From the Spectrum: Finding Superpowers with Autism

For today’s episode, Dr. Hanna Stevens joins me to discuss early prenatal factors of early brain development. Dr. Stevens received an MD and PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Illinois. Dr. Hanna Stevens leads the Psychiatry and Early Neurobiological Development Lab at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. Dr. Stevens is a distinguished Professor of Psychiatry and holder of the Ida P. Haller Chair.

Her work leads groundbreaking research into the molecular and cellular foundations of early brain development, and is pivotal in linking prenatal stress, environmental factors, and genetic influences on childhood behavior and the emergence of disorders. With a focus on the critical periods of pregnancy and early childhood, her research aims to revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment of conditions throughout the lifespan. By the end of this episode, we hope you receive valuable information about the Placenta, Womb, and Development.

Dr. Hanna Stevens https://medicine.uiowa.edu/psychiatry/profile/hanna-stevens

Iowa Healthcare https://uihc.org/childrens/providers/hanna-e-stevens

Psychiatry and Early Neurobiological Development Lab (PENDL) https://stevens.lab.uiowa.edu

Publications https://stevens.lab.uiowa.edu/publications

0:00 Dr. Hanna Stevens

2:00 Journey into Neuroscience and Psychiatry

8:13 Prenatal Development of Autism

14:02 The significance of NF-kB in Brain Development

23:10 Serotonin; Leukocytes as a window into our Biology; Cortisol

29:02 Steroid Hormones and Stress & Development

34:12 Methylation

40:00 Cell Proliferation & Migration in Fetal Development; Antioxidants

45:56 Oxidative Stress; Mitochondria; Antioxidants

48:30 Quantum Biology/Physics

** Me shaking my head at minute 48:50 is not intended at Dr. Stevens, but at myself because I tell myself not to keep going to the electrons and light for a Cause of Autism to guests

53:19 Future Research & Dorsal Striatum; Volume; Brain Development

1:00 Reviews/Rating; Contact Info

X: https://x.com/rps47586

Hopp: https://www.hopp.bio/fromthespectrum

email: [email protected]

For today's episode, we go back to the origins of Autism. It seems necessary because of the recent shifts in what is Autism and the confusion in the rates of Autism. Autism was here in the 1930's, and it magically showed up in different areas of the world. The two-part series intends to remember the phenotypes that appeared and became known as Autism and Asperger's.

It is my opinion, the recent shifts in defining Autism could be rooted in questionable intentions. Regardless, one goal of the podcast is understanding and explaining Autism. By the end of the episode, and by the end of the two-part series, I hope you gain understanding of the Autistic Phenotype.

If the children described by Asperger in Autistic Psychopathy in Childhood were alive today, they would receive a smorgasbord of diagnosis.

Introduction to the Podcast (00:00:00 - 00:00:41,320):

Asperger's Work and Concept of Autism (00:00:41,320 - 00:02:21,040):

Historical Context and Asperger vs. Kanner (00:02:21,040 - 00:05:10,520):

Case Study: Fritz V. (00:05:45,080 - 00:11:25,920):

• Detailed case study of Fritz, highlighting social integration issues, motor delays, superior speech, and behavioral challenges.
• Discussion on how modern medicine might label Fritz with multiple diagnoses.

Case Study: Harold L. (00:13:21,040 - 00:15:25,240):

• Description of Harold's struggles with school, social withdrawal, and the conflict between autistic capabilities and societal expectations.

Case Study: Ernest (00:17:37,960 - 00:21:00,160):

• Ernest's case with normal development but severe academic struggles, social withdrawal, and unique learning styles, suggesting individual teaching methods for autistics.

Case Study: Hellmuth L. (00:21:16,680 - 00:24:40,240):

• Helmuth's case with complications at birth, delayed development, obesity, and later sexual tendencies, linking these to environmental and light exposure changes.

Common Features Across Asperger's Cases (00:24:49,600 - 00:26:29,720):

• Summary of common traits observed across Asperger's 200 cases, including eye gaze issues, peripheral vision, and social interaction patterns.

Asperger's Insights on Autistic Intelligence (00:26:29,720 - 00:27:37,760):

• Discussion on the unique intelligence and original ideas in autistic children, introducing the concept of "Asperger's little professors."

Reflection on Autism as a Phenotype vs. Disorder (00:27:37,760 - 00:29:12,680):

Historical Figures and Autism (00:29:12,680 - 00:29:41,480):

• Speculation on whether historical geniuses might have had autistic traits, highlighting that autism could be viewed as a superpower in certain contexts.

Conclusion (00:29:41,480 - 00:30:42,800):

X: https://x.com/rps47586

Hopp: https://www.hopp.bio/fromthespectrum

email: [email protected]

For today's episode, we go back to the origins of Autism. It seems necessary because of the recent shifts in what is Autism and the confusion in the rates of Autism. Autism was here in the 1930's, and it magically showed up in different areas of the world. (Part 2 on Asperger's "little professors" next). The two-part series intends to remember the phenotypes that appeared and became known as Autism.

It is my opinion, the recent shifts in defining Autism could be rooted in questionable intentions. Regardless, one goal of the podcast is understanding and explaining Autism. By the end of the episode, and by the end of the two-part series, I hope you gain understanding of the Autistic Phenotype.

Leo Kanner: Autistic Disturbances of Affective Contact http://www.autismtruths.org/pdf/Autistic%20Disturbances%20of%20Affective%20Contact%20-%20Leo%20Kanner.pdf

0:00 Intro

0:45 Erwin Schrödinger Quote; Quantum Physics; Missing link in Medicine

2:56 Kanner's Autistic Disturbances of Affective Contact; Demographics

3:52 Ages; Boys versus Girls; Phenotypes; Family History

6:26 Important consideration of Family History- electricity and nnEMF; general observation and important phenotypes

9:30 Anticipatory Motor Adjustment; Reflexes; Sensory and Adaptive Responses

13:32 Monotonous Repetitions; Sameness

15:26 Spelling and Language

18:20 Commands and Intrusions

18:57 Autism, not Autism and ADHD; Intense Fixations & Neuroplasticity; Default Mode Network; Sameness

24:00 Oblivious to Others; Inattentive- It's not ADHD, it's Autism

27:39 Changes & More on Sameness & Repetitions

30:10 Rote Memory; Gastrointestinal: Timelines and Milestones

X: https://x.com/rps47586

Hopp: https://www.hopp.bio/fromthespectrum

email: [email protected]

For today's episode, Dr. Eric Weiss, MD, explains an exciting medical approach for Autism. Dr. Weiss, who holds board certification in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, is a notable figure in regenerative medicine. Dr. Weiss is a Veteran of the U.S. Navy. Dr. Weiss attended Duke University Medical School for his medical degree, completed his General Surgery Residency at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), and did his Plastic Surgery Residency at the University of Miami. He has a special interest in using regenerative therapies to address autism.

Dr. Eric Weiss recounts his journey into innovative medical practices, moving away from conventional pharmaceutical treatments. As a father to Marston, his dedication to exploring treatments for autism stems from personal experience. Throughout his story, his enthusiasm for natural healing methods is evident. By the end of this episode, listeners should gain insight into a thoroughly researched medical intervention that's gaining traction in the autism community.

Dr. Eric Weiss, MD: https://northfloridastemcells.com

Dr. Eric Weiss, MD: https://linktr.ee/neflps

Educating Marston: https://www.educatingmarston.com

Disclaimer: This is not Medical Advice.

0:00 Dr. Eric Weiss, MD

1:55 Dr. Weiss's Medical Journey

5:01 Intersection of Autism and Stem Cell Research

12:09 Personal Experience as a Parent with Autism

15:58 Understanding Umbilical Cord Blood Treatment

22:39 The Process of Umbilical Cord Blood Donation

25:55 The Science behind Stem Cell Healing

32:31 Future of Regenerative Medicine

34:24 Natural Healing and Lifestyle, Not Big Pharma

36:56 Mitochondrial Function & Energy Production

39:09 The Impact of Light on Health

41:07 Understanding Inflammation & Modern Disease

44:30 Stem Cell Therapy: Mechanisms & Effects

48:41 The Future of Medicine: Beyond Pharmaceuticals

54:14 Professional Transition into Stem Cell and Regenerative Therapy

58:05 Exploring Cytokines & Interleukins; Patterns of Disease; Dr. Weiss's Contact Info

1:07 Reviews/Ratings; Contact Info

X: https://x.com/rps47586

Hopp: https://www.hopp.bio/fromthespectrum

email: [email protected]

For today's episode, Nicole Rincon, PA-C, returns to discuss the risks associated with Autism development. The conversation spans from before conception through to after birth. We'll explore how factors related to the mother can influence autism risk, and we'll look at specific tests and signs in the body (labs and biomarkers) that have been linked to Autism. Additionally, we'll cover environmental influences, dietary considerations, acute medical conditions and medications, seasonal patterns, and various other aspects to be mindful of.

By the end of the episode, we hope you'll gain valuable insights to consider as you navigate pregnancy. Our goal is to educate listeners, especially those who are pregnant or planning to conceive, about these potential risk factors, equipping them with the knowledge to make informed decisions or to be more aware during these pivotal times.

Nicole Rincon https://www.nicolerincon.com/nicole-rincon

Rossignol Medical Center https://rossignolmedicalcenter.com/doctors/nicole-rincon/

TACA Info: https://tacanow.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/F-H-2-Nicole-Rincon-Beginning-Biomed.pdf

TACA Talks: https://www.nicolerincon.com/videos

X: https://x.com/NicoleRinconPA

Publications https://rossignolmedicalcenter.com/articles-publications/#published-2024-2-articles

Other Resources:

Autism and the Embryo, and expanding Artificial Light as a possible cause of Autism

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOVp4mIroug

(See 18:36)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtA-aMN7ziY

DISCLAIMER: THIS IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE.

0:00 Nicole Rincon

1:00 Understanding Pre-Pregnancy Risks

4:02 Maternal Risks Factors for Autism

6:53 Environmental Factors for Autism

9:56 Alternatives to Common Medications

12:58 The Role of Light & Seasonal Factors

16:02 Serotonin & Autism

18:56 Inflammation & Mitochondria

22:08 Infections & Antibiotics

25:08 Lab Work & Biomarkers for Maternal Health

27:46 Tyrosine, Thyroid, & Iodine; Depression, Fatigue

31:07 Folate & Methylation in Pregnancy; Autoimmune; Pregnancy Complications

40:40 Amino Acids; Dietary Types & Autism; Personal Diets

49:00 Eating Seasonally & Locally

51:01 Post-Pregnancy Nutrition

54:00 Breastfeeding versus Formula Feeding; Environmental Factors & Toxins, Plastics, Water

1:00 The Role of Sunlight on Human Biology; Leptin & Hormones, Metabolism Accountant; Red Light

1:02 Sun and Sunscreen; Beta-Endorphins, Cannabinoids, Hormones

1:07 Concluding Thoughts on Health & Family

X: https://x.com/rps47586

Hopp: https://www.hopp.bio/fromthespectrum

email: [email protected]

Relationships are challenging.

In this episode, we explore some of the Autistic phenotype challenges in relationships. We discuss symptoms from criteria A are external and criteria B are internal, and how criteria B complicates the symptoms in criteria A. In addition, Autism is a comparison to social-norms, and this is a problem. Some environments/relationships discussed include peer-to-peer, romantic, and parent-child. To begin, we explain the mechanisms behind the speaker-receiver and the use of conveying speech in socialness.

Before we begin, we cover a brief explanation of Speaker-Receiver and human communication.

Dr. Theresa Regan episode https://youtu.be/aUhIreFd5sw

Autism and Adaptive Responses https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-the-spectrum-finding-superpowers-with-autism/id1737499562?i=1000658438095

What is Autism: Criteria A https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-the-spectrum-finding-superpowers-with-autism/id1737499562?i=1000651048705

The Roles of Oxytocin and Vasopressin in the Autistic Phenotype https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-the-spectrum-finding-superpowers-with-autism/id1737499562?i=1000660031273

(0:00) Intro; Speaker-Receiver explanation when conveying speech

(3:55) Unpredicableness in socialness; black and white thinking and context-dependent and adaptive responses; Metabolic energy/resources; Oxytocin and Serotonin

(7:10) Biology that gives us Autism gives us complications to socialness and relationships; Sex-differences and socialness

(8:40) Criteria A is external, Criteria B is internal; Sensory-Processing

(10:32) B.2 and B.3 implicates socialness

(16:58) Direct social interactions

(22:26) Autism versus social norms; Romantic relationships

(26:51) Do Autistics outgrow Autism?

(28:04) Parenting

(31:30) Cohabitating

(32:28) Wrap Up

(32:45) Reviews/Ratings and contact info

Links: hopp.bio/fromthespectrum

X: https://twitter.com/rps47586

Email: [email protected]

For today's episode, we speak with Dr. Theresa Regan, PhD & CAS, about adolescents and adults with Autism. Dr. Regan is a neuropsychologist with over 25 years of experience serving adolescents, adults, and seniors in hospital settings. She is a Certified Autism Specialist and the Director of the OSF HealthCare Adult Diagnostic Autism Clinic. Dr. Regan has conducted over 1,000 assessments on adolescents and adults with Autism. Her expertise in brain-behavior relationships, adult and geriatric medical conditions, and autism has provided her with a unique set of qualifications for serving adults with autism.

In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Regan is the author of Understanding Autism and the host of the podcast "Autism in the Adult." During the episode, Dr. Regan shares valuable tools and protocols for Autistics as we learn to navigate various responsibilities such as employment and relationships. Her role as a neuropsychologist offers her insights into alternative approaches beneficial for both Autistics and their friends, family, as well as in employment and educational settings.

Dr. Theresa Regan https://www.adultandgeriatricautism.com

OSF Healthcare https://www2.osfhealthcare.org/providers/theresa-regan-1602000

Autism in the Adult https://open.spotify.com/show/2POoTBvzgPr0yIkU7dmw2m?si=31381356153f4903&nd=1&dlsi=8f401dc6fce54bb5

Understanding Autism https://www.amazon.com/dp/B098KQKZT7?binding=kindle_edition&ref_=ast_author_bsi

0:00 Dr. Theresa Regan

1:42 Journey into Psychology and Autism

7:20 Understanding Autism in Adults

13:39 The Role of Self-Knowledge in Relationships

19:47 Challenges faced by Adults with Autism

25:32 Tools and Protocols for Regulation

31:48 Navigating Employment

37:54 The Importance of Self-Care and Balance

43:35 Resources and Future Direction

55:18 Reviews/Rating and Contact Info

X: https://x.com/rps47586

Hopp: https://www.hopp.bio/fromthespectrum

email: [email protected]

In this episode, we discuss Autism with Nicole Rincon, PA-C from Rossignol Medical Center. Nicole Rincon is a board-certified Physician Assistant (PA-C) who specializes in Pediatric Special Needs, MAPS (Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs), Integrative, and Functional Medicine. At Rossignol Medical Center, she is actively involved in patient care, research, and educational content. Nicole adopts valuable holistic and patient-centered care approaches in her practice.

Nicole also brings a deeply personal perspective to the discussion as a mother of children with regressive Autism. This personal journey has fueled her motivation to explore the complexities of Autism, leading her to Rossignol Medical Center. Prior to this, Nicole spent years in medical weight management, focusing on nutritional counseling and wellness supplementation. This background provides her with unique insights into the metabolic, gastrointestinal, and environmental factors influencing Autism.

Disclaimer: This is not Medical Advice

Nicole Rincon https://www.nicolerincon.com/nicole-rincon

Rossignol Medical Center https://rossignolmedicalcenter.com/doctors/nicole-rincon/

TACA Info: https://tacanow.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/F-H-2-Nicole-Rincon-Beginning-Biomed.pdf

TACA Talks: https://www.nicolerincon.com/videos

X: https://x.com/NicoleRinconPA

Publications https://rossignolmedicalcenter.com/articles-publications/#published-2024-2-articles

0:00 Nicole Rincon

2:07 Nicole's Personal and Professional Journey into Medicine and Autism; "Who's the guy in Charge?"

12:30 Understanding Autism Trough Research and Interventions; Regression; Omegas and Toxins

21:56 Functional Medicine Approach to Autism; Rossignol Medical Center

25:07 Introduction to various Folate factors, Folate Receptor Antibodies, and Methylation

30:36 The Role of Mitochondrial Dysfunction and the many Comorbid Conditions of Autism (Autism and X, Y, Z)

36:02 Collaborative Approach at Rossignol Medical Center; Research Insights and Opportunities from Nicole's multiple roles

42:22 Challenges with the Current Medical Paradigm

44:09 Maternal Health and its Impact on Autism

48:34 Investigating Autism Beyond Vaccines

50:59 The Role of Light and Environment in Human Biology; Electrons and Magnetism

53:26 Introduction to Nicole's Comprehensive Evaluation from a Functional Medicine Approach; Understanding the Patient and Upstream Dysfunctions

1:02 Multifactorial Approach

1:05 The Future of Medicine, integrating Functional and Patient Center Care

1:13 Reviews/Ratings and Contact Info

X: https://x.com/rps47586

Hopp: https://www.hopp.bio/fromthespectrum

email: [email protected]

For today’s episode, we discuss Autism with J.D. Barker. J.D. is a New York Times and International Best-Selling Author. His debut novel, Forsaken, caught the attention of legendary Author, Stephen King, who allowed Barker to use one of his characters from Needful Things for Barker’s debut novel. His writing career took off with The Fourth Monkey, which drew widespread attention, leading to a series of auctions and pre-empts for its publishing rights globally. Barker's style often involves intricate plots that blend psychological depth with supernatural or crime elements, appealing to fans of both horror and thriller genres.

Barker's work expanded when he was approached by Bram Stoker's family to co-author a prequel to Dracula, titled Dracul, utilizing previously unpublished notes by Stoker. Barker is a frequent co-author with legendary writer, James Patterson. Listen to how Barker can create such vivid imagination with the characters he creates. In addition, Barker shares critical information on how he navigates such a prolific and successful writing career, often managing many projects with great efficiency. This episode provides critical insights on how the Autistic Phenotype can strive with their unique superpowers.

J.D. Barker https://jdbarker.com/books/heavy-are-the-stones/

J.D Barker and Christine Daigle's upcoming book in November, Heavy Are the Stones https://www.amazon.com/Heavy-Are-Stones-J-D-Barker-ebook/dp/B0D5RKLYPC/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2TRLN3LUMCEFA&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.FJj1OgrpA4iJyLa9pHJ9ZQ.GiVjyydPJtKVpMdmN0HupggAyTd0GcjUBJ9l5UUA6xM&dib_tag=se&keywords=heavy+are+the+stones+jd+barker&qid=1728672013&sprefix=jd+barker+heavy%2Caps%2C119&sr=8-1

J.D. Barker Books https://www.amazon.com/s?k=JD+Barker&crid=18DBO8RHA8T05&sprefix=jd+barker%2Caps%2C111&ref=nb_sb_noss_1

X: https://x.com/jdbarker

0:00 JD Barker

2:49 Early Years of Creativity, Books, & Understanding Autism; Trying to Fit-In; Following Rules, Black and White thinking versus Gray

11:43 Superpowers of Writing as a Reflection, Creativity, & Intelligence of the Inner World

15:00 Superpowers of Autism by Creating Catalogs: Patterns, Visual & Thinking in Pictures, & Creating Characters

20:42 Balancing Life with Autism

23:51 The Writing Bout; the Importance of Managing Energy to avoid Burnout

35:42 Focusing on the Process, not the Outcome

39:35 Stephen King's Blessing & Approval of Forsaken; the journey to meet King

41:44 James Patterson Collaborations

43:25 Bram Stoker & the Prequel to Dracula, Dracul; Superpower of the Autistic Brain example

46:11 Recognizing Autism in Children

49:11 Future work

52:42 Review/Ratings & Contact Info

X: https://x.com/rps47586

Hopp: https://www.hopp.bio/fromthespectrum

email: [email protected]

In this episode, we discuss Autism and the Default Mode Network. According to Lisa Feldman-Barrett, the Default Mode Network has many names because it has been discovered, named, rediscovered, and renamed many times. I do not disagree with the Science regarding Autism and the Default Mode Network. However, I disagree with the Interpretation of the Data. This IS our Default; our preferred state; the core of the Autistic Phenotype.

After listening to this episode and understanding B.3, you can understand MOST of Autism. The only reason you cannot understand ALL of Autism from these two episodes is the amount of Phenotypes branching off of B.3 and our Default Mode. Autism IS preference for ALONENESS and SAMENESS. This minimizes sensations and distractions that interfere with our internal world. This state is NOT abnormal, how society interferes with it makes it abnormal.

If you want more Autistics to ACHIEVE, then understand your interaction, interference, and interpretation of what YOU think Autism is, and that delta determines how much we are prevented in life. This, of course, becomes slightly different the more profound the Autistic Phenotype is with that specific person.

In this episode, we will explore the different brain regions and the goals of these regions as it relates to our phenotypes. We will get into some "Thinking in Picture" and thinking styles. This will be a good time because of a future guest on From the Spectrum Podcast discussing Autism and Creativity. This is exciting for me.

Lisa Feldman-Barrett Core System (DMN) https://lisafeldmanbarrett.com/2017/02/05/core-systems/

0:41 Research at UT-Austin and the Importance of the INFRARED LIGHT study with Autism

5:48 Autism and the Default Mode Network (DMN); Buzzword in Science

7:19 Humans and our Prediction Machine and Sensory Processing; Innate or Learned; Oxytocin in the Autistic Phenotype;

9:36 History of DMN (from Lisa Feldman-Barrett) and the many names; Core Systems

11:58 medial Prefrontal Cortex (covered in many episodes); roles, E/I, connectivity, Internal Calculators

14:45 Posterior Cingulate Cortex (PCC); Self-Referential Thinking, Memory, Attention, Task-Switching and the harms of calling it ADHD

18:03 Angular Gyrus; Language, Sensory Processing "Bee Movie" example, Mental Images, Narratives, Empathy

21:12 Supplementing Relationships

23:36 Sensation-Perception

24:30 Precuneus; Self-Awareness, Episodic Memory, Prediction and Strategic Planning

25:52 Social Cognition; Social Cues and Skills

27:50 Autism and Anxiety- Avoidance, Breathing (Physiology), and Valence (how we feel)

28:48 Internal Calculators; Metabolic Bank Account and Demands

29:26 the DMN is a Misnomer and the Default (tendency, phenotype) of the Autistic

33:04 Reviews/Ratings, Contact Info

X: https://twitter.com/rps47586

Hopp: https://www.hopp.bio/fromthespectrum

email: [email protected]