Autism Parenting Secrets

Parents Need ACCESS to the Right DoctorsWelcome to Episode 293 of Autism Parenting Secrets.If you’re raising a child with complex medical or neurological challenges, you’ve likely discovered that not all doctors are equipped to help - especially when symptoms don’t fit neatly into one diagnosis.This week, we talk about why that gap exists and what’s starting to change.My guest, Honey Rinicella, is the Executive Director of the Medical Academy of Pediatrics and Special Needs, also known as MAPS.MAPS is the leading organization training physicians to care for children with complex conditions - including autism, PANS/PANDAS, epilepsy, immune dysregulation, allergies, and more - by addressing root causes rather than isolated symptoms.Under Honey’s leadership, MAPS is also opening the door for parents to hear directly from these practitioners, recognizing that parent understanding, clarity, and leadership are essential for progress.In this conversation, we explore what makes MAPS doctors different, why community and in-person connection matter so much for families, and why parents need more than just additional information.The secret this week is… Parents Need ACCESS to the Right DoctorsYou'll Discover:Why Most Doctors Aren’t Trained For Complex Kids (2:10)How MAPS Doctors Think Differently About Complex Kids (6:45)Why MAPS Is Rapidly Attracting More Physicians (12:30)How In-Person Community Changes Parents And Outcomes (21:40)Why Parents Play A Bigger Role Than They Realize (29:10)About Our Guest:Honey Rinicella is the Executive Director of the Medical Academy of Pediatrics and Special Needs (MAPS), the nation’s leading organization training physicians to care for children with complex medical needs using integrative and functional approaches. Under her leadership, MAPS has expanded its educational programming and strengthened collaboration among practitioners, researchers, and advocacy leaders nationwide. Honey’s work is deeply personal. As the mother of twins with complex medical needs, her advocacy began at home and grew into a lifelong commitment to ensuring families have access to compassionate care, reliable information, and a supportive community.References In This Episode:Medical Academy of Pediatrics and Special Needs (MAPS)MAPS Fellowship ProgramMAPS Spring Conference for Practitioners (Charlotte, NC) - Practitioners use code APS2026 for a discountMAPS Spring Conference - Parent Day (Charlotte, NC) - Parents use code ALLIN10 for a discount)Additional Resources:To learn more about personalized 1:1 support go to www.elevatehowyounavigate.comTake The Quiz: What’s YOUR Top Autism Parenting Blindspot?If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends.

Welcome to Episode 292 of Autism Parenting Secrets. If you’re raising a child with complex challenges, you’ve probably tried supplements, therapies, and protocols—sometimes with limited or inconsistent results. This week, we explore a very different approach: sound frequency. My guest, Linda Bamber-Olsen, is the founder of WAVwatch, a wearable sound-frequency device designed to gently support the body through acoustic frequencies. Linda’s journey into sound-based healing is deeply personal.  Born deaf in one ear, she became fascinated by how the body responds to sound even when it isn’t consciously heard.  That curiosity led her into the science of frequency, resonance, and how sound can support regulation without force. In this episode, we talk about how sound moves through the body, why it behaves differently than chemical interventions, and how parents can think about using frequency-based tools wisely and gently—especially with sensitive kids. The secret this week is…  SOUND Frequency Supports Healing You'll Discover: Why Sound Is The First Sense We Develop — And One We Rarely Leverage Intentionally (2:26) How Sound Frequencies Move Through The Body Faster Than Chemical Interventions (8:45) Why You Don’t Need To Hear Sound For It To Influence The Body (4:20) How Nerves May Respond To Sound Pulses Rather Than Electrical Signals (25:15) Why Gentle Inputs Often Create Faster, More Sustainable Change (32:10) About Our Guest: Linda Bamber-Olsen is the Founder and CEO of WAVwatch, a wearable sound-frequency wellness device designed to support the body through acoustic frequencies. Born deaf in one ear, Linda’s personal journey shaped her passion for creating a tool that works even when sound is not consciously heard. WAVwatch is used by families and practitioners seeking gentle support for nervous system regulation, detoxification, pain, and emotional balance. Website: https://wavwatch.com References In This Episode: Purchase a WAVwatch, use code APS for 15% off Wholetones ancient frequencies Bach Flower Remedies Additional Resources: To learn more about personalized 1:1 support go to www.elevatehowyounavigate.com Take The Quiz: What’s YOUR Top Autism Parenting Blindspot? If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends.

Welcome to Episode 291 of Autism Parenting Secrets.You already know the critical role the gut plays in your child’s overall well-being. But this week, we’re going to take it to a deeper level—into the science, the data, and the real-world results of microbiome balancing.My guest, Alex Zaharakis, is a radiation oncology physicist turned microbiome researcher who’s developed a groundbreaking, data-backed approach to restoring gut health. His system has already helped hundreds of families identify and correct microbial imbalances that drive inflammation, behavior issues, and dysregulation.You’ll learn what’s really happening in the gut, how to interpret the data, and how personalized, targeted interventions can unlock major shifts in your child’s health and behavior.The secret this week is… REBALANCE The MICROBIOMEYou'll Discover:Why The Gut Is The Most Overlooked Foundation Of Healing (5:00)What The 16S Stool Test Reveals That Other Tests Miss (13:00)Why Killing Pathogens Alone Backfires Over Time (20:30)How Rebalancing Microbes Reduces Inflammation And Dysregulation (28:30)What Real Progress Can Look Like At Any Age (36:30)About Our Guest:Alex Zaharakis is a radiation oncology physicist and microbiome researcher whose work focuses on restoring gut health through data-driven insights. His 16S-based microbiome analysis platform helps families identify root imbalances and implement practical, personalized interventions that lead to measurable improvements. Learn more at autismisbiomedical.com.References In This Episode:Autism Is Biomedical – autismisbiomedical.comResearched Elements - Nutraceutical & Research CompanyAutism Parenting Secrets Episode 271 – Autism Is Biomedical with Dr. Christian BognerKeith Bell - Gut Health ResearcherAdditional Resources:To learn more about personalized 1:1 support go to www.elevatehowyounavigate.comTake The Quiz: What’s YOUR Top Autism Parenting Blindspot?If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends.

Self-Care Is PRIMARY CareWelcome to Episode 290 of Autism Parenting Secrets.If you’ve been listening for a while, you already know this truth: how you show up as a parent has a huge impact on your child’s progress.This week, we go deeper—because when your child struggles, it’s easy to focus on fixing what’s outside of you. But the real key often starts within, with your own calm and self-care.My guest, Dr. Lawrence Rosen, is an integrative pediatrician, author, and founder of the Whole Child Center. His wisdom and compassion made a lasting difference in my family’s journey with our son, Ry, and he’s helped countless parents take a more holistic, heart-centered approach to care.The secret this week is… Self-Care Is PRIMARY CareYou'll Discover:Why Parents Lose Themselves While Trying To Do Everything Right (2:03)How Guilt Quietly Pushes Self-Care Off The Table (4:19)Why Isolation Feels Protective—but Often Slows Healing (17:53)How To Make Sense Of Conventional, Integrative, And Functional Pediatric Care (22:51)A Simple Five-Minute Practice To Support Your Own Well-Being (31:55)About Our Guest:Lawrence Rosen, MD, is an integrative pediatrician and founder of the Whole Child Center. He is the co-author of Treatment Alternatives for Children, an evidence-informed guide for parents interested in natural solutions for common childhood ailments.  Dr. Rosen serves as Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Assistant Director of the Human Dimension Course at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine. A founding member and former Chair of the AAP Section on Integrative Medicine, he received the AAP’s Pioneer in Integrative Medicine Award in 2015.  He is a certified yoga teacher, teaches mindfulness to medical students, and serves as Senior Advisor and Chair of the Health Advisory Board for WholeHealthED, a nonprofit bringing whole-health learning to U.S. schools.🔗 https://wholechildcenter.orgReferences In This Episode:Treatment Alternatives for Children by Lawrence Rosen, MD and Jeff CohenOur Family at the Whole Child Center (2009) — see us at the 2:22 markAutism Parenting Secrets Episode 21 - The Power Is In The Partnership w/ Dr. Lawrence RosenAdditional Resources:To learn more about personalized 1:1 support go to www.elevatehowyounavigate.comTake The Quiz: What’s YOUR Top Autism Parenting Blindspot?If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends.

Welcome to Episode 289 of Autism Parenting Secrets.In this conversation, Len sits down with Dr. Anju Usman Singh, Medical Director of True Health Medical Center and a leading faculty member of the Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs (MAPS).Dr. Singh shares why autism, ADHD, and related challenges are best understood as neuroimmune inflammatory conditions — and how toxins, allergens, and persistent infections keep the immune system stuck in overdrive.She explains why low-level lead exposure is far more common than most parents realize, why there is no safe level of lead, and how even subtle toxic burden can impair attention, behavior, cognition, and emotional regulation.This episode brings clarity to how environmental toxins drive inflammation, how inflammation creates neurological “excitation,” and why addressing toxic load is often the missing step that unlocks progress.The secret this week is…Toxic Load BLOCKS the BreakthroughYou’ll Discover:How Chronic Immune Activation Creates Excitation in the Brain and Behavior (8:36)Why Low-Level Lead Exposure Is Far More Common Than Most Parents Realize (9:51)Why Standard Lab Testing Misses Hidden Metal Burdens (12:55)The Most Surprising Everyday Sources Of Lead and Other Toxins (17:27)What Signs Suggest Your Child May Be Carrying A Toxic Burden (25:36)About Our Guest:Dr. Anju Usman Singh is a globally respected physician with nearly three decades of experience caring for children with autism, PANS/PANDAS, developmental delays, allergies, and complex neuroimmune conditions. She is widely recognized for her deep clinical expertise in environmental toxicity, chronic infections, immune dysregulation, detoxification, and the biomedical factors that drive inflammation in the brain and body.  As a leading faculty member of the Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs (MAPS), Dr. Usman Singh trains and mentors clinicians from around the world, helping advance more thoughtful, root-cause–oriented care for this generation of children. Her work bridges rigorous clinical experience with practical guidance for families navigating complex health challenges.Learn more:https://truehealthmedical.comReferences In This Episode:Medical Academy of Pediatric & Special Needs (MAPS)Boyd Haley Research On Synergistic Heavy Metal ToxicityLead Safe MamaXRF Rental CompanyAdditional Resources:To learn more about personalized 1:1 support go to www.elevatehowyounavigate.comTake The Quiz: What’s YOUR Top Autism Parenting Blindspot?If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends.

Welcome to Episode 288 of Autism Parenting Secrets.In this solo episode, Len challenges the idea that progress comes from doing more. Instead, he explains why focus — not effort — is the true bottleneck for most parents raising a child with challenges.Len breaks focus into four critical areas: how closely you observe your child in the present moment, how clearly you understand the past and key stressors, how accurately you identify root causes, and how consistently you take decisive action.He shares why many parents work incredibly hard while making little progress — often because they’re reacting to urgency, chasing symptoms, or focusing on the wrong root causes — and how clarity restores momentum.This episode is about cutting through noise, ending guesswork, and directing your energy toward what actually moves the needle for your child.The secret this week is…Start With the Right FOCUSYou'll Discover: Why effort without focus keeps parents stuck (2:10)How present-moment focus reveals what your child truly needs (4:05)Why understanding the past clarifies the right root causes (6:20)How decisive action and follow-through unlock momentum (9:10)References In This Episode:The All In Parent ACCELERATOR - Start Today Additional Resources:To learn more about personalized 1:1 support go to www.elevatehowyounavigate.comTake The Quiz: What’s YOUR Top Autism Parenting Blindspot?If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends.

Welcome to Episode 287 of Autism Parenting Secrets.This episode was recorded during the holiday season — a time when beauty and connection often exist right alongside pressure, exhaustion, and emotional overload.In this solo reflection, Len invites parents to consider peace not as a feeling or a personality trait, but as a deliberate objective. He shares why peace is something parents generate internally — not something granted by circumstances or behavior — and why learning to return to calm after disruption is one of the most powerful leadership skills a parent can develop.This episode is not about doing more.It’s about choosing a steadier place to operate from.The secret this week is…Choose PEACE You’ll Discover:Why Peace Is A Choice — Not A Circumstance (1:30)How To Respond Without Overreacting Or Shutting Down (4:30)Why Wants Create Peace — And Expectations Destroy It (6:55)How Returning To Stillness Strengthens Your Leadership (8:45) References In This Episode:Man’s Search for Meaning — Viktor Frankl Additional Resources:To learn more about personalized 1:1 support go to www.elevatehowyounavigate.comTake The Quiz: What’s YOUR Top Autism Parenting Blindspot? If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends.

Welcome to Episode 286 of Autism Parenting Secrets.This week, we’re diving into one of the most overlooked factors affecting your child’s ability to regulate: the home environment.Electrical fields, wireless radiation, dirty electricity, and even lighting can create invisible stress that overwhelms the nervous system — especially at night, when the body should be repairing and restoring.My guest is Brian Hoyer, Founder and CEO of Shielded Healing.Brian and his team have tested thousands of homes across the U.S., assessing six different types of electromagnetic radiation along with lighting quality and wiring issues. Their work helps families understand what’s happening in their home and how to reduce stressors that interfere with sleep, behavior, and healing.Brian’s approach is practical, grounded, and focused on solutions — not fear.He explains why parents shouldn’t assume their home is “fine,” how cumulative exposure slows progress, and what small changes create meaningful improvements.The secret this week is… A Regulated Nervous System Starts at HOMEYou'll Discover:How Electrical Interference Scrambles Nervous System Signals (3:14)Why EMF Stress Builds Daily and Slows Healing (7:36)What a Home Assessment Reveals About Hidden Stressors (16:53)Why the Bedroom Matters Most for Nighttime Repair (19:24)Simple Fixes That Make Your Child’s Sleep Environment Calmer (30:35)About Our Guest:Brian Hoyer is one of the world’s leading EMF mitigation specialists and the Founder of Shielded Healing. His journey into environmental health began as a father seeking to create the healthiest possible home for his family, leading him to train as a Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, study with The Klinghardt Academy, and become a certified Geobiologist. Through Shielded Healing, Brian and his team help families, businesses, and healthcare practitioners reduce EMF and environmental stressors by designing living and working spaces that better support human biology. His work is trusted by functional medicine doctors and well-known leaders in the wellness and biohacking community, and he is passionate about innovation, healthier environments, and family life as a husband and father of four.Learn more at:https://shieldedhealing.comExplore products at: https://theshieldingshop.comReferences In This Episode:Autism Parenting Secrets - Episode 55: Shielding Is Healing with Brian HoyerBuilding Biology InstituteAdditional Resources:To learn more about personalized 1:1 support, go to www.elevatehowyounavigate.comTake The Quiz: What’s YOUR Top Autism Parenting Blindspot?If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends.

Welcome to Episode 285 of Autism Parenting Secrets.Today, we’re taking a closer look at one of the most overlooked environmental stressors affecting our kids: wireless technology. From Wi-Fi to Bluetooth to cell phones, these exposures are everywhere — and for sensitive children, they can make a significant difference.My guest is Cece Doucette, a leading advocate, educator, and speaker on wireless safety. She helps schools, towns, and families understand the science and practical actions available right now. Her work empowers communities to reduce exposure and create safer environments where kids can thrive.The secret this week is…Wireless Safety Starts at HomeYou'll Discover:Why Wireless Exposure Overwhelms Sensitive Kids Quickly (1:23)What A Meter Instantly Shows About Your Child’s Environment (13:53)What To Ask Your Local Library To Do (14:40)Practical Tweaks To Dramatically Reduce Exposure in Your Home (18:00)Why Protecting Sleep From Wireless Signals Makes Such a Big Impact (24:55)Why Smart Meters, Cars, and Earbuds Can Be Major Hidden Sources (30:50)Why A Nightly Digital Detox Can Unlock New Breakthroughs (40:40)About Our Guest:Cece Doucette is the Director of Massachusetts for Safe Technology and an advisor to schools, municipalities, medical professionals, and industry leaders on wireless safety practices. She is also a frequent speaker and collaborator with Children’s Health Defense. Cece has helped introduce best-practice policies for safer technology use, supported legislation, and collaborated on educational initiatives including the award-winning film Generation Zapped.Learn more at:https://MA4SafeTech.orgReferences In This Episode:The Bioinitiative Report704NoMoreZapped: Why Your Cell Phone Shouldn't Be Your Alarm Clock and 1,268 Ways to Outsmart the Hazards of Electronic Pollution by Ann Louise GittlemanFilm: Generation ZappedAPS Episode 145: TECH Is The Great DYSREGULATOR with Peter SullivanAPS Episode 23: Autism Is NOT Hardwired with Dr. Martha HerbertSafe and Sound Pro II RF Meter — Safe Living TechnologiesAPS Episode 101: Make The Invisible VISIBLE with Rob MetzingerAPS Episode 56: Simple Tech Changes Make Summer Travel Safer with Mary Anne TierneySafe Tech NCThe EMF Medical Conference 2021Environmental Health TrustSafer Screentime CourseAdditional Resources:To learn more about personalized 1:1 support, go to www.elevatehowyounavigate.comTake The Quiz: What’s YOUR Top Autism Parenting Blindspot?If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends.

Welcome to Episode 284 of Autism Parenting Secrets.If you’ve been listening for a while, you know I talk a lot about personalized support — not as a slogan, but because it truly changes outcomes for parents.I used to believe I had to figure everything out alone. I thought muscling through was strength.But that approach made everything heavier, slower, and far more painful than it needed to be.In this episode, I break down why going it alone holds parents back — and why expanding your vision and getting supported helps you move forward faster and with far less weight on your shoulders.The secret this week is…You DON’T Have To Carry It AllYou'll Discover:Why Lowering Your Expectations Quietly Slows Progress (1:05)The Hidden Trap Of “Lesser Goals” And How It Shows Up (2:10)How The Caddy Analogy Reveals What Parents Are Missing (3:45)The Hypocrisy Trap And Why Alignment Changes Everything (5:00)What Happened In The Twins Study And Why It Matters For Your Family (9:45)References In This Episode:Start TodayAutism Parenting Secrets: Episode 220 - Parent Coaching Is the CatalystReversal of Autism Symptoms among Dizygotic Twins through a Personalized Lifestyle and Environmental Modification Approach: A Case Report and Review of the Literature, The Journal of Personalized Medicine, Volume 14, Issue 6Additional Resources:To learn more about personalized 1:1 support, go to www.elevatehowyounavigate.comTake The Quiz: What’s YOUR Top Autism Parenting Blindspot?If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends.

Welcome to Episode 283 of Autism Parenting Secrets.This week’s guest is someone I admire deeply. Few people have shaped the autism world more than Patricia Lemer.She’s a counselor, diagnostician, longtime host of Autism Detectives, and the author of the essential books Outsmarting Autism and now Total Load Theory: Transforming Lives in Autism, ADHD, LD, SPD, and Mental Health.Patty helps parents understand root causes and the stressors that overload the body. The secret this week is…Stop Guessing, Start UNLOADINGYou'll Discover:Why Patty Returned With A New Book (3:24)Why Nervous-System Regulation Must Come First (6:45)The Lifestyle Basics That Still Move the Needle Most (11:20)What “Total Load Theory” Reveals About Hidden Stressors (17:41)How One Family Made Big Gains By Going Back To Nature (25:30)How Patty’s New AI Tool Helps — And Why Source Matters (29:13)About Our Guest:Patricia S. Lemer, M.S., M.Ed., LPC is a licensed professional counselor, educational diagnostician, and co-founder of Developmental Delay Resources. She hosts The Autism Detectives and is the author of Envisioning a Bright Future, Outsmarting Autism, and her newest book Total Load Theory, which integrates functional medicine, sensory processing, developmental vision, and lifestyle foundations.www.patricialemer.comBook: Total Load Theory (Skyhorse Publishing) or on AmazonReferences In This Episode:Total Load Theory by Patricia LemerOutsmarting Autism by Patricia LemerThe Sensitive Patient’s Healing Guide — Dr. Neil NathanAPS Episode 212: You Can’t Heal If You Don’t Feel Safe with Dr. Neil NathanAPS Episode 280: We CAN Change The Neurodevelopmental Trajectory with Dr. Larry PalevskyBRMI – Bioregulatory Medicine InstituteDr. Christian Bogner & Autism Is BiomedicalThe Optimal Parent Facebook PagePeter Sullivan Additional Resources:To learn more about personalized 1:1 support go to www.elevatehowyounavigate.comTake The Quiz: What’s YOUR Top Autism Parenting Blindspot?If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends.

Welcome to Episode 282 of Autism Parenting Secrets.Every parent wants transformation for their child. But it doesn’t come from guesswork. Real change happens when the right support is identified and applied with precision.That’s why I’m excited to welcome back Dr. Jerry Kartzinel. He last joined us in Episode 199, “Autism is Treatable.” Dr. Jerry is a trusted leader in functional medicine and pediatrics with decades of experience helping children on the spectrum.This conversation is about why doing less, but with focus, can work better than trying everything — and how targeted nutrition and supplements can bring results that may surprise you.If you’ve felt overwhelmed by too many options or stuck in trial-and-error, this conversation will bring clarity.The secret this week is…TARGETED Support Transforms You'll Discover:Why Less Can Be More With Targeted Support (7:49)How Parents Can Avoid Trial-And-Error Burnout (13:05)The First Steps Dr. Jerry Recommends For Families (19:36)Why Generic Protocols Rarely Deliver Transformation (25:15)A Story Of Transformation Through Precision Support (32:54)How Coaching Helps Parents Maximize Practitioner Guidance (39:04)About Our Guest:Dr. Jerry Kartzinel is a Board-Certified pediatrician and a Fellow in the American Academy of Pediatrics who specializes in the recovery of neurodevelopmental, chronic neuro-inflammatory diseases, and hormonal dysfunctions. He is the author of the best-selling book Healing and Preventing Autism (co-authored with Jenny McCarthy). Dr. Jerry has helped thousands of children on the autism spectrum through targeted, individualized medical care. https://drjerryk.com/https://www.mendingnaturally.com/References In This Episode:APS Episode 199 “Autism IS Treatable” w/ Dr. Jerry Kartzinel Additional Resources:To learn more about personalized 1:1 support, go to www.elevatehowyounavigate.comTake The Quiz: What’s YOUR Top Autism Parenting Blindspot? If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends.

Welcome to Episode 281 of Autism Parenting Secrets.If you're a parent who’s heard about Leucovorin, folinic acid, or calcium folinate—and you're confused—you’re not alone. There's a lot of conflicting information right now, especially in the wake of the Leucovorin case and increased media attention.This week’s guest returns to the podcast to help clarify what really matters. Nicole Rincon is a board-certified Physician Assistant, a microbiologist by training, and a deeply committed parent who’s been supporting children with autism—including her own triplets—for over a decade.She brings both clinical and lived experience to this topic—and today, we dig into the nuances of folate metabolism, pharma vs supplement forms, and the specific use cases for Leucovorin and related supports.The secret this week is…Clarify The Leucovorin ConfusionYou'll Discover:Why Leucovorin Is Suddenly Getting National Attention (4:23)Signs of Cerebral Folate Deficiency (8:11)How To Know If Pharma Or Supplement-Based Support Is Right For Your Child (12:15)Why Supporting The Folate Pathway Can Improve Speech, Focus, and Behavior (18:28)What Parents Should Ask Before Starting Leucovorin (24:17)Whether Leucovorin Is A Short-Term Fix Or Long-Term Support (33:13)About Our Guest:Nicole Rincon, MS, PA-C, is a board-certified Physician Assistant with a background in microbiology and genetics. She received her Master’s Degree from Western University of Health Sciences and has been working with children with autism—including her own triplets—for over a decade. Nicole offers functional and integrative care, combining deep clinical knowledge with personal insight.🔗 More about Nicole at Rossignol Medical CenterReferences In This Episode:The Folate Fix: Exploring the Role of Folate in Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders by Dr. Richard FryeAPS Episode 245: “Evidence-Based Treatments FIRST” w/ Dr. Richard FryeAdditional Resources:To learn more about personalized 1:1 support, go to www.elevatehowyounavigate.comTake The Quiz: What’s YOUR Top Autism Parenting Blindspot?If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends.

Welcome to Episode 280 of Autism Parenting Secrets.This week’s episode is about something too many parents aren’t told clearly enough.The truth is that neurodevelopmental disabilities are not fixed or predetermined. The trajectory can be shifted. And parents play a much bigger role in that shift than they may realize.To help unpack this, I’m joined again by Dr. Lawrence Palevsky -  a New York State–licensed pediatrician who has spent over three decades redefining children’s wellness through a holistic and integrative lens. He’s a past president of the American Holistic Medical Association, a diplomate of the American Board of Integrative Holistic Medicine, and co-host of the podcast Critically Thinking with Dr. T & Dr. P.If you’ve ever been told there’s nothing you can do, this conversation will help you see a much bigger picture.The secret this week is…We CAN Change The Neurodevelopmental TrajectoryYou'll Discover:Why 1 In 6 Children Have A Neurodevelopmental Disability And What That Really Means (1:44)How Chronic Inflammation Is At The Core Of These Conditions (13:48)Why Suppressing Acute Illness Actually Makes Things Worse Long-Term (17:45)What Parents Can Do To Open Exit Pathways And Reduce Inflammatory Load (31:26)How Confidence Grows When Parents Stop Fearing Symptoms (35:17)The Truth About Fever And Why It’s Often Misunderstood (36:45)How Acetaminophen Depletes Glutathione And Increases Risk (40:22)About Our Guest:Dr. Lawrence B. Palevsky is a New York State–licensed pediatrician known for his holistic, integrative approach to children’s wellness and complex conditions. A graduate of NYU School of Medicine, he completed pediatric residency at Mount Sinai and a fellowship at Bellevue Hospital. He is a past president of the American Holistic Medical Association, a diplomate of the American Board of Integrative Holistic Medicine, and co-host of the podcast Critically Thinking with Dr. T & Dr. P. Learn more at www.drpalevsky.com.References In This Episode:Critically Thinking with Dr. T & Dr. P.Dr. Tom CowanAdditional Resources:To learn more about personalized 1:1 support, go to www.elevatehowyounavigate.comTake The Quiz: What’s YOUR Top Autism Parenting Blindspot?If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends.

Welcome to Episode 279 of Autism Parenting Secrets.This week, I’m joined by Dr. Debby Hamilton, a pediatrician and functional medicine expert who specializes in supporting children with autism, ADHD, PANS/PANDAS, and other complex chronic conditions.She’s the author of Preventing Autism and ADHD: Controlling Risk Factors Before, During, and After Pregnancy and currently serves as the Director of Product Education and Clinical Research at NutraMedix.On this podcast, we focus on uncovering the root causes that parents can address to help their child thrive. And in this episode, we dive into one of the most overlooked yet critical areas — mitochondrial dysfunction. When the body’s energy production is compromised, kids can’t run on all cylinders. Helping restore that energy at the cellular level can be a game-changer. The secret this week is…Address the ENERGY CRISIS You'll Discover:Why Mitochondrial Dysfunction Is So Common in Autism (3:16)Subtle Signs of Low Cellular Energy Parents Can Look For (5:45)How the OAT Test and MitoSwab Provide Useful Clues (14:34)Why Tylenol and Other Common Meds Damage Mitochondria (25:25)How Nutrition and Fats Support Brain Growth and Function (28:55)Why Protein and Fat at Every Meal Is Non-Negotiable (33:49)Why Recovery Is a Step-by-Step Journey, Not a Quick Fix (36:31)About Our Guest:Dr. Debby Hamilton is a pediatrician and functional medicine expert specializing in children with autism, ADHD, PANS/PANDAS, mood and behavioral issues, and other complex chronic conditions. She is the author of Preventing Autism and ADHD: Controlling Risk Factors Before, During & After Pregnancy and serves as the Director of Product Education and Clinical Research at NutraMedix. Dr. Hamilton has over two decades of experience helping families uncover and address root causes so kids can thrive.drdebbyhamilton.com | nutramedix.comReferences In This Episode:Preventing Autism and ADHD by Dr. Debby HamiltonAPS Episode 272 - AVOID THIS Popular Drug To Protect Development Additional Resources:To learn more about personalized 1:1 support, go to www.elevatehowyounavigate.comTake The Quiz: What’s YOUR Top Autism Parenting Blindspot?If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends.

Welcome to Episode 278 of Autism Parenting Secrets.You already know the gut is important. But what you may not know is that toxic chemicals from harmful gut microbes can play a major role in many of the symptoms linked with autism.My guest is Dr. James B. Adams, Director of the Autism/Asperger’s Research Program at Arizona State University. He’s published over 180 scientific papers, including more than 70 on autism. His work covers nutrition, gut health, toxins, seizures, and prenatal supplements. He also leads the Autism Nutrition Research Center and other groups focused on gut-brain science. And he’s the father of an adult daughter with autism.Dr. Adams and his team have developed a new test that spots harmful gut toxins with striking accuracy. This breakthrough could change how we understand and treat autism.The secret this week is…Gut Toxins Drive AUTISM Symptoms You'll Discover:Why Gut Problems Often Begin In Infancy (3:15)How Harmful Bacteria and Yeast Create Powerful Toxins (5:40)The Surprising Link Between Toxins and Key Neurotransmitters (6:22)What The New Urine Test Reveals What Other Tests Miss (12:44)Why Addressing Constipation is a Critical Step to Lowering Toxin Levels (15:07)About Our Guest:James B. Adams, Ph.D., is the Director of the Autism/Asperger’s Research Program at Arizona State University. His research focuses on the medical causes of autism and how to treat and prevent it, including nutrition, oxidative stress, gut bacteria, microbiota transplant, probiotics, toxic metals, and seizures. He has extensively researched prenatal supplements to reduce pregnancy complications and infant health problems and developed the first prenatal supplement tailored for each trimester. He has published over 180 peer-reviewed articles, including over 70 on autism. Dr. Adams is the President of the Autism Nutrition Research Center, Autism Diagnostics, and Gut-Brain-Axis Therapeutics, and chairs the Scientific Advisory Board of the Neurological Health Foundation. He is also the father of an adult daughter with autism.http://www.adamsautismresearch.comReferences In This Episode:Gut Toxin Test → analutos.comGut-Brain Axis Therapeutics → gbat.comAutism Nutrition Research Center → autismnutritionresearchcenter.orgAdditional Resources:To learn more about personalized 1:1 support, go to www.elevatehowyounavigate.comTake The Quiz: What’s YOUR Top Autism Parenting Blindspot?If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends.

Welcome to Episode 277 of Autism Parenting Secrets.Let’s face it—our kids are using tech. Avoiding it completely just isn’t realistic. But most devices weren’t designed with our biology in mind, and they create far more stress than we realize. The good news? It doesn’t have to be this way. This week, I’m joined by Tristan Scott, electrical engineer and Head of Hardware at Daylight Computer. He breaks down exactly how tech overstimulates the nervous system—and how their new device offers a calmer, more supportive experience, especially for sensitive kids.The secret this week is…Less Stressful Tech IS An OptionYou'll Discover:Why Standard Screens Ramp Up Stress in Sensitive Kids (5:13)How Tech Mimics a Vegas Casino—And Hooks Your Child (15:06)What Makes Daylight’s Tablet Calming and Less Addictive (21:46)How Flicker and Blue Light Disrupt Sleep and Focus (26:36)Why Writing on Paper-Like Screens Boosts Learning (32:38)How Auto-Airplane Mode Lowers EMF Exposure (37:18)How This Device Supports Kids, Teens, and Schools (42:39)About Our Guest:Tristan Scott is an Electrical Engineer (M.S.) and currently leads Hardware, Operations & Marketing at Daylight Computer. With a deep passion for designing tech that supports human health, Tristan has spent years researching the impact of artificial light and EMFs on the nervous system. His mission is clear: create devices that are biologically compatible and empower the next generation—not overstimulate them.Daylight ComputerReferences In This Episode:Daylight Kids EditionAutism Parenting Secrets Episode 22 - You CAN Protect Your Child From EMFs with Peter SullivanAutism Parenting Secrets Episode 145 - Tech is The Great Dysregulator with Peter SullivanAdditional Resources:To learn more about personalized 1:1 support, go to www.elevatehowyounavigate.comTake The Quiz: What’s YOUR Top Autism Parenting Blindspot?If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends.

Welcome to Episode 276 of Autism Parenting Secrets.Big news recently — Leucovorin was just approved as a treatment for autism. That’s encouraging, but parents need to know there’s another option that can be simpler and easier to use.It all comes down to folate metabolism — and why the right folinic support can unlock progress that otherwise gets delayed.To dive deeper, I invited back Dr. Jared Skowron, founder of Spectrum Awakening and a leading integrative pediatrician who has spent decades helping families on the spectrum.He created Super Folinic Acid Powder, a clinically studied and parent-friendly way to address folate deficiency.If this issue isn’t supported properly, your child’s development can stall. But with the right support, you give them what their brain and body need to thrive.The secret this week is… The Right Folinic Support Fuels ProgressYou'll Discover:Why Folate Metabolism Challenges Are So Common In Autism (6:16)The Difference Between Folic Acid, Folinic Acid, And Methylfolate (10:09)How To Know If Your Child May Benefit Without Over-Relying On Tests (18:03)Why Dosage Matters And How To Find The “Goldilocks Zone” (24:11)How Spectrum Awakening’s Powder Allows Flexible Dosing And Clean Delivery (26:13)The Most Common Improvements Parents See — And Side Effects To Watch For (30:33)Why Food And Nutrition Remain The Foundation For Lasting Progress (33:58)About Our Guest:Dr. Jared Skowron is an integrative pediatrician and the founder of Spectrum Awakening, a supplement line designed specifically for children on the spectrum. With over 20 years of clinical experience, he lectures internationally, hosts regular live Q&A sessions, and has authored resources for parents worldwide. Learn more at SpectrumAwakening.comReferences In This Episode:Super Folinic Acid PowderAdditional Resources:To learn more about personalized 1:1 support, go to www.elevatehowyounavigate.comTake The Quiz: What’s YOUR Top Autism Parenting Blindspot?If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends.

Welcome to Episode 275 of Autism Parenting Secrets.This week, I’m joined by Emmy-nominated journalist Leland Vittert, host of On Balance on NewsNation.In his powerful new book Born Lucky, Leland shares his deeply personal story: a childhood marked by social challenges, relentless bullying, and an autism diagnosis at a time when the word itself was barely understood.At the heart of his story is his father - a man who refused to accept the limitations imposed by others. Instead, he built trust, modeled resilience, and empowered Leland to rise above every label.The message of Born Lucky couldn’t be more aligned with this podcast. It’s not about denying differences. It’s about NOT letting a diagnosis define or confine your child.The secret this week is… DON’T Fall Into the Diagnosis TRAPYou'll Discover:The “Friendship First” Parenting Move That Changed Everything (5:18)The Two Cornerstones That Lay The Foundation for Growth (8:58)The One Thing To NEVER Show Your Child (12:56)The Real Danger of Over-Accommodation (19:04)How To Stay Fueled By Incremental Changes (24:27)About Our Guest:Leland Vittert is an Emmy-nominated journalist and the host of On Balance on NewsNation. Known for holding leaders accountable and digging for truth, he shares his most personal work yet in Born Lucky, a memoir about his father’s fierce love, resilience, and refusal to accept limitations. It’s a story that transcends diagnosis and inspires parents everywhere.References In This Episode:Born Lucky: A Dedicated Father, A Grateful Son, and My Journey with Autism by Leland Vittert with Don YaegerOn Balance with Leland Vittert, NewsNationAdditional Resources:To learn more about personalized 1:1 support, go to www.elevatehowyounavigate.comTake The Quiz: What’s YOUR Top Autism Parenting Blindspot?If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends.

Welcome to Episode 274 of Autism Parenting Secrets.This week we’re talking about hope, progress, and the breakthroughs that can happen when you uncover and address what’s truly holding your child back. My guest is Dr. Darin Ingels, a naturopathic physician, immunologist, and author who has helped countless families dealing with complex chronic illnesses. He shares a remarkable case study of a young man with autism whose language and quality of life transformed dramatically in his twenties through immunotherapy. Parents often wonder if it’s “too late” for their child — this conversation makes clear that it’s not.The secret this week is…It’s NEVER Too Late For BREAKTHROUGHSYou'll Discover:Why IMMUNE Dysfunction Is Often the Hidden Blocker to Language (1:54)How Low-Dose Immunotherapy (LDI) Can Unlock Neuroplasticity (4:54)The Overlooked Role of Mast Cell Activation in Autism (9:28)Why Sublingual Immunotherapy Is Safe, Proven, and Underutilized (15:55)The Hopeful Truth: The Brain Can Change At Any Age (17:49)About Our Guest:Dr. Darin Ingels, ND, FAAEM, FMAPS is a licensed naturopathic doctor, author, and international speaker specializing in Lyme disease, autism, chronic illness, and immune dysfunction. A former Lyme patient himself, he overcame a three-year battle with the illness using diet, lifestyle, and natural therapies — an approach he has since applied in treating more than 8,000 patients, many of whom have gone on to live healthy, symptom-free lives. With over 30 years of clinical experience, Dr. Ingels has helped thousands restore health through immunotherapy and other natural approaches. He is the author of The Lyme Solution: A 5-Part Plan to Fight the Inflammatory Autoimmune Response and Beat Lyme Disease and works with families both in person and virtually worldwide.https://dariningelsnd.com/References In This Episode:The Lyme Solution by Dr. Darin IngelsAPS Episode 240 - Regulate Brain MAST CELLS with Dr. Theoharis TheoharidesAdditional Resources:To learn more about personalized 1:1 support, go to www.elevatehowyounavigate.comTake The Quiz: What’s YOUR Top Autism Parenting Blindspot?If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends.