Akhil Autism Foundation

SHOW NOTES

Dr. Richard G. Boles is a medical geneticist and pediatrician who specializes in mitochondrial medicine, functional disease, and autism spectrum disorders. 

His expertise stems from decades of both clinical work and research at a major academic center as well as from his most recent experience in cutting-edge biotechnology and genomics. He uses an innovative and integrative approach in both diagnosis and treatment to best serve his patients.

Dr. Boles leads the NeuroGenomics program at NeurAbilities.  

 Neurogenomics can help to unravel the biological causes and contributions for many diseases and disorders, as well as provide important information for changing clinical management.

Dr. Boles recently shared his expertise at the Akhil Autism Foundation Ascend Annual Summit, in a presentation called Genetic Testing in Autism Results in a Precise Diagnosis and Individualized Treatment Options in Most Cases.  You can find the link to that presentation in the show notes and view Dr. Boles’ entire presentation there.  Today he breaks it down into more of a Q&A discussion.

Summary

Brett and Richard discussed the evolution of genetics, its impact on medical diagnosis and treatment, and the complex interplay between genetics and the environment in the development of conditions such as autism, diabetes, and asthma. They also explored the potential of using specific pathways to address neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and the benefits of a supplement to aid brain recovery. The conversation ended with a discussion on the importance of omega-3 fatty acids and potential side effects of a supplement aimed at improving mental function.

LINKS

Dr. Richard Boles’ Presentation for Akhil Autism Foundation (2024)

https://youtu.be/WmGL4RxZmRs?si=8vx1TaJiBx6LSkqt

NeuroNeeds - https://www.neuroneeds.com/ 

Contact Dr. Boles - [email protected]

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INTRO

It has been said that “necessity is the mother of invention”.  

In this case, necessity turned out to be the mother of “intervention”.  When her son developed seizure-like tics after getting a strep throat, and getting bit by a lyme-positive tick, leading to a viral infection, with fierce determination, Dr. Nancy O’Hara poured everything she had into research and methods for dealing with his condition.  As a result of his recovery, and of her findings in this field, she has developed a passion for Lyme Co-infections as well as for PANS/PANDAS and other neurodevelopmental disorders.

She is a board-certified pediatrician and a strong advocate of the basics - eating, sleeping, movement, breathing, etc., offering worlds of hope for parents of children with these debilitating disorders. 

Dr. O’Hara is a leading trainer and mentor of clinicians in the US and globally, educating medical professionals to recognize, diagnose and treat PANS, PANDAS and BGE.

Before she began her medical career, Dr. O’Hara taught children with autism.  From 1993 to 1998 she was a practicing general pediatrician and partner in a group practice.  In 1999, she began her consultative, integrative practice for children with special needs, dedicating her practice to treating children with neurodevelopmental disorders, ADHD, PANS/PANDAS and BGE, OCD, Lyme, and Autism Spectrum Disorder.

You will be hard-pressed to find anyone with more passion, wisdom and experience on today’s subject.  We enjoyed a very positive and upbeat conversation, which I’m sure you will find refreshingly hopeful and fascinating.

Glad to have you here today.  Come on in.

RESOURCES/LINKS

Dr.  Nancy O'Hara  - https://www.drohara.com/

Supplements - OHMc – Options for Healing Modality and Care:  oharamccabe.com
Password: OHMcvip

Dr. O'Hara's Book:  Demystifying PANS/PANDAS by Dr. Nancy O’Hara   

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Show Notes:

Kim Barthel is a world-renowned therapist and teacher on the topics of developing self-awareness, compassion and healthy relationships. As an occupational therapist, she blends intuitive inquiry with neuroscience to solve unique mental health mysteries. 

She is a gifted and compassionate soul, with a passion for studying and supporting the conscious evolution of the human spirit.  Her empathy and deep awareness are palpable and inspiring as she shares her deep appreciation for, and understanding of the humanity of mental health issues.

 We are so blessed today to have Kim Barthel here with us today on the Akhil Autism Foundation Podcast.  You are in for a real treat.  

·      How did you become a world-renowned therapist and teacher? (2:50) 

·      It has been said that you “are a genuine bridge between disciplines, across cultures, and most importantly, in the interior landscape.”  What is meant by the interior landscape?

·      Neurodevelopmental Treatment (9:45)

·      Connection to one’s body is where self-regulation happens. (11:43)

·      Having the ability to feel others, comes from the ability to feel oneself. (13:07)

·      How do you become mindful and aware? (16:28)

·      Memories of movements are connected to context. (18:09)

·      How does storytelling help in therapy? (34:12)

 Emotion lives in story.  Neurobiologically, it taps into a different part of memory. (Hippocampus). Story also lives in the non-verbal.  There’s story in how we communicate through touch. 

·      The disconnect between desire and the ability to physically do it for people on the spectrum. (40:25)

·      What can parents and caregivers do to help? (41:00)

“Spokes on the Wheel” (Wholistic Clinical Reasoning) The function is in the center.  The spokes are the things that are in the way.

 4 Spokes

1.   Validation.  Understanding.
 2. Sensory  (Touch -Sensory processing) Proprioception.  Deep pressure touch.  Movement experienced.
3. Anxiety.   Anxiety is a barrier to function (of any kind).
4. Co-regulation through relationship (Sound therapy is a tool that can support anxiety)  There are multiple paths to one function.  It’s not just one thing.

·      Sound Therapy – Different frequencies are processed by different parts of the brain. (45:28) 

·      Monotropism (48:48)

 ·      The Polyvagal Theory (49:46)

·      The Social Engagement Pathway (50:40)

 Social engagement - Dr. Stephen Porjes 

The Connection between Listening Therapy the Safe and Sound Protocol and the Polyvagal Therapy

·      Learning how to connect with your child (54:37)

“Coming alongside” – Moving from Connectedness to Collaboration.

·      What can parents do to better understand their child? (56:00)

 When a parent becomes their best self, the child can become their best self.

·      “Coming alongside” in order to come beside your child (59:00)

·      Conscious Evolution of the Human Consciousness (1:05)

Links:

Kim Barthel - https://www.kimbarthel.ca/

Dr. Stephen Porges - https://www.stephenporges.com/

www.integratedlisteningsystems.com

Other Resources - www.integratedlisteningsystems.com

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SHOW NOTES

 Isabelle’s Background and Story (Masters Degree in Physiotherapy in Belgium) (3:20)

MNRI the “Missing Link” (5:45)

 Helping Early Childhood Development (7:55)

MNRI Reflex Assessment (11:22)

 Early Assessment for Autism (14:30)

 Reflexes are the unit of the nervous system (15:41)

 Strengthening the Nervous System (21:28)

 Study Results Showing the Effectiveness & Unique Character of the Results (27:52)

 The Babinski Method (35:05)

 When is it too late for Early Intervention? (38:18)

 Working with Akhil (43:26)

 Scientific Research (44:56)

 Hand Spooling (46:16)

LINKS

The Masgutova Method- https://masgutovamethod.com/

Isabelle Renard-Fontane LinkedIn – 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabelle-renard-fontaine-145b10123/

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SHOW NOTES

 Tell us your story.  What is your background? (2:30) 

S2C – Spelling to Communicate  (7:10)  

 Motor Issues vs. Cognitive (Presumed Competence)  (7:53) 

 Ocular Motor  Issues  (9:10)

 Ido in Autism Land  (11:45)

Sensory Gym – Functional Movement Patterns - Proprioceptive Input)  (12:07) 

Presume Competence and Understand Intentional Motor and Intentional Movement  (13:37) 

Elizabeth Torres (Rutgers) Research  (17:45) 

Optometry, Vision & Ocular Motor  (18:43) 

RPM vs S2C  (19:58) 

Praxis & Apraxia  (21:50) 

Motor Planning Issues - Direct Motor Prompts – Coaching Body Movements  (26:45) 

More techniques for Non-speakers (Intentional Movement)  (33:17) 

Specific Strategies for Parents and Caregivers (Assessing the Core)  (35:00) 

RESOURCES:

Spellers Tampa 

Ido in Autism Land

Underestimated (J.B. & Jamison Hanley)

Spellers Movie (Documentary)

Dr. Elizabeth Torres (Rutgers)

Autism: The Movement Perspective 

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SHOW NOTES

Dr. Anju Usman-Singh is the director of True Health Medical Center in Naperville, Illinois and owner of Pure Compounding Pharmacy.  For nearly two decades she has been using evidence based integrative medical interventions to help children diagnosed with ADD, Autism, Allergies, Gastrointestinal issues and related disorders.  

She has conducted research involving copper/zinc imbalances, dysfunction, biofilm related infections, vitamin D in pregnancy, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.  She serves on the executive board for TACA and is on the faculty of  the Medical Academy for Pediatric Special Needs.  
 
Dr. Anju received her medical degree from Indiana University.  She completed a residency in Family Practice at Cook County Hospital, in Chicago and is board certified in Family Practice. In addition she is board certified in Integrative and Holistic Medicine, and holds a certificate in Homeopathy. 

She has been called everybody’s favorite Autism Doctor.  You are in for a real treat today!  

3:37            Tell us about your journey as a mainstream doctor who looked into a biomedical approach.

11:27            Supporting the Methylation system and normalizing Glutathione levels.

13:25            “The dose makes the poison.” 

14:25            Epigenetics – How your genes are affected by your environment.

15:41            So how do we live and protect our children from these toxins? 

18:22            Cleaning up the diet (Pure Compounding Pharmacy)

21:43            Decreasing Neuroinflammation – Addressing Allergens, Infections and Toxins (Gluten, Dairy and Sugar)

 24:26            We have heard that many individuals go on a diet.  Can you touch on some basic gastrointestinal issues?  The Gut-Brain Connection and Neurotransmitters.  

26:34            Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) causes leaky gut and leaky brain.

 27:50            Immune System Issues – Gut associated lymphoid Tissue (GALT).  How do you identify and treat them?  Probiotics and Prebiotics.

 29:43            What is Biofilm?  (Pathogenic film)

 33:50             Protocol for dealing with Pathogenic films (4 Steps)

 1 – Lysis

2 – Lower the bacterial yeast and fungus load (Biota-Solve)

3 – Bind and “grab” the mucus with fiber (PreBiome-Solve - Pprebiotic)

4 – Education on a good diet to feed the micro-biome  (Incorporating herbs)

37:18            True Healing Naturals

38:50             Results for children on the Spectrum – (Treating co-morbid conditions)

 42:09            MAPS (Medical Academy for Pediatric Special Needs (formerly DAN)

 44:02            True Health Medical Center – 

 “I have learned that true health can be achieved by transforming the mind, body and spirit back to its natural state.” 

You are very open-minded and also a believer in other holistic interventions like Homeopathy, Spiritual practices, and Acupuncture.  Can you tell us more about this?  (Ayurveda, Chinese Medicine, Homeopathy, Acupuncture, Energy Medicine, etc.)

49:48            “Intention is more important than technique.”

51:31             What about mitochondrial, and methylation issues?   

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Dr. Julie Logan specializes in helping children with the symptoms of Autism, ADD/HD, PANDAS/PANS, food sensitivities, methylation defects, GI issues, and environmental illnesses. 

She once suffered from a chronic autoimmune disease, and a child diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Through biomedical therapies that focus on addressing underlying medical, nutritional and environmental issues, she and her son recovered from their conditions to live fuller, healthier lives. Now, it is her passion to help others along the same path that brought her family out of their illness.

“From athletes to children with ASD and adults with chronic illness or pain, she has seen the body heal from all kinds of conditions – “Some of which were supposedly incurable,” she states. It is her passion and privilege to help patients achieve their fullest potential… and the first step is to believe it is possible.
 
If you are looking for inspiration and answers to some of the difficult questions that Autism presents in the world today, you have come to the right place.  Dr. Julie shines a light of hope, inspiration and practical answers in today’s episode.  Come on in…

SHOW NOTES: 

Dr. Julie Logan’s Journey (3:33)

Heavy Metal Toxicity & Mold Exposure (9:20)

Metal Exposure (10:35)

Clean Organic Diet – Organic Fruits and Vegetables Meats (12:45)

Metal Detoxification Process –Removal of metal in the body (15:05)

Storage Excretion (15:26)

Recovery Vs. “Losing the Diagnosis” (19:12)

Testing for Metal Toxicity (22:08)

Connection between Autism and Mold? (23:06)

Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome & Tick-born Infections (23:29)

What is PANDAS/PANS?  And how do you treat it? (24:55)

PANDAS - Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (24:55)

Symptoms of PANDAS  (Symptom-based Diagnosis vs. Lab Test) (26:09)

Success Stories - Functional Medicine and Chiropractic (28:33)

Advice and Resources for Parents (30:26)

RESOURCES:

Dr. Julie Logan (website)

Email - [email protected]

Dr. Julie Logan at True Health Medical Center

Dr. Anju Usman Singh

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Show Notes:

• Akhil’s Journey (4:23)
• Assuaging Parent’s fears  (5:05
• B12 Responders - Richard Dietz Research (Neuropharmacologist) (12:42)
• Claudia Morris Protocol  (14:12)
• (Dr. Neubrander) (16:34)
• Diet, B12 Injections, Fish Oil (18:56)
• Healing Regression - “Positive Negatives” (19:26)
• (Diet and MB12 shots – Injections and Fish oil)
• Under-mytelators & Over-mytelators? Fecal Accumulators – B6 Magnesium – Methyl donors - Dr. Tim Buie  (20:17)
• Hydroxycobolamin - Dr. Neubrander – Education & Mytelation  (23:25)
• Different types of MB12 shots? Hydroxycobolamin, Methylmalonic Acid, Methyl B12 Protocols?  (23:55)
• Sublingual, Transdermal, Inter-nasal vs. Subcutaneous Shots – Water soluble  (24:47) 
• Deliver B12 into the white fat  (25:53)
• Glutothione is like a garbage truck  (27:09)
• Sam-E is the delivery truck to the body (27:45)
• Paleo Diet &  Gaps Diet (No grains)  (28:23)
• Dr. Derrick McFabe - Synthetic Folic Acid, Proprionic Acid depletes B12, Carnitine (28:44)
• *Reassurance that response to B12 is information – It’s nothing to be afraid of  (29:33)
• Dosing - How often to give MB12 shots? Trial period – how long?  Other recommendations?  (30:00)
• Other Treatments?  Recommendations? (31:25)
• Long Term Benefits of B12 Therapy  (32:15)
• When can they stop MB12 shots?  (33:44)
• Resources & References (35:08)
• Aryuveda (Everything starts with the gut)  (39:40)
• “Treating Autism is not a sprint, it’s a marathon,”  (40:21)

Resources: 

Dr. Sonya Doherty - Website
Jill James – Arkansas Children’s Research Institute (Methylation Research)
Dr. James Neubrander
Dr. Robert Sears – “The Autism Book”
Treat Autism (Dr. Sonya Doherty Website)
Dr. Sonya’s Methylation Impairment Video
Dr. William Walsh (Mytelation)
Dr. Kurt Woeller -
Julie Buckley – “Healing Our Autistic Children” (Book)
Martha Herbert – “The Autism Revolution” (Book) (The power of the diet)
Dr. David Perlmudder  “Brain Maker”  (Book)
Dr. Derrick MacFabe – Brain Inflammation Research  (39:20)
Dr. Arthur Krigsman (40:43)
Dr. Bernie Rimland (Autism Research Institute Conferences)  (42:34)
*

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Pamela Curlee is the co-founder of the Masgutova Foundation, a non-invasive, and results-driven approach to NeuroReflex, Neurodevelopment, and Neuromodulation assistance.

This approach has had amazing results teaching children with learning challenges by building of the neurological foundation and making changes by working with neurological patterns.  

She was introduced to MNRI®, (Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration) in 1994 at a conference on learning and movement. A faculty member of the International Educational Kinesiology Foundation, Pamela was intrigued while listening to Dr. Svetlana Masgutova lecture about the effect of movement-oriented therapy and her MNRI® method on children who were traumatized by various manmade and natural disasters. From then on, their professional and personal relationship took root. 

She has co-authored a book with Dr. Masgutova, Trauma Recovery – You Are A Winner, describing Dr. Masgutova’s discovery of how reflex integration and specialized movements assisted children recovering from shock and pain of a railway explosion unveiled the winner from within.

SHOW NOTES

• When did your interest first start with Brain Science and Kinesiology?  (3:33) 
• What is the MNRI method? The Masgutova Neurosensorimotor Reflex Integration (MNRI)   (5:36) 
• What is the science behind The MNRI method? - What is a reflex? (6:00)
• What makes reflexes dysfunctional? (7:28) 
• How can parents or professionals know that these reflexes are not integrated - Any clinical observations? (8:20) 
• Can you name a few reflexes and the signs of them not being integrated? Babinski (9:20)
• Talk to us a bit about integration -why reflex integration is important how it helps brain development. (10:44)
• What are some of the practices used to work with primary reflexes? (13:33)
• Assessing the dysfunctional primary motor reflexes. (15:35)
•  Spinal Galant & Spinal Perez (21:34)
• Scientific evidence of MNRI method. (27:40)
• MNRI Family Conferences (27:56) & (34:13)
• How can one become a MNRI therapist? (31:00)
• Masgutova Foundation collaboration with Akhil Autism Foundation
•  Book Trauma Recovery – You Are A Winner (39:28)
•  Neurotactile Class (41:00)
•  Masgutova.org – Lectures (41:57)
• MINDS Group (42:35)

Links:

 Svetlana Masgutova Educational Institute - Masgutova.com

Masgutova Foundation (Lectures) - Masgutova.org

MNRI Family Conferences

MINDS Group

More links for further study: 

Find Trauma Recovery – You Are A Winner book free download at www.MasgutovaMethod.com 

Reflex Integration & Clinical Observations | reflex, clinical, observations, Dr. Masgutova, primary infant reflexes (masgutovamethod.com) https://youtu.be/b8UHATuy5IA

(82) Neurotransmitters Simple Overview by MNRI - YouTube

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“…….the problem with pounding a square peg into a round hole isn’t that the hammering is hard work – it’s that you’re destroying the peg.”  

Today we have the privilege of hosting a very special and interesting guest — Joell Dunlap, author, Behavioral Technician, and founder of Square Peg Foundation –  working with students and their families who come with a variety of diagnosis and labels, including Autism, Usher Syndrome, anger, anxiety, ADHD, you name it; students who are typically “Square Pegs” themselves.  Square Peg is all about reminding all of us that what makes us different is what makes us special.

An equestrienne since childhood, Joell has worked professionally in many facets of the equestrian industry including racing, marketing, special events, and breaking and training of young horses, in addition to teaching.

However, she has always been passionate about changing the way people teach, and is an advocate for alternative education.   

Joell has been published nationally in equestrian publications regarding a gentler and more creative approach to teaching students and training horses. 

Since she started working with developmentally challenged children, Joell has been developing a unique teaching method which resonates.  Her philosophy of “Inspire, Guide, Challenge” and her sensitive style of instruction have helped hundreds of students to achieve important goals. 

You are in for a treat for today, so without further delay, we welcome Joell to the show. 

Show Notes:

·      Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you’ve come to connected needy horses with Autistic children? (3:33)

·      Talk about your work with Square Peg, and how you have seen horses help children with autism Starting Square Peg (8:45) 

·      Temple Grandin (10:33)

·      Interest in Neurology and Brain Science (11:51)

·      Autism/Horse Connection (14:00)

·      How did your approach change? Rupert & Rowan Issacson (Horse Boy) (18:48)

·      Echolalia (29:58)

·      Sensory Integration, Movement & Rhythm (31:35) 

·      Sensory Integration Vs. Reflex Integration (33:10)

·      Attunement (35:18) 

·      Nonverbal communication between horses and autistic children (37:14) 

·      The Needy Horses (41:45) 

·      Toxic Stress (Toxic Cycle - A stressed brain) – Cortisol and Oxytocin (46:00) 

·      Dr. Bruce Perry the Sequence of Engagement – Regulate, Relate, Reason (52:35)

·      Book “A Damn Fine Hand” (56:22)

·      What is Square Peg working on next? Liskennett Equestrian Center (60:24)

·      “An Essay by Joell Dunlap”, “Why Horses?”, “My Hebrew Teacher” and “Lake” (64:33)

Links:

 Square Peg Foundation - https://www.squarepegfoundation.org/

Rudolph Steiner – The Waldorf Schools 

Horse Boy Method (Rupert & Rowan Isaacson) - https://horseboymethod.com/

Dr. Bruce Perry - https://thinkkids.org/regulate-relate-reason/   

YouTube “The Sequence of Engagement” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNuxy7FxEVk

“A Damn Fine Hand” (Book) - https://adamnfinehand.com/a

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