Night Terrors S2E34 Episode 69 4/22/26

Parenting can be chaotic, and nighttime can be particularly tricky. In this episode we dive into the world of night terrors (sleep terrors)—what they look like, why they happen, and how to manage them. Drawing on our experience as pediatricians and parents, we provide both medical insight and practical strategies for surviving these frightening episodes.

Resources: 

Nightmares, Night Terrors & Sleepwalking in Children: How Parents Can Help https://healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/preschool/Pages/Nightmares-and-Night-Terrors.aspx?utm_source=chatgpt.com

EPISODE CREDITS: Hosts - Sylvia Bank, MD and Vivian Carlin, MD

Visit our webpage https://tenkidstwodocs.com Follow our show on TikTok/Facebook/Instagram/Youtube @TenKidsTwoDocs, and share your thoughts with us by emailing [email protected] 

00:00 Introduction

00:36 Night Terrors vs Nightmares

01:32 A Mother’s Experience The Active Terror

04:36 Common Triggers Illness and Sleep Deprivation

06:52 Comparing Night Terrors and Nightmares

08:16 Sleepwalking

11:01 Safety Tips and Medical Guidance

13:30 Parenting Hacks to Break a Terror

18:07 The Toll on Parents and Final Thoughts

Hot Topics in Parenting: From Food Allergies to Autism Insights S2E33 Episode 68 4/15/26

In this episode of Drs. Vivian Carlin and Sylvia Bank dive into the latest hot topics in parenting, exploring everything from food allergies and oral immunotherapy to groundbreaking autism research, the impact of social media on kids’ mental health, and updates on vaccines and sleep challenges. They break down complex scientific studies into practical insights for parents, discuss recent news shaping pediatric care, and share strategies to navigate the daily realities of raising children. Whether you’re curious about the latest medical breakthroughs or are looking for guidance on parenting, this episode offers a thoughtful, doctor-backed perspective to help families make informed decisions and feel supported along the way.

Resources:

Ma, D., & Zhu, R. (2024). Low-dose oral immunotherapy in immunoglobulin E-mediated food allergies. Frontiers in Immunology, 15, 1321863. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2024.1321863/full

Litman, A., Sauerwald, N., Green Snyder, L. et al. Decomposition of phenotypic heterogeneity in autism reveals underlying genetic programs. Nat Genet 57, 1611–1619 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41588-025-02224-z

Cha, A. E. (2025, December 26). New science points to 4 distinct types of autism: Scientists are redefining autism as a complex condition with multiple forms, challenging traditional notions. The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/12/26/autism-research-diagnosis-subtypes/

Luglio, D. G., Yu, X., Lin, J. C., Rahman, M., Kleeman, M. J., & others. (2026). Prenatal exposure to wildfire and autism in children. Environmental Science & Technology, 60(4), 2907–2916. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.5c08256?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Elbedour, L., Weinberg, M., Meiri, G., Michaelovski, A., & Menashe, I. (2025). Maternal thyroid hormone imbalance and risk of autism spectrum disorder. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. https://academic.oup.com/jcem/advance‑article/doi/10.1210/clinem/dgaf596/8339900

Ortutay, B. (2026, February 18). Young woman says she was on social media ‘all day long’ as a child in landmark addiction trial. Associated Press. https://apnews.com/article/meta-instagram-facebook-trial-social-media-addiction-2afb4809d2dbbb0d1e69739c7f2b20b3

K.Stromland, et al. Autism in Thalidomide Embryopathy. (1994) Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology 36, 351-356. https://www.princeton.edu/~sswang/ASD/stromland_gillberg94_autism-thalidomide.pdf

EPISODE CREDITS: Hosts - Sylvia Bank, MD and Vivian Carlin, MD

Visit our webpage https://tenkidstwodocs.com Follow our show on TikTok/Facebook/Instagram/Youtube @TenKidsTwoDocs, and share your thoughts with us by emailing [email protected] 

00:00 Introduction & Mission00:34 Reviewing Food Allergy Trends02:47 Subdividing the Autism Spectrum06:42 Environmental Factors & Timing11:45 Personalized Medicine in Autism Care13:44 Social Media Addiction Lawsuits16:29 Upcoming Topics: Vaccines and Sleep18:55 Listener Feedback & Community Growth

Parenting a Child with Autism: Beyond the Diagnosis S2E32 Episode 67 4/8/26

In this second part of this autism series with Dr Theresa Lyons, Dr. Vivian Carlin and Dr. Sylvia  Bank discuss the ongoing challenges of parenting a child with autism—from building your medical and educational team, navigating developmental pediatricians and school advocacy, to understanding therapies, supplements, and science-backed interventions. Dr. Lyons shares practical strategies for creating a support system, the importance of celebrating small victories, and how parents can maintain perspective amid stressful days. She also cautions against misinformation from social media and highlights evidence-based resources for families.

Resources:

Navigating Awetism https://awetism.net/

Aragon‑Guevara, D., Castle, G., Sheridan, E., & Vivanti, G. (2023). The Reach and Accuracy of Information on Autism on TikTok. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 55(6), 1953–1958. 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37544970/

EPISODE CREDITS: Hosts - Sylvia Bank, MD and Vivian Carlin, MD

Special Guest - Dr Theresa Lyons PhD of Navigating Awetisms

Visit our webpage https://tenkidstwodocs.com Follow our show on TikTok/Facebook/Instagram/Youtube @TenKidsTwoDocs, and share your thoughts with us by emailing [email protected]

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Teresa Lyons

01:44 Building Your Team and Navigating School

04:55 The Navigating Autism Platform

06:52 Fact Checking Supplements and Resources

09:29 Managing Expectations and the Parental Mindset

14:21 The Truth About Autism on TikTok

15:26 Letting Go of Guilt and Final Thoughts

Autism in Toddlers: Early Signs and Effective Interventions S2E31 Episode 66 4/1/26

In this episode we sit down with Dr. Teresa Lyons, PhD, a parent of a child with autism and founder of the Navigating Autism Platform, to discuss what steps parents can take after an autism diagnosis. Dr. Lyons shares her personal journey noticing early red flags, the emotional impact of the official diagnosis, and how she transformed her scientific background into practical, evidence-based strategies for supporting her child. Listeners will learn how to prioritize interventions, focus on communication, work effectively with healthcare providers and therapists, and access resources like early intervention programs and coaching to help their families thrive.

Resources:

Navigating Awetism https://awetism.net/

Autism healthychildren resource:

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/Autism/Pages/default.aspx

How Pediatricians Screen for Autism:

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/Autism/Pages/How-Doctors-Screen-for-Autism.aspx

EPISODE CREDITS: Hosts - Sylvia Bank, MD and Vivian Carlin, MD

Special Guest - Dr Theresa Lyons PhD of Navigating Awetisms

Visit our webpage https://tenkidstwodocs.com Follow our show on TikTok/Facebook/Instagram/Youtube @TenKidsTwoDocs, and share your thoughts with us by emailing [email protected] 

00:00 Introduction to Theresa Lyons

00:48 A Parent’s Perspective From PhD to Autism Advocate

01:21 Recognizing Early Red Flags

04:17 The Emotional Weight of a Diagnosis

07:07 Navigating the Autism Platform

09:30 The First Steps After Diagnosis

13:27 Communication and Understanding Behavior

16:51 Medical Screening and Public Resources

Food Allergy Part Two - Supporting Children with Food Allergies S2E30 Episode 65 3/25/26

In this episode we dive deep into our personal experiences as pediatrician moms raising children with food allergies. We discuss the complexities of managing food allergies at home, the balance between caution and freedom, and how these challenges shape family life. We highlight how families with food allergies often face unique stresses, like managing cross-contamination and making tough decisions like whether to create a peanut-free home. Our conversation touches on the emotional rollercoaster of hypervigilance, guilt, and the challenges of parenting children with food allergies.

Resources:

Food Allergies in Children: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatmenthttps://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/nutrition/Pages/Food-Allergies-in-Children.aspx

EPISODE CREDITS: Hosts - Sylvia Bank, MD and Vivian Carlin, MD

Visit our webpage ⁠https://tenkidstwodocs.com⁠ Follow our show on TikTok/Facebook/Instagram/Youtube @TenKidsTwoDocs, and share your thoughts with us by emailing ⁠[email protected]⁠ 

00:00 Introduction

01:07 Personal Encounter with Food Allergies

02:55 Early Signs and Diagnosis

05:34 Navigating Introduction and The Food Ladder

07:51 The Hypervigilant vs. The Guilty Parent

10:14 The Sandwich Swap A Real-World Mistake

12:18 Secondary Challenges Picky Eating and Sleep

17:46 School Safety Plans and Social Integration

24:00 Conclusion and Resources

Food Allergy Part One - Prevention, Diagnosis and Early Management of Infant Food Allergy S2E29 Episode 64 3/18/26

In this episode, Dr. Sylvia Bank shares her personal and professional journey navigating infant food allergies. She and Dr. Vivian Carlin walk listeners through what food allergies can look like in babies and clarify when reactions require emergency care. The conversation explores how recommendations have evolved over the past two decades and review current guidance on introducing high-allergen foods. 

Resources:

Infant Allergies and Food Sensitivities⁠https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/breastfeeding/Pages/Infant-Allergies-and-Food-Sensitivities.aspx⁠

When to Introduce Egg, Peanut Butter & Other Common Food Allergens to a Babyhttps://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/nutrition/Pages/when-to-introduce-egg-peanut-butter-and-other-common-food-allergens-to-your-baby-food-allergy-prevention-tips.aspx

⁠George Du Toit⁠ et al.   Early consumption of peanuts in infancy is associated with a low prevalence of peanut allergy J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2008 Nov;122(5):984-91

EPISODE CREDITS: Hosts - Sylvia Bank, MD and Vivian Carlin, MD

Visit our webpage ⁠https://tenkidstwodocs.com⁠ Follow our show on TikTok/Facebook/Instagram/Youtube @TenKidsTwoDocs, and share your thoughts with us by emailing ⁠[email protected]⁠ 

00:00 Introduction

01:25 Personal Story: Early Warning Signs

03:32 Diet Restrictions & Hypoallergenic Formula

05:48 Introducing Solids & Recognizing Hives

10:06 Prescription Tips

14:32 Early Exposure vs. Avoidance

19:12 Common Allergens & Signs of Reaction

Executive Functioning Tips and Tricks to Implement at Home S2E28 #63

In this third episode of their executive functioning series, Dr. Vivian Carlin and Dr. Sylvia Bank focus on practical, real-life strategies parents can use to strengthen skills like planning, working memory, flexibility, and self-control. Drawing from both their clinical and parenting experience, they share simple tools—from board games and audiobooks to chores and daily routines—that help kids practice these skills in low-pressure, everyday ways, especially children with ADHD.

They also talk about gradually transferring responsibility, coaching kids through social and organizational challenges, being intentional about screen use, and remembering that executive functioning develops slowly over time. This episode offers clear, manageable next steps for parents who want to better support their child’s growth at home.

Resources: 

Cleveland Clinic Executive Function: What It Is, How To Improve & Types

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/executive-function

EPISODE CREDITS: Hosts - Sylvia Bank, MD and Vivian Carlin, MD

Visit our webpage https://tenkidstwodocs.com Follow our show on TikTok/Facebook/Instagram/Youtube @TenKidsTwoDocs, and share your thoughts with us by emailing [email protected] 

00:00 Introduction

00:33 Series Overview Executive Functioning

01:30 Priority Shift

03:03 Building Skills Through Play 

06:35 The Importance of Unstructured Play 

09:34 Household Chores

12:10 The Challenge of Letting Go 

15:44 Professional Support and the Impact of Screens

18:44 Hope for the Future

Executive Functioning in ADHD: A Detailed Look at Unique Challenges S2E27 #62

Our hosts explore how executive functioning challenges manifest in children with ADHD and practical strategies to support them. This episode offers hope and practical guidance for fostering growth, self-awareness, and resilience in children with ADHD, showing that progress is possible with patience, structure, and empathy.

Resources: 

Cleveland Clinic Executive Function: What It Is, How To Improve & Types

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/executive-function

EPISODE CREDITS: Hosts - Sylvia Bank, MD and Vivian Carlin, MD

Visit our webpage https://tenkidstwodocs.com Follow our show on TikTok/Facebook/Instagram/Youtube @TenKidsTwoDocs, and share your thoughts with us by emailing [email protected] 

Divorce Adverse Childhood Experience - Best Divorce Tips #61

We welcome special guest divorce mediator Joe Dillon from Equitable Mediation to the show.  With 28 years of experience in divorce mediation, Joe shares his best divorce tips.  

Resources: 

Equitable Mediation https://www.equitablemediation.com/

Childhood Adversity: Buffering Stress & Building Resilience https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/emotional-wellness/Building-Resilience/Pages/ACEs-Adverse-Childhood-Experiences.aspx

Sesame Workshop Dealing with Divorce https://sesameworkshop.org/resources/dealing-with-divorce/

EPISODE CREDITS: Hosts - Sylvia Bank, MD and Vivian Carlin, MD

Special Guest: Joe Dillon of Equitable Mediation

Visit our webpage https://tenkidstwodocs.com Follow our show on TikTok/Facebook/Instagram/Youtube @TenKidsTwoDocs, and share your thoughts with us by emailing [email protected] 

00:34 Introduction to Joe Dillon 

01:56 Releasing the Guilt of the 50/50 Plan

04:06 Navigating Different Parenting Styles

06:20 Planning for Future Partners and Step-Parents

09:11 Change of Circumstance Scenario Planning

12:14 Practical Pearls Pick-ups vs Drop-offs

13:42 Age-Appropriate Parenting Schedules

16:29 The Reality of Residential Proximity

17:53 Recommended Resources for Kids

Divorce an Adverse Childhood Experience - Child Viewpoint and Parenting Plan S2E25 #60

We welcome special guest divorce mediator Joe Dillon from Equitable Mediation to the show.  He shares his story as a child of divorce and describes the first step of divorce mediation - formulation of the parenting plan.

Resources: 

Equitable Mediation https://www.equitablemediation.com/

Childhood Adversity: Buffering Stress & Building Resilience https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/emotional-wellness/Building-Resilience/Pages/ACEs-Adverse-Childhood-Experiences.aspx

EPISODE CREDITS: Hosts - Sylvia Bank, MD and Vivian Carlin, MD

Special Guest: Joe Dillon from Equitable Mediation

Visit our webpage https://tenkidstwodocs.com Follow our show on TikTok/Facebook/Instagram/Youtube @TenKidsTwoDocs, and share your thoughts with us by emailing [email protected] 

00:00 Introduction to Joe Dillon

02:56 The Parenting Plan as a Foundation

04:25 The Impact of a Litigated Divorce on Teens

05:37 Signs of Trouble: A Child's Perspective

08:03 The Emotional Toll on Kids

12:06 Growing Up Too Fast

15:34 The Crawl, Walk, Run Approach to Planning

18:58 When to Talk to Your Children

21:28 Empowering the Child and Closing Thoughts