Autism Parenting Secrets

Welcome to Episode 302 of Autism Parenting Secrets. In this episode, we’re exploring a tool that many parents have heard about, but few fully understand - laser-based photobiomodulation. Today, I’m joined again by Alex Zaharakis, a medical physicist and researcher who has spent years studying the microbiome and is now focused on how specific wavelengths of light influence cellular function. This conversation is about understanding what’s actually happening beneath the surface, including how light interacts with the mitochondria and how that may influence inflammation, blood flow, and nervous system regulation. We also explore what parents are seeing in real-world use, including changes in regulation, focus, and calm, along with emerging observations that raise questions about detoxification and metals. And most importantly, we talk about how to think about this so you can decide whether it fits into your child’s plan without simply adding another layer. The secret this week is… This Light Can Change BRAIN Function You'll Discover: How Targeted Light Can Improve Motor Function And Coordination (2:43) Why Supporting Mitochondrial Energy Can Influence Inflammation And Brain Function (13:46) How Improved Cellular Energy May Support Natural Detox Pathways (19:04) Why Wavelength, Penetration And Pulsing Determine Effectiveness (26:45) How This Approach May Support Calm, Focus And Regulation (36:05) About Our Guest: Alex Zaharakis is a licensed and board-certified medical physicist in radiation oncology with a multidisciplinary background in physics, biology, engineering, and bioinformatics. His work is driven by his son’s regressive autism and focuses on microbiome analysis, targeted nutraceuticals, and photobiomodulation. Alex has developed tools for quantifying dysbiosis and guiding microbiome-based interventions, along with dynamically pulsed cold laser systems designed to support cellular function. He is co-owner of Researched Elements and provides microbiome analysis support through BiomeSight, as well as free guidance for ASD families through his nonprofit Autism Is Biomedical. Researched Elements Tech - Dynamic Cold Lasers (use code ALLIN for discount) References In This Episode: Dynamic Cold Lasers - Photobiomodulation Researched Elements Tech User Testimonials Cold Laser Parent Feedback Gut Balancing & Dynamic Cold Laser Testimonial 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 301 of Autism Parenting Secrets. In this episode, we're diving into something that gives parents more control, more confidence and more capability to actually help their child. Today, I'm joined by Dr Michelle Perro, a seasoned clinician with over 45 years of experience in pediatrics and integrative medicine, and she's been on the show before, but she's been on the front line seeing what's reacting with our kids, and more importantly, what actually helps them to heal and to thrive. And she's also the author of a powerful new book that was just released, Making Our Children Well, which is all about giving parents a practical roadmap to take back control of their child's health. And one of the key tools we're going to focus on today is homeopathy.  What is it?  Why is it often very well misunderstood, and how parents can actually use it at home in a safe and effective way. The secret this week is… Homeopathy Puts Healing Back In Your Hands You'll Discover: How One Homeopathic Remedy Quickly Changed Dr. Perro’s Perspective (1:53) Why Homeopathy Helps The Body Heal Instead Of Suppressing Symptoms (6:05) Why Homeopathy Is Treated Differently Despite Its Effectiveness (17:20) How Parents Can Begin Using Homeopathy With More Confidence (28:43) Why Today’s Children Often Need Multiple Layers Of Support (40:12) About Our Guest: Dr. Michelle Perro, MD, DHom is a seasoned clinician with nearly 45 years of experience in pediatrics and integrative medicine, dedicated to treating children and families. A Yale graduate, she trained at Mount Sinai Medical School, Bellevue Hospital, and NYU, later serving as Director of a Pediatric Emergency Department in New York City and spending over a decade at UCSF Benioff Oakland Children’s Hospital. For the past 25 years, Dr. Perro has championed integrative approaches to health, focusing on the impact of GM foods and pesticides on children’s well-being. She has lectured globally and co-authored the acclaimed book What’s Making Our Children Sick? Dr. Perro is CEO and co-founder of GMO Science, promoting food as medicine and regenerative health education. Her new book, Making Our Children Well, provides a practical roadmap for parents to take back control of their child’s health through nutrition, detoxification, and homeopathic support. https://www.gmoscience.org References In This Episode: Making Our Children Well by Dr. Michelle Perro What’s Making Our Children Sick? by Dr. Michelle Perro and Vincanne Adams GMO Science 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 300 of Autism Parenting Secrets. Artificial intelligence is changing how parents access information. Answers are faster. Options are clearer. But the risk is real. It’s easy to start relying on a tool instead of trusting your own judgment. In this episode, Patty Lemer and I explore how to use AI as a powerful support system without giving up your role as the decision maker. We also discuss her Total Load Theory AI companion and how it helps parents better understand root causes, prioritize options, and move forward with more clarity. This conversation is about using AI the right way… so it strengthens your leadership instead of replacing it. The secret this week is… AI Can Guide. YOU Decide. You'll Discover: Why AI Should Support Your Thinking, Not Replace It (5:40) How The Source Of AI Information Impacts The Quality Of Answers (7:12) Why Every Decision Still Belongs To The Parent (13:10) How Total Load Theory Helps You Prioritize What Matters Most (22:30) Simple Ways To Use AI To Get Clearer, Faster Insights (25:20) About Our Guest: Patty Lemer has spent nearly six decades helping families understand and address developmental challenges by focusing on root causes. She is the author of Outsmarting Autism and Total Load Theory, and host of The Autism Detective podcast. Her work emphasizes individualized care, helping parents prioritize interventions based on their child’s unique biology, environment, and lifestyle factors. Through her books and AI companion tool, she now makes her knowledge and experience accessible to parents around the world. https://patricialemer.com/ ai.patricialemer.com References In This Episode: Total Load Theory by Patty Lemer Outsmarting Autism by Patty Lemer AI Companion Tool 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 299 of Autism Parenting Secrets. This week we're talking about PANS and PANDAS.  These are conditions that can appear suddenly, create intense symptoms, and leave parents feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what's really going on.  And to help bring some clarity, I'm joined this week by Erin Page.  She's a homeopath, educator, and host of the Remedy Revolution podcast.  Her journey began in 2012 when her own son became ill.  Leading her into deep study and training through Angelica Lemke's School of Intuitive Homeopathy and her work with the Homeopathy Hive team.  Erin has served as an advocate with Autism One, Americans for Homeopathy Choice, Texans for Vaccine Choice, and Pandas Awareness Texas.  Through her practice, Heartwing Healing, she now supports families in navigating pans and pandas and other neuroimmune challenges.  If your child is struggling and you're searching for answers that can actually help, you're exactly where you need to be. The secret this week is…  PANS/PANDAS Responds To The RIGHT Remedy You'll Discover: Why PANS/PANDAS Can Look Like Autism And Why Infections Matter (2:10) How Homeopathy Focuses On The Symptom Picture Instead Of The Diagnosis (4:24) The Difference Between Classical And Multi-Pronged Homeopathy (7:11) How Nosodes Help The Body Recognize Infections Like Mycoplasma (10:17) Why Suppressing Symptoms Can Drive Illness Deeper Into The Body (22:17) About Our Guest: When her own son first became ill in 2012, Erin Paige began a search for answers that never stopped. She completed Angelica Lemke, N.D.'s School of Intuitive Homeopathy and was part of the Homeopathy Hive team before founding Heartwing Healing. She later attended Hilery Dorrian’s Master Practitioner Programme with the Centre for Homeopathic Education and has completed over 500 hours of continuing education in homeopathy, herbal medicine, and functional nutrition.  Erin has served as Executive Director for AutismOne and as an advocate with Americans for Homeopathy Choice, Texans for Vaccine Choice, and PANDAS Awareness TX. She is a mentor for the RMDY Academy and hosts The Remedy Revolution podcast. Through Heartwing Healing, she specializes in neuroimmune disorders including PANS/PANDAS, Autism, ADHD, Anxiety disorders, Lyme disease, Vaccine Injury, and other chronic conditions. heartwinghealing.com References In This Episode: theremedyrevolution.com Homeopathy Hive 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 298 of Autism Parenting Secrets. If your child has tried supplements that were supposed to help the brain but didn’t move the needle, this episode may explain why.  This week, I’m excited to welcome back Dr. Theoharis Theoharides, known to many as Dr. Theo.  He is a physician-scientist with five advanced degrees and decades of pioneering research.  Long before neuroinflammation and immune-driven brain dysfunction became widely discussed, Dr. Theo was connecting mast cells, metabolism, and brain health.  In this conversation, we explore why some children can’t properly use standard folic acid and how the right form of folate may support better language, focus, and regulation. The secret this week is…  Smarter Folate = Better Brain Fuel You'll Discover: Why standard folic acid may not reach the brain in up to 40 percent of children (9:21) How folate receptor antibodies and MTHFR mutations change the equation (12:17) Why gut inflammation must be addressed before increasing supplementation (18:23) The difference between folic acid, methylfolate, and folinic acid (22:45) Why folate supports language development but does not “treat autism” (50:51) About Our Guest: Dr. Theoharis Theoharides is Professor and Vice Chair of Clinical Immunology and Executive Director of the Center of Excellence for Neuroinflammation Research at Nova Southeastern University. He is also an Adjunct Professor of Immunology at Tufts School of Medicine. Dr. Theo has over 500 publications and is widely recognized as a leading expert on mast cells and neuroinflammation. He is the Founder and Scientific Director of Algonot LLC and has received 37 patents and trademarks. Learn more:www.mastcellmaster.comwww.drtheoharides.com References In This Episode: Algonot Center of Excellence for Neuroinflammation Research Folate Receptor Autoantibody (FRAT) Test 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.

Leah Wilson, attorney, mother, foster parent, and co-founder of Stand for Health Freedom, advocates for parental rights and holistic vitality. She discusses why leaning on experts can feel safe, how bodies can be devitalized and revitalized, the three principles of vitality and seven guiding virtues, risks of newborn genome sequencing, and choosing values-based medical decisions.

Welcome to Episode 296 of Autism Parenting Secrets. Today I’m joined once again by Zen Honeycutt, founder of Moms Across America.  Zen has been on the podcast multiple times over the years, and every conversation has helped parents think more clearly, ask better questions, and step more fully into their role as advocates for their children.  Since we last spoke, Zen has been deeply involved in federal-level advocacy and continues to lead important work around food safety, toxins, and transparency.  The secret this week is…  Demand TOXIN Transparency You'll Discover: Why Chronic, Low-Level Toxin Exposure Is Easy To Miss And Hard To Reverse (4:34) How Nutrient Deficiencies And Toxins Can Drive Depression And Mental Health Decline (8:59) Why Eating Organic Alone Does Not Eliminate Toxic Or Nutrient Risk (21:39) How Repetitive Diets Can Increase Exposure And Create Hidden Imbalances (30:08) Why Testing Is The Only Way To Know What’s Really Affecting Your Child (36:13) About Our Guest: Zen Honeycutt is the founding executive director of Moms Across America, a national nonprofit dedicated to empowering families with education and action to create healthy communities. She is an international speaker, author of UNSTOPPABLE, and a leading advocate for food safety, toxin transparency, and informed consent. Zen has helped initiate nationwide glyphosate testing, supported legislative efforts, and worked directly with policymakers to address toxins in the food supply. https://www.momsacrossamerica.com References In This Episode: Unstoppable by Zen Honeycutt How Not to Die by Dr. Michael Greger Dr. Zach Bush, Farmers Footprint Global Healing Supplements, Dr. Edward Group, D.C. Moms Across America Total Transparency Toxin Testing 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 295 of Autism Parenting Secrets.This week, we shine a light on one of the most misunderstood and often controversial therapies in the autism world: medical cannabis.My guest is Dr. David Berger, known to many simply as Dr. David.He’s a board-certified pediatrician with over 25 years of clinical experience.He’s the founder of Wholistic Pediatrics & Family Care in Tampa, Florida, where he helps children and adults address root causes behind challenges like autism, ADHD, and immune dysfunction.He’s also the founder of Wholistic ReLeaf, Florida’s first pediatric medical cannabis clinic, where he’s guided countless families in using cannabis-based therapies safely, responsibly, and with clear medical oversight.Dr. David brings both compassion and clarity to this conversation, helping parents understand how cannabis can support calm, focus, and balance when used appropriately as part of a broader, integrative approach.We dive into the science, the misconceptions, and the real-world application of using cannabis as medicine, along with what every parent should understand before considering this option.The secret this week is… Cannabis Is Medicine - If You Know How To Use ItYou'll Discover:How A Personal Family Experience With CBD Sparked Dr. Berger’s Clinical Use Of Cannabis (2:12)What Every Parent Should Understand About The Endocannabinoid System And Why It Matters (9:00)How Different Cannabinoids (CBD, CBG, CBN, THC) Serve Very Different Therapeutic Purposes (11:42)The Research Showing Endocannabinoid Deficiency In Children With Autism (14:39)Why Many Children Respond Quickly And How To Introduce Cannabis Safely And Responsibly (18:58)About Our Guest:Dr. David Berger is a board-certified pediatrician with over 25 years of clinical experience and a national reputation for his integrative approach to family and pediatric care.  He is the founder of Wholistic Pediatrics & Family Care and Wholistic ReLeaf, Florida’s first pediatric medical cannabis clinic. His practice specializes in autism, ADHD, allergies, immune dysfunction, and chronic complex conditions, combining nutritional, lifestyle, and biomedical therapies to address root causes.  A leading voice in the responsible use of medical cannabis for children, Dr. Berger is one of only a few pediatricians in Florida qualified to certify patients under the age of 18. He has also advised the FDA on vaccine safety and launched DrDavidMD, a media and education platform focused on health, education, and medical choice.wholisticfamilycare.comdrdavidmd.comReferences In This Episode:Dr. David’s YouTube ChannelP2I HealthAdditional Resources:To learn more about personalized 1:1 support go to www.elevatehowyounavigate.comTake The Quiz: What’s YOUR Top Autism Parenting Blindspot?If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends.

Welcome to Episode 294 of Autism Parenting Secrets.This week’s episode is about one of the most overlooked but absolutely critical truths for parents.The reality is this: no two children are exactly alike. And when it comes to helping your child thrive, the key lies in understanding and honoring their unique differences.Joining me is Dr. Erica Peirson, a Naturopathic Physician who has spent the last 17 years helping children with neurodevelopmental and genetic conditions reach their full potential.Inspired by her own son’s journey with mosaic Down syndrome, Dr. Peirson brings both clinical expertise and personal experience. She’s lectured nationally and internationally, and through her telemedicine practice, she serves families from all over the world.The secret this week is… HARNESS Biochemical IndividualityYou'll Discover:The Key Difference Between Genetics And Functional Genomics (8:10)How Food And Environment Shape Behavior More Than Most Parents Realize (12:30)Why Testing Changes Everything For Decision-Making (16:30)The (Arguably) Most Important First Move Parents Can Make (23:45)A Powerful Therapy Many Families Overlook Or Dismiss (30:50)How To Build A Plan That Fits Your Child (38:15)About Our Guest:Dr. Erica Peirson is a Naturopathic Physician who has been practicing for 17 years. Her passion for helping children with neurodevelopmental and genetic conditions was inspired by her son, who has mosaic Down syndrome. She has lectured nationally and internationally on optimizing children’s health and sees patients worldwide through her telemedicine practice.www.peirsoncenter.comAdditional Resources:To learn more about personalized 1:1 support go to www.elevatehowyounavigate.comTake The Quiz: What’s YOUR Top Autism Parenting Blindspot?If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends.

Parents Need ACCESS to the Right DoctorsWelcome 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 DoctorsYou'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 ProgramMAPS Spring Conference for Practitioners (Charlotte, NC) - Practitioners use code APS2026 for a discountMAPS 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.comTake The Quiz: What’s YOUR Top Autism Parenting Blindspot?If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends.