Brooke interviews Dr. Knight, founder of the Autism Wellness Center of Utah, about his path from pre-med studies and business into chiropractic care and then cellular/foundational medicine to better serve children on the autism spectrum. Influenced by early experiences with individuals with special needs and family connections to autism, he pursued extensive training in digestion, nervous system support, cellular healing, and safe detoxification, prioritizing courses that improve his ability to help autistic individuals. He explains cellular inflammation as a barrier to nutrient and hormone signaling and links stressors like toxins, chemicals, mold, infections, and emotional stress to impaired cellular function and regeneration. In practice he starts with dietary changes (avoiding seed/vegetable oils and food dyes), supports detox pathways (liver, kidneys, bowel regularity, lymph), and provides cellular and nervous system support. He describes Health Empowered Families, a remote five-month, four-phase program with weekly access, education videos, phased detox, mitochondrial and gut support, and a lab-informed but cost-conscious approach.

00:00 Continuing Education Mindset

00:48 Welcome and Guest Intro

01:27 From Pre Med to Chiropractic

05:33 Calling to Serve Autism

08:56 Training in Detox and MAPS

13:10 Cellular Healing Explained

19:27 Practical First Steps at Home

23:50 Virtual Program Overview

30:27 Labs and Tracking Progress

33:24 Handling Detox Speed Bumps

35:25 Wrap Up and Resources

Connect with Finding Hope on the Spectrum:

www.findinghopeonthespectrum.com

Email: [email protected] 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574918739411 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-wagner-4819233a/ 

Instagram: @findinghopeonthespectrum 

TikTok: Findinghopeonthespectrum

Guest Contact:

https://autismwellnesscenter.org/

Brooke hosts an episode of “Finding Hope on the Spectrum” on art therapy with board-certified art therapist and RDI consultant Christine “Kiki,” and guests Debbie Zimmer and her 22-year-old son Ben. Kiki explains how she was drawn to art therapy, how RDI deepened her work through parent involvement, and clarifies misconceptions by distinguishing “art as therapy” from clinical art therapy with a trained mental health professional as a guide and witness. She describes focusing on process over product, observing engagement and family dynamics, and tailoring art materials to sensory and physical needs to support regulation, communication, and growth. Ben shares via his AAC device how art helps him move from frustration to calm, choose colors/tools, and give, sell, or keep his work. Debbie describes Ben’s post-COVID and post-surgery challenges, how art therapy improved family support, confidence, vocabulary, wellbeing, and led to exhibitions, community classes, commissions, and broader family connection through art.

00:00 Art Heals Without Therapy

00:53 Podcast Welcome and Guests

02:54 Kiki Origin Story

06:39 RDI Meets Art Therapy

09:29 Art Therapy Myths

13:08 Not Artistic No Problem

15:32 Brain and Nervous System

17:51 Why It Helps Autism

20:32 Sensory Smart Materials

24:56 Communication and Agency

27:43 Coping Through Sensory Discomfort

28:13 Strength Building With Art

29:28 Ben Joins The Conversation

30:07 Ben Shares His Art Story

31:36 Debbie Preps Ben’s Message

33:31 Before Art Therapy Challenges

34:47 Why They Tried Art Therapy

35:50 Mom’s Mindset Shift

38:31 Art Show Breakthrough

41:06 Confidence And Communication Gains

42:42 Regulation And Wellbeing

43:50 Family Connection Through Art

45:49 Advice For Unsure Parents

49:10 Village Support And Collaboration

52:18 Finding Art Therapy Resources

53:52 Final Thanks And Goodbye

Connect with Finding Hope on the Spectrum:

www.findinghopeonthespectrum.com

Email: [email protected] 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574918739411 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-wagner-4819233a/ 

Instagram: @findinghopeonthespectrum 

TikTok: Findinghopeonthespectrum

Guest Contact:

www.tagforgrowth.com

Resources:

https://atcb.org/

Brooke interviews Vicki Christensen, founder of Blue Glasses Advocacy and mother of 21-year-old Luke, who has a rare partial trisomy of chromosome 14 and global developmental delays, and 17-year-old Everett, who has ADHD and an IEP. Vicki describes Luke’s early diagnosis, intensive therapies, and how he defied early “he may never” predictions, developing walking and verbal communication in his own time. She explains how an IEP meeting prompted her to earn a special education advocacy certificate, leave pharmaceutical sales, and advocate for families navigating IDEA, IEPs, and implementation fidelity. Vicki distinguishes 504 plans from IEPs, offers tips for monitoring services and requesting assessments, and emphasizes meaningful inclusion in schools and the community. She also discusses her book,“Uniquely, Fully, Enough: The Neurodivergent Parenting Journey - A Memoir and Handbook” combining a memoir and practical lessons, and encourages overwhelmed parents to find a supportive community early.

00:00 Welcome to the Podcast

00:44 Meet Vicki Christensen

02:12 Luke’s Early Diagnosis

04:02 Emotional Rollercoaster

07:03 Finding Parent Support

08:40 IEP Wake Up Call

11:43 Advocacy Philosophy

14:37 Everett’s ADHD Journey

20:45 504 vs IEP Explained

24:15 Ensuring IEP Fidelity

26:56 Requesting School Assessments

31:02 Who Luke Really Is

33:43 Luke’s Joyful Spirit

34:33 Support Needs and Internship

35:46 How Much Therapy Is Enough

37:44 Meaningful Inclusion Defined

41:47 Changing Minds on Inclusion

42:56 Inclusive Assemblies Impact

46:06 Why She Wrote the Book

48:26 Finding Your Village

52:23 Advocacy as a Long Game

56:05 Transitioning to Adulthood

58:27 Advice for New Diagnoses

01:01:16 Where to Find Her

01:02:30 Closing Thanks and Goodbye

Connect with Finding Hope on the Spectrum:

www.findinghopeonthespectrum.com

Email: [email protected] 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574918739411 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-wagner-4819233a/ 

Instagram: @findinghopeonthespectrum 

TikTok: Findinghopeonthespectrum

Guest Contact:

https://www.blueglassesadvocacy.com/

Instagram: @blueglassesadvocacy

Host Brooke introduces “Finding Hope on the Spectrum” and interviews Steven Roberts, an RDI consultant at Therapeutic Approach to Growth who specializes in supporting neurodivergent teens and adults. They discuss the unmet need for supports beyond early intervention, emphasizing community integration, independence, and quality of life. Steven explains that meaningful, trusting relationships are the foundation for learning and growth, describing how he meets clients through their interests and builds safety before targeting goals. He outlines focusing on agency, self-determination, and individualized priorities, referencing the ARC Self-Determination Scale to promote self-awareness and goal setting. The conversation addresses balancing challenge and support (“edge plus one”), avoiding overcompensation while scaffolding independence, and developing resilience and a growth-seeking mindset. Steven highlights team-based supports and shares plans for a Southern California young adult social club, “SoCal Social.”

00:00 Welcome to Finding Hope

00:47 Why Teens and Adults

02:05 Steven’s Path to TAG

03:46 Relationships First

07:52 Meeting Them in Their World

11:33 Skill Building for Adulthood

13:32 Building Agency and Goals

19:48 Overcompensation at Home

25:09 Suitcase Success Story

26:43 Stimming to Engagement

27:34 Co Regulation Wins

29:00 Confidence and Growth

31:00 Starting Small Outdoors

32:13 Edge Plus One

33:19 Independence Skills Breakdown

35:57 Supporting the Whole Team

37:49 Widening Support Network

39:36 Mindsets Over Skills

42:15 Scaffolding for the Future

46:02 Hope and Brain Development

49:24 How to Connect and SoCal Social

Connect with Finding Hope on the Spectrum:

Email: [email protected] 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574918739411 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-wagner-4819233a/ 

Instagram: @findinghopeonthespectrum 

TikTok: Findinghopeonthespectrum

Guest Contact:

www.tagforgrowth.com

https://therapeutic-approach-to-growth.mykajabi.com/so-cal-social?preview_theme_id=2161036316

Brooke interviews educator, consultant, speaker, and author Lisa Riegel about using brain science to improve behavior, inclusion, and school systems. Lisa Riegel explains how exclusionary discipline (sending students out) worsens problems by leaving conflicts unresolved and making classrooms feel unsafe. Drawing on her experiences with ineffective leadership and parenting a twice-exceptional son, she argues schools must become human-centered and partner authentically with parents, including clear parent policies and support for families navigating institutions. Lisa Riegel outlines her books: Stop Doing What Doesn't Work: Creating meaningful partnerships with today's families (parent-school partnerships), NeuroWell: Applying brain science to build safe, supportive, and proactive schools (how context and sensory associations shape perception and regulation, plus building proactive school and home cultures), and Aspirations to Operations: A leader’s guide to making transformative change stick (brain-based leadership and implementation). She teaches students accessible brain models (e.g., “Harold” and “Bob”), self-awareness tools, and classroom strategies like learning sprints, positivity prompts, and student-led behavior plans emphasizing agency over extrinsic rewards.

00:00 Why Sending Kids Out Fails

00:53 Welcome and Guest Intro

02:28 Lisa’s Path to Brain Science

04:39 Systems Not Built for Kids

06:17 Twice Exceptional Parenting Wakeup

08:06 Mission Happy Healthy Successful

09:43 Stop Doing What Doesn’t Work

11:08 Building Parent Partnerships

13:58 Find Your Voice Program

15:44 Neuro Well and Sensory Filters

21:36 Teaching Kids Brain Stories

23:25 Tools Name It Own It

25:28 Fizzy or Flat Checkins

28:34 Dilution with Positivity

29:55 Learning Sprints for Safety

30:29 Learning Sprints Setup

31:10 Why Breaks Boost Focus

31:51 Classroom Sprint Success

33:57 Self Awareness First

35:22 Rethinking Behavior Plans

37:28 Replacement Behaviors Tools

39:32 Self Assessment Agency

40:30 Beyond Extrinsic Rewards

42:33 Seven Change Conditions

44:52 PBIS Goals Peer Support

47:54 Leadership Brain Science

48:53 Building Belonging Culture

50:50 Clarity Coherence Change

53:15 Why School Culture Turns Toxic

54:37 How Lisa Supports Schools

57:11 AI Stress Leadership Moment

57:55 Where To Find Lisa

58:48 Final Takeaways Goodbye

Connect with Finding Hope on the Spectrum:

Email: [email protected] 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574918739411 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-wagner-4819233a/ 

Instagram: @findinghopeonthespectrum 

TikTok: Findinghopeonthespectrum

Guest Contact: www.lisariegel.com

In this powerful episode of Finding Hope on the Spectrum, Brooke sits down with Sarah Ward, M.S., CCC-SLP — a speech-language pathologist with over 25 years of experience specializing in executive dysfunction and co-creator of the 360 Thinking Executive Function Program and Time Tracker tools.

Drawing from her work with traumatic brain injury as well as her own family’s experiences, Sarah explains executive function in a way parents instantly understand: the ability to create a “mental movie” that helps a person move from intention to action by visualizing steps through space and time.

Together, they explore why autistic individuals often struggle with decision paralysis, time blindness, sequencing, and overwhelm — and how anxiety, sensory overload, and stress can dramatically reduce working memory and performance.

Sarah shares why executive function is state-dependent, why tools that work at school often fail at home, and how unmet executive demands can impact self-esteem and independence over time.

Most importantly, she offers practical, real-world strategies parents can use immediately, including:

✨ Using real photos instead of abstract checklists ✨ “Show me your plan” pointing to visualize steps ✨ Adding action verbs and explaining the “why” ✨ Creating student-built checklists ✨ Supporting time awareness with shaded analog clocks ✨ Understanding how sensory stress impacts memory and planning

Sarah also discusses her program volumes focused on time awareness, self-regulation, and planning, along with resources available through her Time Tracker tools.

This episode is packed with compassionate insight and concrete strategies for supporting executive function in autistic children, teens, and adults — offering both understanding and hope.

00:00 Welcome To The Podcast

00:44 Meet Sarah Ward

02:41 Sarah Personal Journey

04:55 Decision Paralysis Stories

07:25 What Executive Function Is

11:14 Mental Movie Spectrum

13:17 Time Sense And Body

17:29 Sensory Anxiety And Memory

19:00 School Versus Home Demands

23:13 State Dependent Performance

25:12 Self Esteem And Opportunities

29:16 Why Tools Often Fail

33:58 Mental Movie Planning

35:40 Photos Before Checklists

37:23 Action Verbs and Because

39:59 Student Built Checklists

41:58 Analog Clock Shading

45:28 Bus Morning Case Study

48:40 360 Thinking Volumes

53:24 Managing Distractions

57:11 Time Tracker Resources

01:03:24 Hope and Wrap Up

Connect with Finding Hope on the Spectrum:

Email: [email protected] 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574918739411 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-wagner-4819233a/ 

Instagram: @findinghopeonthespectrum 

TikTok: Findinghopeonthespectrum

Guest Contact:

efpractice.com

Brooke hosts “Finding Hope on the Spectrum” with Dr. Nima, a former engineer who turned to holistic healing after a heart crisis. Facing a pacemaker recommendation for severe palpitations, he discovered Kirlian photography in Russia. By scanning himself daily, he resolved his symptoms within six months by balancing body systems and emotions. He views humans as layered energetic systems and discusses how "downward causation" and chronic stress drive inflammation.

Dr. Nima compares the body to an onion where the outer biofield shows distortions before physical illness. He uses German sensors and respiratory biofeedback to measure the autonomic nervous system. His work with 2,000 people across 20 medical centers shows reductions in chronic pain after six sessions. He leads Gaia Healers (join.gaiahealers.com) and Gaia Seekers (gaiaseekers.com), a nonprofit tied to Biofield University.

The episode connects these ideas to autism, focusing on parent regulation and gut health. Dr. Nima uses sound therapy, photobiomodulation, and biofeedback for autistic children, reporting immediate improvements in posture and digestion. Scanning also helps identify uncommunicated emotions. He details color therapy (e.g., green for love) via light, food, or baths. Visit https://www.google.com/search?q=NimaFarshid.com for referrals and info on his Orlando healing homes and conferences.

00:00 How Biofield Scans Help Autistic Kids Understand Emotions00:52 Welcome to Finding Hope on the Spectrum + Introducing Dr. Nima03:01 Health Crisis Wake-Up Call: Palpitations, EKG, and the Pacemaker Ultimatum04:33 From Pre-Med Dreams to Software Success—and Back to a Healing Mission07:26 World Travels for Answers: Discovering Bioenergy Tech in Russia08:51 Daily Scans & Pattern Recognition: Fixing the Root Causes Behind Symptoms10:20 We’re More Than a Physical Body: Upward vs. Downward Causation Explained13:56 Measuring Emotions in the Body: Anger, the Liver, and Subconscious Stress16:45 Releasing Old Trauma: Revisiting Childhood Patterns to Heal the System19:10 From Personal Breakthrough to Global Movement: Practitioners, Protocols, Proof23:28 “Seekers Become Healers”: Building Gaia Healers & Gaia Seekers Communities29:46 What Is the Biofield? The Onion-Layer Analogy and Early Warning Signs33:58 Reframing Breakups: Healing the Biofield Through Perspective Shifts34:48 When Grudges Seep In: Energy Overload, Homeostasis, and System Breakdown35:33 Scanning the ‘Onion’: Measuring Outer Biofield vs Inner Bioenergy Layers36:42 New Tools from Germany & Italy: Pulsar Sensors, ANS Testing, and Biofeedback Fixes39:50 Clinical Results & Recharging Organs: Restoring Lost ‘Charge’ After Dysregulation42:14 Chronic Stress Explained: Cortisol Rhythm, Inflammation, and Fight-or-Flight Living45:09 Coherent Parents, Calmer Homes: How Regulation Impacts Autistic Kids47:34 Water, Thoughts, and Frequency: Measuring Emotions + the Rice Experiment50:20 Autism Session Walkthrough: Sound Therapy, Photobiomodulation, and Breath Reset53:10 Gut Issues & Remote Breathwork: Regulating the ANS to Restore Digestion55:41 How to Get Started: Practitioners, Conferences, Healing Homes, and Online Community57:22 Color Therapy 101: Using Frequency via Light, Food, Oils, and Baths59:58 Closing Reflections: Mission, Oneness, and Staying in Touch

Connect with Finding Hope on the Spectrum:Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574918739411⁠Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-wagner-4819233a/⁠Instagram: @findinghopeonthespectrumTikTok: Findinghopeonthespectrum

Guest Contact:https://gaiahealers.com/

Brooke hosts an episode of "Finding Hope on the Spectrum" featuring Kat Lee, an RDI consultant and mother of an autistic adult son. Kat recounts her son’s "severe autism" diagnosis 30 years ago, a time when services were scarce and parents relied on each other for mentorship. After starting with ABA to build regulation and trust, Kat eventually discovered RDI, which became the "missing piece" by focusing on parental empowerment and developmental steps.

Kat highlights the contrast between the past's scarcity and today’s overwhelming abundance of options. She warns that "doing it all" can keep families in a state of crisis and exhaustion. Instead, she advises parents to slow down, trust their instincts, and choose interventions based on clear, measurable goals. Kat shares personal stories of resilience—from handling a sudden school rejection with self-compassion to helping her son overcome his fear of roller coasters—emphasizing that growth is possible well into adulthood.

00:00 Why "All the Therapies" Can Backfire

01:20 Welcome + Today’s Question: Too Many Options

02:41 Meet Kat Lee: 30+ Years of Autism Parenting

04:17 The Diagnosis: ‘Severe Autism’ & No Hope

07:39 Scarcity Era: Refusing Limiting Predictions

10:16 First Steps: ABA at Home & Mentors

12:30 Early Progress: Regulation & Building Trust

14:10 Why Clear Goals and Measurement Matter

15:20 Discovering RDI: The Missing Piece

17:40 Empowering Parents as an RDI Consultant

21:47 Parent Networks Then & Now: Community Support

25:52 Today’s Abundance: The Need to Slow Down

31:51 Saying ‘Not Right Now’: Setting Limits

33:28 A Filter for Choices: Define Goals & Evaluate

35:43 Why Less Can Help Kids Thrive

37:20 Trust Your Gut vs. Copying Others

41:28 School Rejection Story & Giving Yourself Grace

47:05 It’s Never Too Late: Neuroplasticity & Hope

49:13 Helping Overwhelmed Families: Parent Stability

53:09 Family Vision and Making Room for Joy

58:25 Pride, Resilience, and the Rollercoaster Story

01:03:50 Wrap-Up & Contact Info

Connect with Finding Hope on the Spectrum:Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574918739411⁠

Linkedin: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-wagner-4819233a/⁠

Instagram: @findinghopeonthespectrum

TikTok: FindinghopeonthespectrumGuest Contact: https://www.autismtexas.com/about

In this episode of 'Finding Hope on the Spectrum,' host Brooke converses with Dr. Deb Budding, a board-certified neuropsychologist, about the impact of video games on neurodivergent children. They explore the balance between healthy and unhealthy gaming, emphasizing self-regulation over obedience. Dr. Budding shares insights on the evolving gaming landscape, the importance of understanding content, and how parents can effectively manage their children's screen time. They also discuss the role of video games in social engagement and the need for community support among parents navigating similar challenges.

00:00 Introduction and Importance of Self-Regulation

01:19 Welcome to Finding Hope on the Spectrum

02:11 Today's Topic: Video Games and Family Concerns

03:10 Guest Introduction: Dr. Budding

03:37 The Evolution of Video Games

04:31 Parental Concerns and Game Content

05:33 Roblox and Age Restrictions

07:00 Hyperfocus and Self-Regulation

10:58 Balancing Screen Time and Physical Activity

26:03 Therapeutic Benefits of Video Games

27:57 Challenges of Online Safety and Social Interaction

34:10 The Importance of Reducing Stress for Neurodivergent Kids

34:54 Balancing Privacy and Supervision for Kids Online

38:46 The Role of Self-Regulation and Co-Regulation

39:41 The Power of Explaining the 'Why' to Neurodivergent Kids

41:01 The Evolution of Video Games and Parental Involvement

42:22 The Therapeutic Benefits of Video Games

46:40 Encouraging Outdoor Activities and Animal Therapy

47:45 The Challenges of Parenting Neurodivergent Kids

52:54 The Ever-Changing Landscape of Parenting and Technology

56:35 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Connect with Finding Hope on the Spectrum:

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574918739411

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-wagner-4819233a/

Instagram: @findinghopeonthespectrum

TikTok: Findinghopeonthespectrum

Guest Contact:

https://deborahbudding.com/

Resource:

https://www.crossplay.news/

In this episode of Finding Hope on the Spectrum, host Brooke welcomes back Dr. Lisa Loegering, an integrative developmental pediatrician, for an in-depth discussion on leucovorin and gut therapies. They explore the FDA's approval of leucovorin for cerebral folate deficiency, its off-label use for autism, and how it differs from other forms of folate supplements. Dr. Loegering also discusses the benefits of using compounding pharmacies and the importance of complementary nutrients like B12. The conversation extends to gut-based interventions such as fecal transplants and how parents can start working on their child's microbiome at home. Practical advice and actionable steps are provided for families seeking to support their neurodiverse children.

00:00 FDA Approval and Initial Buzz Around Leucovorin

01:42 Introduction to the Podcast and Today's Guest

02:21 Deep Dive into Leucovorin and Its Uses

03:21 Understanding Folinic Acid and Its Forms

06:08 Compounding Pharmacies vs. Commercial Pharmacies

08:45 Deciding to Try Leucovorin and Testing

12:23 Challenges and Considerations in Using Leucovorin

18:21 Additional Nutrients to Enhance Leucovorin's Effectiveness

23:53 Broader Context and Final Thoughts on Leucovorin

26:51 Recap of Previous Episodes

27:22 Introduction to Gut-Based Interventions

28:34 Fecal Transplant Studies and Challenges

34:07 Microbiome and Autism

36:03 Practical Tips for Parents

40:55 Medications vs. Nutritional Supports

49:09 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Connect with Finding Hope on the Spectrum:

Email: [email protected] 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574918739411 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-wagner-4819233a/ 

Instagram: @findinghopeonthespectrum 

TikTok: Findinghopeonthespectrum

Guest Contact:

http://lisajlmd.com/