Autism Parenting Secrets

This episode, we had a conversation with Dr. Martha Herbert, a pediatric neurologist and neuroscience, on the power of synergy. She explains how the exponential impact of doing a few key interventions at the same time can lead to significant improvements in children with Autism. Dr. Herbert introduces an informative perspective on the nature of Autism as a whole. She proposes that it isn't a predisposed and fixed impairment as it’s typically described to be. Instead, Autism is the result of a combination of events, and once those incidents are isolated, parents are better able to treat the individual symptoms. This leads to healthier, happier, and more connected children.  Throughout our discussion, we touch on the importance of working on one thing at a time and understanding that Autism isn't just situated in the brain but, in actuality, the entire body. We believe this episode will help guide you to the next steps in caring for your child and enlighten you about an Autism diagnosis's true identity.  Dr. Herbert is a treasure-trove of wisdom, and we're so excited to share her insights with you!Key TakeawaysIntroduction to today’s guest (01:55)An interdisciplinary method for practitioners to communicate (7:50)Why you should start one thing at a time (11:05)What it means to help the brain work better (18:05)There is no time limit to healing your child (25:20)One of the reasons our children are sick (31:20)Autism just isn’t just in the brain (39:15)What people need to understand about Autism (42:40)The visual connector parents should make sure they have (50:00)Additional ResourcesClick here, to learn more about Dr. Martha HerbertFor Dr. Herbert’s book, The Autism Revolution: Whole-Body Strategies For Making Life All It Can Be click hereFor more information on neurofeedback, click here.  Click here to learn more about the Anat Baniel MethodAre You Running On All Cylinders?  Get your FREE Warrior Parent ScoreTo learn more about Cass & Len, visit us at www.autismparentingsecrets.comBe sure to follow Cass & Len  on InstagramCheck it out...Autism Parenting Secrets is number 12 on the Top 20 Autism Podcasts by Feedspot👉  https://blog.feedspot.com/autism_podcasts/

This week, we spoke with Peter Sullivan about EMFs and how this toxin can have detrimental effects on our health and, more specifically, our highly sensitive children. Peter derives his expertise from his own experiences as a parent and his career in the tech industry. He is the founder of Clear Light Ventures, whose mission is to improve human health and performance by removing widespread environmental health threats. Throughout our discussion, Peter shares some easy ways parents can determine an EMF sensitivity in their children and themselves. We also cover some practical ways to create a healing environment for our children by limiting their exposure to electromagnetic fields.Peter offers his opinion on what types of radiation we should be most concerned about and if radiofrequency is actually harmless. An informed parent is an empowered one, and we are thankful to have the opportunity to shed light on this influential toxin that is often overlooked. Tune in to find out how parents can take practical actions to reduce exposure to electromagnetic fields and wireless radiation.Key TakeawaysWhere Len and Cass met Peter Sullivan (02:00)An easy way to determine EMF sensitivity (05:15)Tips for creating a healing environment for your child (14:45)Is RF really harmless? (20:10)The social component of protecting children from EMFs (26:45)Why we need to be more concerned about dirty electricity and wireless radiation (30:11)Additional ResourcesClear Light VenturesBook list to learn more about EMFs:"Non-TinFoil Guide to EMFs""EMF'd""Dirty Electricity"Get your own meter:Trifield meterConferences, articles, and community resources:Finding a Building BiologistWireless free Tent ExperienceAutism and Wireless Exposure TACA Conference talkGeneration Zapped DVDAutism and EMF Facebook GroupJelter Calming ProtocolEMF ConferenceWireless and EMF Reduction for Autism ArticleAre You Running On All Cylinders?  Get your FREE Warrior Parent ScoreTo learn more about Cass & Len, visit us at www.autismparentingsecrets.comBe sure to follow Cass & Len  on InstagramCheck it out...Autism Parenting Secrets is number 12 on the Top 20 Autism Podcasts by Feedspot👉  https://blog.feedspot.com/autism_podcasts/

In this episode, we interviewed Dr. Lawrence Rosen, our integrative pediatrician, from early in our journey. We discuss why the best outcomes come from a true partnership with your doctor. It’s so important that your doctor take the time to really understand your child and for them to have the curiosity to uncover what could be most helpful in their wellness journey. With that said, he believes that the most vital thing a parent can do is trust their own intuition when it comes to the health of their child. That self-trust will guide you in picking the best practitioners for your child and facilitate a collaborative relationship with every healthcare professional you encounter. We also cover Dr. Rosen’s child-centered approach to health and healing. Through his Whole Health 4 You initiative, he aims to empower children to control their own health and build the foundational principles that encourage a life focused on nutrition, mindfulness, rest, and healthy activity. Lastly, Dr. Rosen shares that the most important thing we can do for ourselves as parents is the practice of living presently. Whether it’s through a yoga practice or daily gratitude list, that awareness will pay us back in dividends!Key TakeawaysThe first few important steps to take (03:15)The first thing Dr. Rosen tells new parents (04:45)It’s critical that parents connect with health care providers with a collaborative focus (12:45)Dr. Rosen’s hybrid care model (16:10)How he empowers children to take control of their health (21:20)Children look to parents as the model for the behaviors they’ll adopt (27:02)His two tips for parents (28:50)The single most important gift we can give ourselves (31:45)Additional ResourcesCheck out The Whole Child Center Learn more about Whole Health 4 You hereTreatment Alternatives For Children by Lawrence Rosen and Jeff CohenFollow Dr. Rosen on Instagram and keep up with the Whole Child initiative with #wholechild4youAre You Running On All Cylinders?  Get your FREE Warrior Parent ScoreTo learn more about Cass & Len, visit us at www.autismparentingsecrets.comBe sure to follow Cass & Len  on InstagramCheck it out...Autism Parenting Secrets is number 12 on the Top 20 Autism Podcasts by Feedspot👉  https://blog.feedspot.com/autism_podcasts/

We interviewed Patty Lemer about her step-by-step plan for parents to help their child - the key point is that the order you do things really matters. It’s important to lay a strong foundation so therapies that address speech and language will be most beneficial.Patty believes that the first step parents should take is to remove the bad and add in the good. The bad can be anything from environmental factors to toxic relationships, while the good can be noticing that your child responds well to a specific diet or that they seem engaged when you’re at church on Sunday. It all starts with being that detective for your child and gaining confidence that you are the best fit for the job!Next, parents have to look at the structural foundations to truly understand their place today. Maybe your child dealt with some sort of birth trauma or other circumstance that disrupted the natural attachment process. So many of the answers we’re looking for start as far back as the planning stages of bringing a child into the world. The key here is to leave no stone unturned.Patty then tackles sensory issues with the understanding that so many of these “issues” are actually symptoms of an agitated nervous system. A solution may just be around the corner with a fix to your child’s diet or environment!Many parents feel that the biggest red flags are behavior or relational. Sometimes, we jump the gun and try to address stimming or lack of verbalization when really we need to focus on those first three steps.  Lastly, Patty encourages parents to look to the future. It’s never too late to begin a path of healing, and it’s never too early to have a hopeful vision of what your child’s future may look like!Key TakeawaysThe power of sequencing (03:50)Step one is to remove the bad and add the good (07:05)Look at the structural foundations (09:18)Thirdly, address the sensory issues (16:10)What it means to have a vision (22:48)Why the vestibular system is so important (29:41)The first three steps must be addressed before tacking talking, relating, and behaving (31:30)Stage five is looking to the future (33:20)Why Patty’s books are a must-read (39:50)Additional ResourcesBooks By Patty LemerOutsmarting AutismTo learn more about Patty Lemer, here’s her website Patty’s Podcast The Autism DetectivesLearn more about Epidemic Answers hereAre You Running On All Cylinders?  Get your FREE Warrior Parent ScoreTo learn more about Cass & Len, visit us at www.autismparentingsecrets.comBe sure to follow Cass & Len  on InstagramCheck it out...Autism Parenting Secrets is number 12 on the Top 20 Autism Podcasts by Feedspot👉  https://blog.feedspot.com/autism_podcasts/

This week, we are joined by Beth Lambert, founder and executive director of Epidemic Answers, a non-profit organization whose vision is a world where parents and professionals are empowered with the knowledge, resources, and support essential to raising healthy and vibrant children in today’s world.In this episode, we discuss the importance of looking back at the entirety of your child’s life (as far back as pre-conception) for clues or as Beth mentions bread crumbs  that help bring awareness on what might be currently going on.  By knowing the past you can make informed decisions for the present and the future. We also cover why parents must adopt an “I got this” attitude and embrace forgiveness.  Forgiveness is such an important process.  This helps you move from being stuck to being powerful.   Beth guides us through that process and illustrates how it opens the doors to be more observant as a parent and, as a result, helps us get to the root cause of whatever issue you're facing. Key TakeawaysThe power of looking back (03:40)Adopt an “I got this” attitude (07:50)How guilt and shame paralyzes us and how to prevent it (11:15)How to promote the concept of forgiveness (20:30)Why being observant is how you discover some of the root causes (27:20)The research project, Documenting Hope (29:00)Why anecdotal evidence needs to be combined with scientific research (36:10)Additional ResourcesBooks by Beth:A Compromised Generation: The Epidemic of Chronic Illness in America's Children by Beth LambertBrain Under Attack by Beth Lambert and Maria Rickert HongLearn more about Epidemic Answers hereLearn more about Documenting Hope hereLearn more about The Documenting Hope CHIRP Study  hereTo follow Documenting Hope on Instagram Are You Running On All Cylinders?  Get your FREE Warrior Parent ScoreTo learn more about Cass & Len, visit us at www.autismparentingsecrets.comBe sure to follow Cass & Len  on InstagramCheck it out...Autism Parenting Secrets is number 12 on the Top 20 Autism Podcasts by Feedspot👉  https://blog.feedspot.com/autism_podcasts/

This week, we interview Dr. Dan Peters, who conveys how a parent’s degree of awareness impacts so many aspects of parenting. And with greater awareness, so much more is possible - a stronger and happier relationship with your child.Dr. Dan walks us through how to find the courage to ask the important questions to help us show up better for our children. He explains what a child needs most from their parent and how it encapsulates what the Parent Footprint is all about. To ensure that we’re giving the right kind of attention to our children, we have to get very clear on what we want for them and ourselves. That awareness guides our steps and promotes intentional action and interaction with a child on the spectrum. And finally, a point that we always stress and Dr. Dan emphasizes is to remind parents to check in on their own wellbeing. We have to take care of ourselves before we can care for others. And at the end of the day, the most lasting impressions we make on our children is illustrated through the lens of how we treat ourselves. Key TakeawaysWhat the Parent Footprint is all about (02:05)Finding the courage to ask how we can better show up for our children (09:10)What your child needs from you most (15:50)Why you have to get clear on what you want for your child (24:05)Behaviors that promote better parent awareness (30:33)A reminder that we as parents need to check in on ourselves too (36:00)Start and end your day with intention (39:05)Additional ResourcesLearn more about Dr. Dan and Parent Footprint hereListen to The Parent Footprint Podcast With Dr. Dan Are You Running On All Cylinders?  Get your FREE Warrior Parent ScoreTo learn more about Cass & Len, visit us at www.autismparentingsecrets.comBe sure to follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/warriorparentcoaching/Check it out...Autism Parenting Secrets is number 12 on the Top 20 Autism Podcasts by Feedspot👉  https://blog.feedspot.com/autism_podcasts/

In this episode, we are joined by Bruce Kirkby, the author of the new book Blue Sky Kingdom. Blue Sky Kingdom is the epic journey he took with his family.  The journey was the ultimate unplug.  They traveled from their home in Canada to the Himalayas of Northern India where he and his family lived at a Buddhist Monastery.  Bruce shares the wisdom he learned and how acceptance and sincere attention to his child are the greatest gifts.Parents of a child with Autism are often focused on fixing their child.  What Bruce’s journey  affirmed was that the best way that we as parents can show up for our children is through the attention we give them. Bruce’s story of acceptance, the love of time together, and disconnection from distractions is filled with valuable insights that we know will help you in your own journey.Stay tuned to learn more about their exciting adventure!Key TakeawaysThe journey it took to write this book (02:11)Bruce’s lightbulb moment (04:55)Jumping into one of our dreams (09:15)Bodi’s connection to the Buddhist monastery (10:22)Explaining a Zanskar social construct (14:30)Development must go in both directions (18:32)A child’s early years are hugely impactful (23:15)Making travel a more pleasant experience for a child with sensory issues (30:30)How life has changed since this trip (37:10)Additional ResourcesBlue Sky Kingdom is available hereFor more about Bruce KirbyAre You Running On All Cylinders?  Get your FREE Warrior Parent ScoreTo learn more about Cass & Len, visit www.autismparentingsecrets.comBe sure to follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/warriorparentcoaching/Check it out...Autism Parenting Secrets is number 12 on the Top 20 Autism Podcasts by Feedspot👉  https://blog.feedspot.com/autism_podcasts/

This week, Dr. Stephen Cowan is back for the last episode in our three-part series and this week it’s all about the importance of curiosity.  Parents with curiosity and self-trust you will find answers over time.  You Don't Know YET but stay curious and see what happens.  Curiosity leads to understanding, and understanding is the ground floor of The Cosmic Snowman. As parents, you want to foster a sense of openness with everyone who interacts with your child. That includes practitioners, therapists, grandparents, etc. Each of these individuals plays a crucial role in the development of your child with Autism.Dr. Cowan shares some personal examples of patients he has supported where curiosity led to the answers that were right for the families he supported.  Key TakeawaysWhat keeps us from being curious (02:05)The ground floor of the snowman (04:00)Dr. Cowan’s experience with a child born at 23 weeks (07:10)Why his story illustrates the importance of staying curious (12:05)Additional ResourcesClick here to learn more about Dr. Stephen Cowan For additional information about Tournesol KidsFor more information on Dr. Cowan’s book, Fire Child, Water Child: How Understanding the Five Types of ADHD Can Help You Improve Your Child's Self-Esteem and Attention Are You Running On All Cylinders?  Get your FREE Warrior Parent ScoreTo learn more about Cass & Len, visit us at www.autismparentingsecrets.comBe sure to follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/warriorparentcoaching/Check it out...Autism Parenting Secrets is number 12 on the Top 20 Autism Podcasts by Feedspot👉  https://blog.feedspot.com/autism_podcasts

This week, Dr. Stephen Cowan is back and in this episode, he shares the wisdom of The Cosmic Snowman.  The Cosmic Snowman is truly a Roadmap for a greater connection for yourself and your child with autism.  He uses a model called the Cosmic Snowman which is the evolutionary design of our neurologic system. It links our mind and body's functions and how it relates to healing and true connection. Click here to download a PDF of this visual map - it will really help you follow along with the discussion.The base of the snowman is centered around the reptilian brain and its ability to sense but also function properly.  This is where we must first focus our healing efforts if we want to grow, change, and learn. It’s imperative to have a solid foundation so that we can physically connect with the world around us.    The middle circle is our limbic system or our puppy brain. This is where our excitement lives.  It is where you will find passions, instincts, and emotions and it’s where you find things like inner and outer exploring.  At the top of the snowman is the neocortex, our highest point of evolution. This is where our spiritual gifts live and where we celebrate a true sense of joy. The ultimate goal here being optimism and a sense of celebration even in times of challenge.   Dr. Cowan explains the interconnectedness between each part of the snowman and the power of using this as a guide for true connection. We discuss the symptoms of children outgrowing their diagnosis and why behaviors that are typically seen as regressive may actually be a sign of genuine connection and progress. His model of understanding children with autism empowers parents to truly connect and create better relationships with themselves and their children.Be sure to tune in to this transformational episode.   Key TakeawaysThe body’s connection to healing (02:21)A signal that a child is outgrowing their diagnosis (10:10)The three levels of the cosmic snowman (15:50)Why meeting your child where their ‘fire’ has therapeutic benefits (22:30)How to use metaphors as a healing tool (32:00)Sometimes the behaviors we categorize as regression is actually our child making a connection (36:18)Dr. Cowan’s own experience with evidence-based medicine (42:50)Additional ResourcesClick here to learn more about Dr. Stephen Cowan For additional information about Tournesol KidsFor more information on Dr. Cowan’s book, Fire Child, Water Child: How Understanding the Five Types of ADHD Can Help You Improve Your Child's Self-Esteem and Attention Are You Running On All Cylinders?  Get your FREE Warrior Parent ScoreTo learn more about Cass & Len, visit us at www.autismparentingsecrets.comBe sure to follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/warriorparentcoaching/Check it out...Autism Parenting Secrets is number 12 on the Top 20 Autism Podcasts by Feedspot👉  https://blog.feedspot.com/autism_podcasts/

In this episode, Len and Cass interview Dr. Stephen Cowan and discuss the secret that your child with Autism is your teacher.Dr. Cowan talks about the importance of looking at the "how" as opposed to the "why" when supporting your child with Autism, as this allows you to focus on the unique gifts in your child. This is a cornerstone of keeping a growth mindset. On the other hand, a fixed mindset tends to isolate symptoms or takes the symptoms out of context rather than looking at them within a holistic framework.The goal here is to shift your perspective so that the parent takes on the role of student, allowing them to discover their child’s gifts.  A doctor can only offer clinical insights, but a parent taking the time to become a student of their child offers a clearer understanding of individual needs and a broader picture.This kind of student and teacher relationship empowers your child to reveal further information that will help you meet their needs and harness their gifts. It becomes an equally beneficial opportunity for the parent and child to thrive.The real warrior parents are the ones who recognize and acknowledge that they're the experts on their own child because they allow their child to teach them.Key TakeawaysLooking at the “how” as opposed to the “why” is a more practical approach when dealing with your child’s autism (2:40)Why medical professionals are sometimes causing more harm than good (5:30)Growth vs. fixed mindset (7:47)How to develop a thriving relationship with your child (9:12)What to do to become a better caregiver (11:25)Real Warrior Parents are the ones who recognize and acknowledge that they’re the experts on their own child (17:50)Additional ResourcesClick here to learn more about Dr. Stephen Cowan For additional information about Tournesol KidsFor more information on Dr Cowan’s book, Fire Child, Water Child: How Understanding the Five Types of ADHD Can Help You Improve Your Child's Self-Esteem and Attention To learn more about Cass & Len, visit us at www.autismparentingsecrets.comBe sure to follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/warriorparentcoaching/Check it out...Autism Parenting Secrets is number 12 on the Top 20 Autism Podcasts by Feedspot👉  https://blog.feedspot.com/autism_podcasts/