Parents Need ACCESS to the Right Doctors

Welcome to Episode 293 of Autism Parenting Secrets.

If you’re raising a child with complex medical or neurological challenges, you’ve likely discovered that not all doctors are equipped to help - especially when symptoms don’t fit neatly into one diagnosis.

This week, we talk about why that gap exists and what’s starting to change.

My guest, Honey Rinicella, is the Executive Director of the Medical Academy of Pediatrics and Special Needs, also known as MAPS.

MAPS is the leading organization training physicians to care for children with complex conditions - including autism, PANS/PANDAS, epilepsy, immune dysregulation, allergies, and more - by addressing root causes rather than isolated symptoms.

Under Honey’s leadership, MAPS is also opening the door for parents to hear directly from these practitioners, recognizing that parent understanding, clarity, and leadership are essential for progress.

In this conversation, we explore what makes MAPS doctors different, why community and in-person connection matter so much for families, and why parents need more than just additional information.

The secret this week is… 

Parents Need ACCESS to the Right Doctors

You'll Discover:

• Why Most Doctors Aren’t Trained For Complex Kids (2:10)
• How MAPS Doctors Think Differently About Complex Kids (6:45)
• Why MAPS Is Rapidly Attracting More Physicians (12:30)
• How In-Person Community Changes Parents And Outcomes (21:40)
• Why Parents Play A Bigger Role Than They Realize (29:10)

About Our Guest:

Honey Rinicella is the Executive Director of the Medical Academy of Pediatrics and Special Needs (MAPS), the nation’s leading organization training physicians to care for children with complex medical needs using integrative and functional approaches. Under her leadership, MAPS has expanded its educational programming and strengthened collaboration among practitioners, researchers, and advocacy leaders nationwide. Honey’s work is deeply personal. As the mother of twins with complex medical needs, her advocacy began at home and grew into a lifelong commitment to ensuring families have access to compassionate care, reliable information, and a supportive community.

References In This Episode:

• Medical Academy of Pediatrics and Special Needs (MAPS)
• MAPS Fellowship Program
• MAPS Spring Conference for Practitioners (Charlotte, NC) - Practitioners use code APS2026 for a discount
• MAPS Spring Conference - Parent Day (Charlotte, NC) - Parents use code ALLIN10 for a discount)

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?

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