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 UNLOADING

You'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.com

Book: Total Load Theory (Skyhorse Publishing) or on Amazon

References In This Episode:

• Total Load Theory by Patricia Lemer
• Outsmarting Autism by Patricia Lemer
• The Sensitive Patient’s Healing Guide — Dr. Neil Nathan
• APS Episode 212: You Can’t Heal If You Don’t Feel Safe with Dr. Neil Nathan
• APS Episode 280: We CAN Change The Neurodevelopmental Trajectory with Dr. Larry Palevsky
• BRMI – Bioregulatory Medicine Institute
• Dr. Christian Bogner & Autism Is Biomedical
• The Optimal Parent Facebook Page
• Peter Sullivan
  
   

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 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.com
• Take 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 Confusion

You'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 Center

References In This Episode:

• The Folate Fix: Exploring the Role of Folate in Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders by Dr. Richard Frye
• APS Episode 245: “Evidence-Based Treatments FIRST” w/ 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 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 Trajectory

You'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 Cowan

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 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.com

References In This Episode:

• Preventing Autism and ADHD by Dr. Debby Hamilton
• APS Episode 272 - AVOID THIS Popular Drug To Protect Development
  
   

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 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.com

References In This Episode:

• Gut Toxin Test → analutos.com
• Gut-Brain Axis Therapeutics → gbat.com
• Autism Nutrition Research Center → autismnutritionresearchcenter.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 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 Option

You'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 Computer

References In This Episode:

• Daylight Kids Edition
• Autism Parenting Secrets Episode 22 - You CAN Protect Your Child From EMFs with Peter Sullivan
• Autism Parenting Secrets Episode 145 - Tech is The Great Dysregulator with Peter Sullivan

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 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 Progress

You'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.com

References In This Episode:

• Super Folinic Acid Powder

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 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 TRAP

You'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 Yaeger
• On Balance with Leland Vittert, NewsNation

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 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 BREAKTHROUGHS

You'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 Ingels
• APS Episode 240 - Regulate Brain MAST CELLS with Dr. Theoharis Theoharides

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.