need a positive, growth mindset to succeed at anything in life. There is a myriad of people with talent and amazing abilities who do little in life due to a limiting, fixed mindset.
Qn 4: What guidance would you offer to someone new, or trying to enhance their writing?
Read and re-read your favorite books, and then ask yourself, “Why did these books fascinate me? What led me to gravitate towards them?” Let those books inspire your writing. Everyone has an optimal time when writing comes naturally to them. For some, it may be early in the morning, and for others, it may be late at night. Your brain will let you know what’s optimal. Take advantage of that time, isolate yourself from the world and allow your writing to flow.
Qn 5: Where can our readers find out more about you, do you have a website, or a way to be contacted?
You can find me at www.HarryPsaros.com
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