Welcome to Episode 271 of Autism Parenting Secrets.

Parents are often told that autism is fixed, with limited options beyond therapies to manage behaviors. 

That definition is wrong. Autism is biomedical—and that opens up entirely new possibilities for parents.

My guest this week is Dr. Christian Bogner, a physician, educator, and father whose son continues to make meaningful improvements. 

His personal and professional journey has led him to work with over 1,000 families worldwide, uncovering the genetic, biochemical, and environmental factors driving autism and chronic disease.

In this conversation, Dr. Bogner shares why autism must be understood as biomedical, why families can’t afford to wait for mainstream medicine to catch up, and what simple, affordable steps parents can take today to help their children thrive.

The secret this week is… 

Autism Is BIOMEDICAL

You'll Discover:

• Why the Current Definition of Autism Misses the Mark (2:32)
• How Parents Can Prepare the Body Before Targeting the Gut (11:15)
• Why Simple Stool Testing Provides a Powerful Starting Point (14:10)
• The Power of a Gut Balancing Protocol (28:05)
• How Environmental Toxins Like Glyphosate Disrupt Gut Health (34:36)
• The Connection Between Gut-Derived Chemicals and Altered Consciousness (52:11)

About Our Guest:

Christian Bogner, MD, FACOG, CFMNP

Dr. Christian Bogner’s journey into functional and integrative medicine began in 2007 when his eldest son was diagnosed with autism at just 2.5 years old. Since then, he has spoken at conferences worldwide, consulted with over 1,000 families, and dedicated his career to uncovering the genetic, biochemical, and environmental factors driving autism and other chronic conditions.

Board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology with additional certification in functional medicine, Dr. Bogner is passionate about the microbiome, plant-based nutrition, and innovative therapies that improve accessibility for families. He has helped develop software to translate stool data into personalized guidance, advanced cold laser technology for affordable photobiomodulation, and targeted nutraceuticals to support detoxification and inflammation resolution.

In 2024, he co-founded Autism Is Biomedical, Inc., a nonprofit committed to providing families with resources, counseling, and access to biomedical interventions. Working closely with visionary medical physicist Alex Zaharakis, Dr. Bogner continues to push the boundaries of science and care, helping families find hope, healing, and a clearer path forward.

References In This Episode:

• Learn more about Dr. Bogner’s work: Bogner Health
• Visit the nonprofit: Autism Is Biomedical
• SPELLERS Documentary
• DMT: The Spirit Molecule: A Doctor's Revolutionary Research into the Biology of Near-Death and Mystical Experiences by Rick Strassman
• Researched Elements
• Thioguard Lotion

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 270 of Autism Parenting Secrets.

Parents are often overwhelmed by the flood of tests available—genetic tests, stool tests, organic acids tests, and more. 

Too often, the results create more confusion than clarity. 

This week, we’re exploring a powerful new way to understand your child’s biology: metabolomics. 

Unlike tests that only show potential risks or isolated snapshots, metabolomics reveals what’s happening right now—the real-time state of your child’s metabolism. 

My guest, Dr. Paniz Jasbi, Co-Founder and Chief Science Officer at Theriome, has pioneered a next-generation metabolomics test that turns complex biochemistry into clear, personalized insights for families and clinicians.

The secret this week is… 

METABOLOMICS Reveals What Others Miss
 

You'll Discover:

• What Exactly Is Metabolomics? (3:11)
• Why Genetics Alone Doesn’t Tell the Full Story (7:32)
• How Metabolomics Validates What Parents Already Notice (14:10)
• How Theriome’s Aristotle Test Stacks Up Against the Organic Acids Test (20:22)
• How Digital Twinning Pinpoints the Most Effective Actions (27:01)
• A Major Root Cause Seen in Children With Autism (40:56)

About Our Guest:

Paniz Jasbi, PhD, is the Co-Founder and Chief Science Officer at Theriome and a systems biologist specializing in mass-spectrometry–based metabolomics. He completed his PhD at Arizona State University, later serving as a Postdoctoral Research Scholar in the School of Molecular Sciences, and has authored peer-reviewed work linking metabolomic signatures to aging, neurocognition, and microbiome-related health. At Theriome, he leads development of the Aristotle Test, a next-generation metabolomics panel designed to translate complex biochemistry into practical, personalized recommendations for families and clinicians. Dr. Jasbi also serves as the Director of Metabolomics for the American Board of Precision Medicine.

https://therio.me

References In This Episode:

• Download a sample report and metabolomics guide: Theriome Resources

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 269 of Autism Parenting Secrets.

My guest this week is Jodi Repko, a board-certified family nurse practitioner with over 20 years in medicine and a MAPS-trained provider. 

Her journey into functional medicine began when her own son developed medically complex issues, igniting her passion to combine functional and traditional medicine.

We dive into a related but lesser-known approach to stem cell therapy - exosomes. 

These tiny messengers from mesenchymal stem cells carry the body’s repair signals. 

They can cross the blood-brain barrier, calm inflammation, and help restore balance - all without introducing live cells.

Jodi explains what they are, how they differ from stem cells, and what she’s seen in her practice when exosomes are part of a multidisciplinary approach for children with autism.

The secret this week is…

EXOSOMES Speak the Language of Repair
 

You'll Discover:

• What Exosomes Are and How They Differ From Full Stem Cell Therapy (3:34)
• The Three Main Ways Exosomes Work (7:42)
• The Underlying Issues That Impact Exosome Success (15:32)
• Practical Considerations Before Starting Exosome Therapy (23:37)

About Our Guest:

Jodi Repko is the owner and founder of Restore Holistic Center, a functional medicine clinic that takes a multidisciplinary approach to health and healing. A board-certified family nurse practitioner with over 30 years in medicine, Jodi’s passion for innovative healthcare was sparked when her son was diagnosed with autism and apraxia. She has worked in regenerative, functional, and biomedical medicine, family practice, women’s health, emergency medicine, and complex care, including autism and PANS/PANDAS. Trained through The Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs and The Autism Community in Action, she also brings 17 years of experience in adult and pediatric emergency settings, honing her diagnostic and assessment skills.  Her personal journey into functional medicine, inspired by her son’s complex needs, led her to research, implement, and now specialize in treatments that help restore health and improve quality of life for children and families.

https://www.restoreholisticcenter.com/

References In This Episode:

• MAPS – Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs: https://medmaps.org/

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 268 of Autism Parenting Secrets.

This is part two of my conversation with Dr. Stephen Cowan. 

If you’ve ever felt unsure, dismissed, or overwhelmed, this episode is for you. 

We explore how easy it is for parents to unknowingly give away their power—to doctors, teachers, books, or even search engines. But your child needs you fully empowered. 

Dr. Cowan offers deep, practical insights for how to reclaim your strength, quiet your fear, and lead with calm, steady conviction. 

This conversation reveals a path back to trust—starting with yourself.

The secret this week is…

NEVER Give Away Your POWER

You'll Discover:

• The 5 Big Questions That Guide Every Decision (5:00)
• The 3 Nervous System States - and How To Shift Out of Freeze, Fight or Flight (8:32)
• How Intuitive Power Emerges When Fear Is Cleared (10:58)
• Why Observation Without Judgment is a Lost Art—and How to Reclaim It (17:58)
• How To Hold Your Space (24:53)
• The Power of Open-Ended Curiosity and the Do-Over (34:13)
• A Practical Way To Elicit Two-Way Conversation With Your Child (37:22)
• 4 Steps to Reclaim Your Power as a Parent (45:56)

About Our Guest:

Stephen Cowan, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician with over 35 years of experience and a subspecialty in Developmental Pediatrics. A fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and a clinical assistant professor at NY Medical College, Dr. Cowan bridges Eastern and Western medicine. His holistic approach empowers parents and honors the unique ecology of every child. He’s the author of Fire Child, Water Child, and several children’s books, including The Lost Elephant. He lectures internationally and serves as a member of the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture.

https://www.drstephencowan.com/

References In This Episode:

• Fire Child, Water Child: How Understanding the Five Types of ADHD Can Help You Improve Your Child’s Self-Esteem and Attention by Dr. Stephen Scott Cowan
• Autism Parenting Secrets Episode 14 with Dr. Stephen Cowan - Your Child is YOUR Teacher!
• Autism Parenting Secrets Episode 15 with Dr. Stephen Cowan - The "Cosmic Snowman" IS the Roadmap!
• Autism Parenting Secrets Episode 16 with Dr. Stephen Cowan - You Don’t Know YET
• Autism Parenting Secrets Episode 104 with Dr. Stephen Cowan - Harness Your Child’s True Nature
• Autism Parenting Secrets Episode 105 with Dr. Stephen Cowan - Go With The FLOW For Connection
• Autism Parenting Secrets Episode 267 with Dr. Stephen Cowan - ATTENTION Is the Beginning of DEVOTION
• Healthy Baby
• Dr. Stephen Porges
• Zach Bush, MD

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 267 of Autism Parenting Secrets.

If you’re a parent navigating autism—or know someone who is—this episode is an empowering reset.

Dr. Stephen Cowan returns to the show with timeless wisdom and fresh insight on what truly matters.

A developmental pediatrician who blends Eastern and Western medicine, Dr. Cowan shares how your presence profoundly shapes your child’s path—often in ways that go unseen.

This isn’t just about your child’s attention.

It’s about YOURS.

Because where your attention goes, transformation begins.

And the fastest way to support your child is to understand how they naturally focus and engage with the world.

The secret this week is…

ATTENTION Is the Beginning of DEVOTION

You'll Discover:

• Why Interest = Attention, and Why That’s So Empowering for Parents (3:53)
• How Labels Create Suffering and Miss The Child’s Full Complexity (8:50)
• Why One-Size-Fits-All Medicine is Outdated and Dangerous (14:14)
• An Overview of the Five Arcetypes of Attention and What Each One Seeks (18:05) 
• The “Wood” Child: Movers, Risk-takers, and Planners (20:45)
• The “Fire” Child: Joyful, Charismatic, and Easily Bored (24:27)
• The “Earth” Child: Relationship-focused and Harmony-driven (28:02)
• The “Metal” Child: Perfectionists Who Notice Every Detail (30:58)
• The “Water” Child: Deep Thinkers, Dreamers, and Visionaries (33:16) 
• Why Presence Is The Ultimate Attention and How It Can Be Trained (37:21)
• When ADHD Meds Help—and When They Absolutely Don’t (44:12) 
• How Turning a “Should” Into a “Would” Unlocks Compassion (51:34) 

About Our Guest:

Stephen Cowan, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician with over 35 years of experience and a subspecialty in Developmental Pediatrics. A fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and a clinical assistant professor at NY Medical College, Dr. Cowan bridges Eastern and Western medicine. His holistic approach empowers parents and honors the unique ecology of every child. He’s the author of Fire Child, Water Child, and several children’s books, including The Lost Elephant. He lectures internationally and serves as a member of the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture.

https://www.drstephencowan.com/

References In This Episode:

• Fire Child, Water Child: How Understanding the Five Types of ADHD Can Help You Improve Your Child’s Self-Esteem and Attention by Dr. Stephen Scott Cowan
• Princeton Study: Decomposition of phenotypic heterogeneity in autism reveals underlying genetic programs, Nature Genetics
• Autism Parenting Secrets Episode 14 with Dr. Stephen Cowan - Your Child is YOUR Teacher!
• Autism Parenting Secrets Episode 15 with Dr. Stephen Cowan - The "Cosmic Snowman" IS the Roadmap!
• Autism Parenting Secrets Episode 16 with Dr. Stephen Cowan - You Don’t Know YET
• Autism Parenting Secrets Episode 104 with Dr. Stephen Cowan - Harness Your Child’s True Nature
• Autism Parenting Secrets Episode 105 with Dr. Stephen Cowan - Go With The FLOW For Connection
• Mary Oliver

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 266 of Autism Parenting Secrets.

If you’re navigating autism—or know someone just starting out—this episode is for you.

Today we’re talking about possibility.

What if autism risk could be identified not at 2 years old… but at 1 month old? Or even at birth?

That’s no longer hypothetical.

Thanks to a breakthrough diagnostic called ASD Insight, it’s now possible to detect biological risk for autism through a simple, minimally invasive skin biopsy—even before symptoms appear.

Traditional screening relies on behavior. This test goes deeper, identifying risk based on biological markers, not just outward signs.

For families planning ahead—or supporting someone early in their journey—this knowledge can make all the difference..

✅ The secret this week is…

Know SOONER, Help MORE

You'll Discover:

• The Science Behind ASD Insight (8:51)
• What Is The ADOS Test And Why Is It Performed Too Late (12:09
• One Mom’s Personal Journey (16:05)
• The Traps You Don’t Want To Fall Into (22:42)
• The Importance of Calcium Channels (29:43)
• A Walkthrough of The Testing Process and How to Approach Your Pediatrician (37:59)

About Our Guests:

Dr. Jay Gargus is the Founding Scientist at NeuroQure and a world-renowned geneticist with decades of leadership in autism and neurological research. He directed UC Irvine's Center for Autism Research and Translation, overseeing a $28 million initiative that led to the development of ASD Insight.  Michelle Majewski is the Vice President of Sales at NeuroQure and the mother of a thriving 5-year-old son with autism. Her personal journey fuels her passion for bringing earlier clarity and support to more families.

www.neuroqure.com

References In This Episode:

• ASD Insight Test – NeuroQure

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 265 of Autism Parenting Secrets.

If you want to help your child speak more clearly—or begin speaking at all—this episode is a must-listen. I’m joined once again by Dr. Robert Melillo, a world-renowned expert in brain health, especially childhood and adult neurological disorders. He’s the creator of the Melillo Method and supports families directly through his New York locations in Long Island and Manhattan. This is his third appearance on the show, and it may be our most revealing conversation yet.

In Episode 133, we explored why the focus must be on correcting imbalances first. In Episode 170, we went deeper into horizontal and vertical brain integration. And today, we shine light on one of the most common—and overlooked—reasons why speech doesn’t emerge or improve the way it should.

Dr. Melillo is constantly doing research to better serve these kids. His passion is unmatched, and the third edition of his landmark book, Disconnected Kids, was just released.

This conversation will challenge your assumptions and give you clarity on what might be standing in your child’s way.

✅ The secret this week is…

THIS Is Preventing More SPEECH

You'll Discover:

• The Overlooked Question That Guided Dr. Melillo’s Research (6:16) 
• What Interoception Is and Why It Matters For Speech (11:02)
• Why Many Kids Don’t Feel Their Tongue, Face, or Even Body (15:20) 
• The Shocking Revelation From a Child Who’d Never Heard His Own Voice (22:03) 
• How Retained Primitive Reflexes Block Brain Development (28:11) 
• The Connection Between a Leaky Gut and Immature Brainstem (32:40)
• Why Your Child IS Taking It All In, Even If They Seem Disconnected (38:00) 

About Our Guest:

Dr. Robert Melillo is one of the world’s leading experts in developmental neurological conditions such as ADHD, autism, OCD, tics, dyslexia, anxiety, and depression. With over 30 years of experience as a clinician, professor, brain researcher, and bestselling author, he has helped thousands of patients of all ages. Dr. Melillo holds multiple graduate and postgraduate degrees and certifications, including a PhD in Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience. He is the creator of The Melillo Method®, a multimodal approach that targets brain, behavior, and immune health. He operates The Melillo Center for Developing Minds in Long Island and Manhattan, directs the National Institute for Brain and Rehabilitation Sciences, and hosts The Melillo Method Podcast: Everything Brain. His bestselling book Disconnected Kids (now in its 3rd edition) has been translated into 16 languages and remains one of the most impactful resources for parents navigating neurological challenges.

Dr. Melillo’s Book: Disconnected Kids (3rd Edition)

Website: DrRobertMelillo.com

Instagram: @drrobertmelillo

References In This Episode:

• Autism Parenting Secrets: Episode 133, Correct IMBALANCES First with Dr. Robert Melillo
• Autism Parenting Secrets: Episode 170, Horizontal AND Vertical BRAIN INTEGRATION with Dr. Robert Melillo

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 264 of Autism Parenting Secrets.

If you’ve ever felt like you weren’t being told the full truth… this episode is for you.

I’m joined by Krista Petraco Bourne, a speech-language pathologist, mom, and fierce advocate who’s walked a difficult—but empowering—path with her son, Joey. 

She shares the heart-wrenching story of Joey’s regression, misdiagnosis, and medical trauma—and how her silence kept them both stuck for far too long.

But everything changed when she trusted her instincts, broke through institutional misinformation, and embraced a new, hopeful path.

This conversation is about courage, discernment, and how to reclaim your power as a parent.

The secret this week is…

Don’t Be MISLED

You'll Discover:

• Krista’s Story of Regression (2:26)
• The Approach That Gave Krista’s Son His Voice (17:59)
• Why Aggression is Often Misunderstood And Preventable (21:38)
• How Autism Health Provides Resources and Scholarships (33:06)

About Our Guest:

Krista Petraco Bourne is a licensed speech-language pathologist and the mother of a non-speaking adult son with severe autism and autoimmune challenges linked to vaccine injury. With over 30 years in the field, Krista’s personal experience led her to question mainstream narratives and seek out innovative approaches to communication, including becoming a practitioner-in-training for Spelling to Communicate. She’s a board member at Autism Health, working to connect families with groundbreaking biomedical and therapeutic resources. 

References In This Episode:

• autismhealth.com

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 263 of Autism Parenting Secrets.

This week, I’m joined by Nicole Rincon.

She’s a board-certified Physician Assistant and an all-in mom of 13-year-old triplets.

Her unique vantage point—as both a medical professional and a parent on a healing mission—makes this conversation essential listening.

Nicole’s journey wasn’t easy. One of her sons became completely non-verbal, and her daughter began having seizures. But today, all three of her children are thriving.

She didn’t wait for certainty—she took bold, informed steps.

And what she reveals in this episode will resonate deeply with any parent seeking real answers.

The secret this week is…

Take 3 VITAL Steps

You'll Discover:

• Nicole’s Story of Regression - and What Most Doctors Missed (3:34)
• The Unique Root Causes for Each of Her Three Children (9:19)
• Vital Step #1 (13:04) 
• Vital Step #2 (17:13)
• Vital Step #3 (30:00) 
• Nicole’s One Belief That Fuels Her Unwavering Commitment (41:01)

About Our Guest:

Nicole Rincon, MS, PA-C, is a board-certified Physician Assistant with a Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies from Western University of Health Sciences. She practices at Rossignol Medical Center, specializing in integrative and functional approaches for children with special needs. As a mother to triplets—two of whom regressed into autism—Nicole’s life changed forever. Her boys are now thriving thanks to personalized interventions, and her daughter has been seizure-free for over a decade. Nicole’s passion is empowering families to pursue healing and not give up hope.

https://www.nicolerincon.com/about

https://rossignolmedicalcenter.com/doctors/nicole-rincon/

 

References In This Episode:

• Common Testing and Treatments for Newly Diagnosed Patients with Autism, Nicole Rincon at TACA Now Conference, October 2019
• Uncommon Living: Episode 5: Mitochondrial Therapies for Autism With Nicole Rincon
• Autism Parenting Secrets, Episode 245, EVIDENCE-BASED Treatments FIRST with Dr. Richard Frye

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 262 of Autism Parenting Secrets.

If you're looking for a way to support your own healing—mentally, emotionally, and physically—this episode explores a powerful tool you may not have considered: cold plunge therapy.

I’m joined by Dr. Thomas P. Seager, Associate Professor at Arizona State University and co-founder of Morozko Forge. With over 150 scientific publications and a relentless curiosity, Tom explains how cold exposure directly improves mitochondrial health. And why that matters more than you think—especially for parents.

This episode is a deep dive into how the mitochondria—your body’s energy engines—are affected by environment, stress, and lifestyle... and how you can rebuild them. It’s not just about the science. It’s about action. Because parents need energy, resilience, and clarity now more than ever.

The secret this week is…

Cold Plunges SUPERCHARGE Mitochondria

You'll Discover:

• WHY Mitochondrial Dysfunction May Be The Missing Link (7:14)
• HOW Cold Exposure Supports Energy, Hormones & Brain Health (9:34)
• THE 4 Categories of Mitochondrial Support (18:00)
• WHY Magnesium and Vitamin D Are Game-Changers (29:24)
• HOW Cold Plunges Create Internal Vitamin D (31:48)
• WHEN & HOW Parents Can Start Using Cold Therapy (44:47)
• WHY Cold Immersion Improves Sleep & Emotional Regulation in Kids (55:13)

About Our Guest:

Thomas P. Seager, PhD, is Associate Professor in the School of Sustainable Engineering at Arizona State University and co-founder of Morozko Forge. He is the author of Uncommon Cold and Uncommon Testosterone, exploring the science and experience of cold plunge therapy. With 150+ scientific publications, Dr. Seager brings deep expertise in resilience, metabolism, and environmental systems, and is passionate about how cold therapy can support healing and neurological health.

Morozko Forge

seagertp.substack.com

 

References In This Episode:

• Uncommon Living: Episode 4: What Causes Autism? With Dr. Richard Frye
• Uncommon Living: Episode 5: Mitochondrial Therapies for Autism With Nicole Rincon

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.