Autism Parenting Secrets

Welcome to Episode 133 of the Autism Parenting Secrets. Dr. Robert Melillo is our guest this week and we focus on a very different way of looking at autism spectrum disorder.  In 2006, Dr. Melillo created Brain Balance Achievement Centers which has approximately 150 centers and has helped tens of thousands of families. He is a prolific author and brain researcher and Dr. has written 5 best-selling books including “Disconnected Kids” which has been translated into 10 languages. Dr. Melillo has multiple graduate degrees in Chiropractic, Neurology, Neuroscience and Clinical Rehabilitation Neuropsychology. He has presented at numerous scientific and clinical conferences around the world and has taught his own post-graduate level course for over 20 years. His decades of experience has enabled him to create programs and methods that address a key core issue that prevents people from being all they can be.  If you want to learn game-changing insights from someone who has helped tens of thousands of kids on the spectrum for over 35 years, then you will want to hear this entire episode.Dr. Melillo explains why he believes autism is not about brain injury.  The secret this week is…Correct IMBALANCES First You'll Discover:What Most Parents Don’t Understand (3:39)The Problem Is Not As Ominous As It Sounds (6:14)Why It’s NOT Brain Injury (8:55)The Importance of Better Understanding Left vs. Right Brain (13:53)The ONLY Way To Let Your Real Child Emerge (19:39)How Primitive Reflexes Hold Back The Brain (23:34)THE Core Root Issue (29:58)Two Ways To Address The Maturation Imbalance (34:18)How To Initiate Brain Development (37:06)Ways To Start Today (47:38)The Most Important Thing Parents Do That Sets Everyone Up For Success (50:13) About Our GuestDr. Robert Melillo is one of the world’s most sought-after and respected experts in Developmental Functional Neurology, Brain Imbalances, hemispheric integration, and the correction of most neurobehavioral disorders and learning disabilities. In 2006, he created Brain Balance Achievement Centers which has approximately 150 centers and has helped tens of thousands of families. He is a prolific author and brain researcher and coauthored approximately 20 chapters in other texts on various subjects related to Dyslexia, Attention, Frontal Lobe Development, and approximately 50 peer-reviewed papers.  In addition, Dr. Melillo has also written 5 best-selling books including his best-known Disconnected Kids which has been translated into 10 languages. He has presented at numerous scientific and clinical conferences around the world and has taught his own course in a postgraduate level for over 20 years as an Associate Professor of Developmental Disabilities at National University of Health Sciences.  Dr. Melillo has multiple graduate degrees in Chiropractic, Neurology, Neuroscience, and Clinical Rehabilitation Neuropsychology.  He has now created the Melillo Center for Developing Minds and sees patients in private practice all over the globe both adults and children.www.drrobertmelillo.comReferences in This Episode:Disconnected Kids: The Groundbreaking Brain Balance Program for Children with Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, and Other Neurological DisordersReconnected Kids: Help Your Child Achieve Physical, Mental, and Emotional BalanceAutism: The Scientific Truth About Preventing, Diagnosing, and Treating Autism Spectrum Disorders--and What Parents Can Do NowAdditional Resources:Take The Quiz: What’s YOUR Top Autism Parenting Blindspot?To learn more about Cass & Len, visit us at www.autismparentingsecrets.comBe sure to follow Cass & Len on InstagramIf you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends.Don't forget to subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts to get automatic episode updates for our "Autism Parenting Secrets!"And, finally, please take a minute to leave us an honest review and rating on Apple Podcasts. They really help us out when it comes to the ranking of the show and we read every single one of the reviews we get. Thanks for listening!

As you support your child on the autism spectrum, do you worry about making a mistake?  If so this episode is for you.  Fear of failure is common but it isn’t very useful.  Especially if it keeps you stuck, saps your energy, and clouds your thinking and decision-making.  Spending too much mental energy on past missteps or worrying about what might go wrong in the future doesn’t help you get better.Things will NOT always go as you hope or plan.It’s your choice HOW you view them and the good news is there IS a better option.The secret this week is…You’re Either WINNING Or GROWING You'll Discover:What (Arguably) Parents Are Most Afraid Of (2:36)The Mindset You DON’T Want (3:59)What To Focus On MORE (6:44)The Exciting TRUST About Failure (12:19)How To Be Sure You Don’t Stay Stuck (16:08) Additional Resources:Take The Quiz: What’s YOUR Top Autism Parenting Blindspot?To learn more about Cass & Len, visit us at www.autismparentingsecrets.comBe sure to follow Cass & Len on InstagramIf you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends.Don't forget to subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts to get automatic episode updates for our "Autism Parenting Secrets!"And, finally, please take a minute to leave us an honest review and rating on Apple Podcasts. They really help us out when it comes to the ranking of the show and we read every single one of the reviews we get. Thanks for listening!

This week’s a short episode on a big concept.  While there’s nothing wrong with wanting more for your child on the spectrum, your specific area of focus might be keeping you stuck.  Checking in on what’s MOST important now is a power move!The secret this week is…Go For CONNECTION First, Not Compliance You'll Discover:The Shift That Relieved The Pressure (3:21)The Downside of Focusing on Compliance (8:15)How An Aggressive Timetable Can Backfire (10:16)An Important Question To Ask Yourself (11:24)Ways To Foster More Connection (12:06) Additional Resources:Take The Quiz: What’s YOUR Top Autism Parenting Blindspot?To learn more about Cass & Len, visit us at www.autismparentingsecrets.comBe sure to follow Cass & Len on InstagramIf you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends.Don't forget to subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts to get automatic episode updates for our "Autism Parenting Secrets!"And, finally, please take a minute to leave us an honest review and rating on Apple Podcasts. They really help us out when it comes to the ranking of the show and we read every single one of the reviews we get. Thanks for listening!

Welcome to Episode 130 of the Autism Parenting Secrets. This week we’re excited to welcome Zen Honeycutt back to the show.  Getting food right for your family is the overall topic.Zen is the Founder and Director of Moms Across America, a non-profit National Coalition of Unstoppable Moms.  She has three boys with allergies and autism symptoms which greatly improved when they went GMO-Free and organic. She’s a force for truth and she’s undaunted by the resistance that seeks to downplay and confuse parents like you.In Episode 103, Zen made a compelling case for why going organic 100% is worth it.  If you missed that episode listen to it first.This episode builds on that discussion and centers on why more caution is needed when your child eats away from home.Zen’s organization recently completed and issued the results of their comprehensive School Lunch Testing Program.While school lunches are a gift to so many children and families, the unfortunate truth is you need to think twice before trusting the government and the school system to feed your child.The secret this week is…School Lunches Aren’t Safe, Pack Your Own You'll Discover:What Other Countries Are Getting Right (6:04)How Glyphosate Wreaks Havoc (7:35)The Scary Results of School Lunch Testing (9:59)The Many Ways Toxins Are Making Our Kids Sick (16:57)The Key Mineral Deficiencies That Are Relevant To Autism (19:34)The Vicious Cycle That Must Be Broken (28:31)How Schools Have Been Set Up To Fail Our Kids (33:09)Two Very Different Paths - Food vs. Medicine (38:18)Positive Changes Can Happen Quickly (43:19) About Our GuestZen Honeycutt is the Founder and Director of Moms Across America, a non-profit National Coalition of Unstoppable Moms. With the motto "Empowered Moms, Healthy Kids," Moms Across America has grown rapidly with over 600 leaders have created 1,000+ community events in all 50 states in the first 5 years of inception. Zen has three boys with allergies and autism symptoms which greatly improved when they went GMO-Free and organic. She discovered that thousands of Moms are seeing the same results. She has been featured on ABC, CNN, Dr. OZ, the Wall Street Journal, C-SPAN, Fox News, Reuter's, The Hill, Huffington Post, and many other media outlets.Zenhoneycutt.comMoms Across AmericaReferences in This Episode:Autism Parenting Secrets Episode 103 - Organic + Non-GMO = Thriving Family with Zen HoneycuttBaby Food LawsuitFood and Behavior: A Natural Connection by Barbara Reed StittThe New MDsAdditional Resources:Take The Quiz: What’s YOUR Top Autism Parenting Blindspot?To learn more about Cass & Len, visit us at www.autismparentingsecrets.comBe sure to follow Cass & Len on InstagramIf you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends.Don't forget to subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts to get automatic episode updates for our "Autism Parenting Secrets!"And, finally, please take a minute to leave us an honest review and rating on Apple Podcasts. They really help us out when it comes to the ranking of the show and we read every single one of the reviews we get. Thanks for listening!

This week we’re focusing on the importance of reducing exposure to glyphosate.  It’s in the food, air, and water and it’s much more harmful than you think.Everyone is impacted but our kids are most susceptible to harm.Our guest this week is perhaps the foremost authority on this topic.Dr. Stephanie Seneff is a Senior Research Scientist at MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory in Cambridge, Massachusetts.Her recent interests have focused on the role of toxic chemicals and micronutrient deficiencies in health and disease, with a special emphasis on the pervasive herbicide, glyphosate.She is the author of the book Toxic Legacy: How the Weedkiller Glyphosate Is Destroying Our Health and the Environment which was released in 2021.While companies, mainstream media, and government agencies maintain that glyphosate is safe for humans, the science and recent jury verdicts say otherwise.The secret this week is…Glyphosate Is a Slow KILL You'll Discover:The Problem With Glyphosate (3:41)Why Non-GMO Does Not Mean Safe (4:33)How The Environment Is Getting Exponentially Worse (7:33)The Single Biggest Thing You Can Do To Minimize Exposure (12:42)The Mineral That’s Critical For Autism (14:55)How Glyphosate Kills And Why We’re At Risk (17:12)Why and How Our Food Is Mineral Deficient (19:20)A Great Way To Start Taking Control At Home (24:06)The Relationship Between Neurotransmitters, Gut Issues and Brain Health (26:25)The Connection Between Glyphosate and Autism (34:25)Why Your Courage Is Required (37:42)Why Glutathione Matters and How Glyphosate Reduces It (41:32)The Environment Matters More Than The Genes (42:53) About Our Guest:Dr. Stephanie Seneff is a Senior Research Scientist at MIT's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. She has a BS degree from MIT in biology and MS, EE, and PhD degrees from MIT in electrical engineering and computer science.   Her recent interests have focused on the role of toxic chemicals and micronutrient deficiencies in health and disease, with a special emphasis on the pervasive herbicide, glyphosate, and the mineral, sulfur. Since 2008, she has authored over three dozen peer-reviewed journal papers on these topics.  She is the author of a book on glyphosate, titled "Toxic Legacy: How the Weedkiller Glyphosate Is Destroying Our Health and the Environment," which was released by Chelsea Green publishers on July 1, 2021. This book was selected by Kirkus Reviews as one of the best non-fiction books of 2021.https://stephanieseneff.net/References In This Episode:Moms Across America https://www.momsacrossamerica.com/Farmers Footprint https://farmersfootprint.us/Additional Resources:Take The Quiz: What’s YOUR Top Autism Parenting Blindspot?To learn more about Cass & Len, visit us at www.autismparentingsecrets.comBe sure to follow Cass & Len on InstagramIf you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends.Don't forget to subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts to get automatic episode updates for our "Autism Parenting Secrets!"And, finally, please take a minute to leave us an honest review and rating on Apple Podcasts. They really help us out when it comes to the ranking of the show and we read every single one of the reviews we get. Thanks for listening!

Amy O’Dell is our guest this week and she’s on a quest to change the way the world addresses neurobiological delays and disorders. She’s a fierce proponent of the methodology she pioneered, the Interpersonal Whole-Brain Model of Care (IWBMC), which harnesses the extraordinary ability of the brain to heal and develop new capacity at any age. She’s the founder of Jacob’s Ladder, a non-profit school and research center, and AHAVA, a digital platform for human flourishing. Her work has led to countless stories of transformation in the lives of the most vulnerable.  And it’s all about combining two powerful forces of change.The secret this week is…Science + Love = TRANSFORMATION You'll Discover:What is Jacob’s Ladder? (3:18)What To Do With The Fear (5:31)The Balance Point That’s Needed (7:41)The Bigger Picture View That Helps (11:45)A Revolutionary New Model Of Care - The IWBMC (14:56)How Difficulties Propel You Forward (31:32)Why Transformation IS Possible (43:59) About Our Guest:Amy O’Dell is a once-in-a-generation leader and healthcare innovator who is on a quest to change the way the world addresses neurobiological delays and disorders.  Amy is a fierce proponent of the methodology she pioneered, the Interpersonal Whole-Brain Model of Care (IWBMC), which harnesses the extraordinary ability of the brain to heal and develop new capacity at any age. This healing and development can occur despite challenges from a multitude of causes - autism, traumatic brain injury, stroke, developmental disabilities, genetic syndromes, or mental health issues.  Her ability to see the unseen, combined with her irrepressible spirit and hope for the broken, has been recognized nationally and internationally. Amy is known as a true trailblazer in the field of education and rehabilitation for individuals with neurobiological challenges. Her refusal to accept conventional medical wisdom regarding the limitations of her beloved son’s future drove her to build upon her therapy and counseling background to extensively study neurobiological and relational interventions to found Jacob’s Ladder, a non-profit school and research center, and AHAVA, a digital platform for human flourishing. Her work has led to countless stories of transformation in the lives of the most vulnerable.  In a world that consistently tells us there is only one, or no, path forward for individuals with neurobiological challenges, Amy is carving out a new path on the foundation of authentic leadership and love that will impact generations to come.https://www.jacobsladdercenter.com/ Additional Resources:Take The Quiz: What’s YOUR Top Autism Parenting Blindspot?To learn more about Cass & Len, visit us at www.autismparentingsecrets.comBe sure to follow Cass & Len on InstagramIf you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends.Don't forget to subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts to get automatic episode updates for our "Autism Parenting Secrets!"And, finally, please take a minute to leave us an honest review and rating on Apple Podcasts. They really help us out when it comes to the ranking of the show and we read every single one of the reviews we get. Thanks for listening!

No matter how hard and overwhelming things get, it's impossible to feel anxiety when you're feeling grateful.That's why we're sharing one of the most impactful conversations we've had.This discussion with JB Handley originally aired in 2021 as Episode 38.There are so many insights and takeaways.If you've heard it before, listen again.If it's new to you, you're in for a treat.Simply put, your child understands more and is capable of more than you think.Even if you can't see it right now, you can be grateful for what you can see and for what you can't. The secret this week is...Be Grateful For It All **** Originally Aired as Episode 38 on 3/11/2021This week, we are joined by J.B. Handley and J.B. shares his family’s, Autism Miracle.   The secret he shares… Your Child Understands EVERYTHING.  J.B was afraid to hope. It was just too painful. His autism journey has been long and his son was 18 and a non-speaker.   But what seemed like a long shot and based on a friend’s dramatic change with their own son. J.B reached out to Elizabeth Vosseller of Growing Kids Therapy Center, and the rest of their story is truly amazing.J.B.’s son Jamie learned how to communicate.  He was finally able to express himself.  He could communicate his home life, how he felt about various teachers, and his likes and dislikes. And now they are starting to plan for college.  These discoveries completely transformed the Handley family. With the new understanding that our children with Autism understand everything, J.B concluded that we’ve got Autism all wrong. Through their story, J.B and Jamie hope to bring a renewed sense of hope and faith to those who might be feeling downtrodden by an Autism diagnosis.Tune in to this week’s episode to hear the whole story! Key TakeawaysHow his son communicates (04:21)Rekindled hope (12:18)Jamie could spell (17:08)The shock of his awareness (25:18)The courage of teachers who believed in Jamie (33:08)We’ve got Autism all wrong (35:38)Children with Autism understand everything (43:18)Our family has been transformed (50:33)The common traits of our children (52:48)Additional ResourcesTo purchase a copy of J.B. Handley’s and Jamison Handley’s new book Underestimated: An Autism Miracle, click here.J.B. Handley’s Blog, click here.To learn more about Elizabeth Vosseller and Spelling To Communicate, click here.To learn more about Cass & Len, visit us at www.autismparentingsecrets.comTake The Quiz: What’s YOUR Top Autism Parenting Blindspot?Be sure to follow Cass & Len on Instagram If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends.Don't forget to subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts to get automatic episode updates for our "Autism Parenting Secrets!"And, finally, please take a minute to leave us an honest review and rating on Apple Podcasts. They really help us out when it comes to the ranking of the show and we read every single one of the reviews we get. Thanks for listening!

When it comes to supporting your child, staying ‘stuck’ is something parents want to avoid. We may think we’re stuck because we haven’t found the right answer yet. But the truth is there’s a bigger reason and it’s one that most people miss.The secret this week is…Find The UNASKED Question You'll Discover:The 5 Core Disciplines of Thinking (3:32)The Bigger Reason We Stay Stuck (4:53)The 3 Characteristics of a Great Question (6:38)The 3 Steps To Take In Order (8:23)Ways To Improve Mindset (11:00)Ways To Focus On The Root Cause (11:19)Ways To Reduce Neuroinflammation (11:58)Ways To Improve Neurotransmitter Function (12:16)Ways To Get Food Right  (12:34)Ways To Reduce EMF Stress (13:01)Ways To Reduce Exposure To Toxic People (13:22)Ways To Enhance Sleep Quality (13:39)Ways To Improve Energy and Mitochondrial Function (13:57)Why It’s NOT About Fixing Your Child (15:05) References In This Episode:The Road Less Stupid by Keith Cunningham Related Podcast Episodes:Episode 36 We Need AutismEpisode 37 Autism is a SUPERPOWER: You Don't Want 'Normal'Episode 38 Your Child Understands EverythingEpisode 55 Root Cause Focus = Lasting ChangeEpisode 85 VISION Is More Than Meets The EyeEpisode 93 Meet Your Child’s Sensory Needs FirstEpisode 23 Autism is NOT HardwiredEpisode 68 Less Inflammation, More ProgressEpisode 109 Genes are CLUES, Not DestinyEpisode 118 GENETICS Loads The Gun, ENVIRONMENT Pulls the TriggerEpisode 102 You’re Missing The ESSENTIALSEpisode 8 Food Matters SO MUCH MORE Than You ThinkEpisode 103 Organic + Non-GMO = Thriving FamilyEpisode 124 REWIRE The Brain Through DIETEpisode 22 You CAN Protect Your Child from EMFsEpisode 26 The Body is Electric and Dirty Electricity HarmsEpisode 57 Dirty Electricity DEMANDS AttentionEpisode 70 You CAN Outsmart 5GEpisode 94 Take Out The Electrical TrashEpisode 108 EMFs Impact Kids MOREEpisode 40 Energy Vampires MUST GoEpisode 42 Most People WANT You To Fail (And That Won't Stop You)Episode 44 SLEEP is Too Important to IgnoreEpisode 76 Simple Hacks = SLEEP SUPERPOWERSEpisode 123 Invest in SleepEpisode 74 Red Light + Sweat = ThriveEpisode 125 These Red Lights Accelerate Progress Additional Resources:Take The Quiz: What’s YOUR Top Autism Parenting Blindspot?To learn more about Cass & Len, visit us at www.autismparentingsecrets.comBe sure to follow Cass & Len on InstagramIf you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends.Don't forget to subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts to get automatic episode updates for our "Autism Parenting Secrets!"And, finally, please take a minute to leave us an honest review and rating on Apple Podcasts. They really help us out when it comes to the ranking of the show and we read every single one of the reviews we get. Thanks for listening!

The topic this week is Red Light Therapy.  What is it?  And how can it help both parents and children alike?Our guest is Scott Chaverri from Mito Red Light.There’s a host of potential benefits including better quality sleep, improved mitochondrial function, and anti-aging benefits.  And the good news is there are more affordable options and no real downside from this simple biohack.The secret this week is…These Red Lights Accelerate Progress You'll Discover:How Red Light Therapy Helps Sleep (7:05)Key Best Practices From Our Ancestors (10:27)A Good Night’s Sleep Starts With This (15:09)How To Supercharge Your Mitochondria (16:29)What’s the Optical Window and Why It Matters (19:04)The Promise of Photobiomodulation (23:35)What We’re Most Deficient In (27:55)What To Look For When Buying A Red Light Panel (35:19) About Our Guest:After earning a BA in Psychology from Cornell University and an MBA in Finance from the Simon School of Business, Scott Chaverri worked for several Fortune 500 companies, in the business services, medical device, financial services, and e-commerce industries. Having dealt with health challenges in childhood and early adulthood, Scott has always been passionate about all things health and wellness. Constantly learning, tinkering, and evolving, his goal is to build Mito Red into a preeminent health and wellness company empowering people with tools and information to optimize their performance and maximize their healthspans.Mito Red Light (Use APS Code for 5% off) References In This Episode:Autism Parenting Secrets Episode 74 Red Light + Sweat = Thrive with Brian Richards Additional Resources:Take The Quiz: What’s YOUR Top Autism Parenting Blindspot?To learn more about Cass & Len, visit us at www.autismparentingsecrets.comBe sure to follow Cass & Len on InstagramIf you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends.Don't forget to subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts to get automatic episode updates for our "Autism Parenting Secrets!"And, finally, please take a minute to leave us an honest review and rating on Apple Podcasts. They really help us out when it comes to the ranking of the show and we read every single one of the reviews we get. Thanks for listening!

This week, our guest is Dr. Michelle Perro, a pediatrician with four decades of experience in acute and integrative medicine. The big reveal is this: Focus On Food FIRST.  It’s a power move because getting food right for your child on the spectrum plays a HUGE role in their vitality and wellness.  It’s impossible for your child to make the progress they’re capable of if they're eating toxic food.The secret this week is…REWIRE The Brain Through DIET You'll Discover:One Big Reason Why Your Child’s A Picky Eater (4:18)The 4 Keys Ways To Help A Child On The Spectrum (7:00)The Attitude About Food That Must Go (11:20)The TRIAD That Matters Most (16:12)The Many Reasons To Avoid Toxic Food (23:57)Why You CAN Afford To Eat Organic (36:38)What Needs To Be UNDONE (45:42) About Our Guest:Michelle Perro, MD, DHOM is a veteran pediatrician with four decades of experience in acute and integrative medicine. More than fifteen years ago, Dr. Perro transformed her clinical practice to include GMO and pesticide advocacy. She has both directed and worked as both director and attending physician from New York Medical College to UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, Oakland, CA. Dr. Perro has managed her own business, Down to Earth Pediatrics, creating a new field of integrative urgent care medicine. Dr. Perro has co-authored the highly acclaimed book, What’s Making our Children Sick and is Executive Director of a non-profit scientific-based website, GMOScience. She has authored many publications and has a column with the journal, The Townsend Letter. She is an Advisor with the recent launch of Regeneration Health International, a nonprofit based group focused on holistic health and promoting “food as medicine”. Dr. Perro has lectured nationally and internationally on regenerative food/soil, environmental health and justice issues focused on children. She hopes to have her second book released in 2023, Making our Children Well, and more information for parents can be found at www.drmichelleperro.com. References In This Episode:What’s Making Our Kids Sick by Dr. Michelle PerroRegenerative Health International GMO Science Additional Resources:Take The Quiz: What’s YOUR Top Autism Parenting Blindspot?To learn more about Cass & Len, visit us at www.autismparentingsecrets.comBe sure to follow Cass & Len on InstagramIf you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends.Don't forget to subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts to get automatic episode updates for our "Autism Parenting Secrets!"And, finally, please take a minute to leave us an honest review and rating on Apple Podcasts. They really help us out when it comes to the ranking of the show and we read every single one of the reviews we get. Thanks for listening!