Podcast
Autism Parenting Secrets
Hosted by Len Arcuri, Cass Arcuri · EN
Are you a parent of a child with Autism? Are you ready to rise above the diagnosis? Each week on Autism Parenting Secrets, we are going to share how you can rise up and become the parent you need to be. Get personalized support at: elevatehowyounavigate.com
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Episodes
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Earlier Detection Creates More Options
6d ago00:39:26Summary readyWelcome to Episode 309 of Autism Parenting Secrets. Most parents are told autism can only be identified after behavioral symptoms appear. But what if important biological clues exist much earlier? Dr. Judy Van de Water is a world-renowned immunologist at UC Davis whose research helped identify Maternal Autoantibody Related Autism, or MARA. It’s an immune-system-mediated subtype of autism connected to specific maternal autoantibodies that may impact fetal brain development during pregnancy. Dr. Michael Paul is the CEO of MARAbio and has spent decades helping advance autism-related diagnostics and emerging technologies designed to improve outcomes for children and families. Together, they explain how earlier biological detection may help families better understand risk, personalize interventions, and access support sooner. They also discuss how this research could lead to more targeted therapies and improved outcomes over time. The secret this week is… The Brain Requires INDEPENDENT Thinking You'll Discover: Why maternal antibodies may influence neurodevelopment and autism risk (3:23) How earlier detection could help families intervene sooner (15:03) Why personalized approaches may improve outcomes for autistic children (26:53) How understanding immune-system patterns may guide future interventions (20:59) Why hope and continued research matter for families navigating autism (36:56) About Our Guest: Judy Van de Water, PhD is Founder and Chief Science Advisor of MARAbio. She is a world-renowned immunologist and researcher at UC Davis whose work focuses on the role of the immune system in autism and developmental disorders. Her research helped identify Maternal Autoantibody Related Autism (MARA), an immune-system-mediated subtype of autism. Michael S. Paul, PhD is CEO of MARAbio. He has spent decades working in autism diagnostics, biotechnology, and emerging health technologies focused on improving outcomes for children and families affected by developmental disorders. www.marabio.com Additional Resources: To learn more about personalized 1:1 support go to www.elevatehowyounavigate.com If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends.
SummaryThe Brain Requires INDEPENDENT Thinking
2w ago00:46:01Summary readyWelcome to Episode 308 of Autism Parenting Secrets. Many children experience developmental regression, inflammation, language loss, movement issues, seizures, OCD, anxiety, and other neurological symptoms that often get grouped under broad behavioral labels. But according to pediatric neurologist Dr. John Gaitanis, those labels may not fully explain what is actually happening in the brain. Dr. Gaitanis is a board-certified pediatric neurologist, Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Meadow Health, and part of the leadership team at MAPS - the Medical Academy of Pediatrics & Special Needs. In this conversation, we discuss why the same diagnosis can represent very different biological and neurological conditions, why developmental regression deserves far deeper investigation, how biomarkers and cerebral folate deficiency are changing treatment approaches, and why many children may be far more cognitively aware than they appear. This episode is ultimately about curiosity, individualized medicine, and looking deeper to better understand how children can truly thrive. The secret this week is… The Brain Requires INDEPENDENT Thinking You'll Discover: Why developmental regression deserves a far deeper medical workup than most children receive (3:30) Why many children may be misunderstood neurologically and intellectually (12:00) Why consensus thinking can prevent families from accessing meaningful help (19:15) Why inflammation and immune dysfunction may play a much larger role than many clinicians realize (23:45) How MAPS and Meadow Health are trying to improve access to more individualized care (43:20) About Our Guest: John Gaitanis, MD is a board-certified pediatric neurologist with over two decades of clinical and research experience in autism spectrum disorder. Dr. Gaitanis has spent his career at the intersection of academic medicine and patient care, pioneering biomarker-guided treatment approaches that move beyond one-size-fits-all protocols. His work in cerebral folate deficiency has directly informed the clinical framework behind Meadow Health. meadowbiosciences.com medmaps.org precisionneurology.org Additional Resources: To learn more about personalized 1:1 support go to www.elevatehowyounavigate.com If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends.
SummaryThe Microbiome CAN Be Rebuilt
3w ago00:40:44Summary readyWelcome to Episode 307 of Autism Parenting Secrets. Many children struggling with neurological, immune, behavioral, and developmental challenges also show signs of significant microbiome disruption. Jason Klop from Novel Biome joins the show to explain why the microbiome may play a foundational role in overall health and why restoring missing microbes is becoming an increasingly important area of research and clinical care. As the CEO and Founder of Novel Biome, Jason has spent years focused on fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), donor screening, microbial diversity, and the emerging science behind rebuilding the microbiome. In this conversation, we explore the connection between the gut and the brain, why probiotics often fail to create lasting change, what engraftment means, and how restoring microbial diversity may help support healthier immune and neurological function. The secret this week is… The Microbiome CAN Be Rebuilt You'll Discover: Why many children may be missing critical microbes entirely (9:36) The connection between microbiome disruption and neurological symptoms (2:04) Why probiotics often fail to create lasting change (20:12) What engraftment means and why it matters (25:21) Why rebuilding the microbiome may improve outcomes from other therapies (31:23) About Our Guest: Jason Klop is the CEO and Founder of Novel Biome, a Health Canada-licensed manufacturer of high-quality FMT products. A retired Naturopathic Doctor, Jason entered the FMT field in 2018 and has since built Novel Biome into a trusted source of on-demand fecal microbiota transplant products for clinicians, hospitals, and researchers worldwide. Website: https://novelbiome.com 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.
SummaryThe Autism Label Hides More Than It Reveals
4w ago00:44:28Summary readyWelcome to Episode 306 of Autism Parenting Secrets. When a child receives an autism diagnosis, it can bring relief. Finally, there is a word that explains what parents have been seeing. But that same label can quietly narrow how people think about a child. It can shape expectations, influence treatment decisions, and distract from deeper questions about what may actually be driving neurological differences. Ryan Sumner has spent years exploring those deeper questions. As the host of the From the Spectrum podcast and a graduate student pursuing a doctorate in clinical psychology with a focus on behavioral neuroscience, Ryan studies how learning, memory, and brain function intersect with the autistic phenotype. In this conversation, Ryan explains why the autism label can oversimplify a complex biological reality, how autistic cognition can carry unique strengths, and why parents who look beyond the diagnosis often uncover new possibilities for their child. The secret this week is… The Autism Label Hides More Than It Reveals You'll Discover: Why the autistic phenotype may represent untapped capability rather than only limitation (2:09) How diagnostic labels can shape expectations and narrow thinking about a child (7:02) Why biology, environment, and energy may influence brain development more than we realize (10:39) What parents miss when the label becomes the explanation instead of the starting point (25:18) How curiosity and critical thinking open new paths for helping a child thrive (41:14) About Our Guest: Ryan Sumner is the host of the From the Spectrum: Finding Superpowers with Autism podcast and a graduate student pursuing a doctorate in clinical psychology focused on behavioral neuroscience, learning, memory, and habit formation. Growing up, Ryan struggled in traditional school environments and often found social settings difficult to navigate. Over time he discovered strengths in visual thinking and spatial reasoning, which led to success in technical engineering roles working with machining and CNC systems. Later in life he returned to school to study psychology and the neuroscience of learning and behavior. Through his podcast and research, Ryan explores the neurobiology of autism and how autistic cognition shapes perception, learning, and problem solving. His goal is to help people better understand the autistic phenotype not just from the outside, but from the inside as well. From the Spectrum: Finding Superpowers with Autism Podcasthttps://www.youtube.com/@FromTheSpectrum 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.
SummaryAddress Root Causes Or Stay Stuck
Apr 3000:43:23Summary readyWelcome to Episode 305 of Autism Parenting Secrets. There’s more information available to parents today than ever before. Podcasts, practitioners, protocols… It’s everywhere. And yet, so many parents are still overwhelmed. Not because there’s a lack of options, but because there’s no clear way to filter, prioritize, and act on what truly matters. In this conversation, Len, Maureen, and Taryn McCracken unpack a critical shift that’s happening right now. Parents are becoming more aware of root causes - things like gut health, immune dysregulation, toxins, and nervous system challenges. But awareness alone isn’t enough. Without the ability to discern who to trust and how to move forward, even the best information gets left on the table. Maureen shares insights from her decades of working alongside pioneers like Dr. Sid Baker and organizing the Defeat Autism Now conferences. She also explains how the Children’s Health Solutions Series was created to give parents practical, affordable, and digestible guidance from trusted experts. Taryn McCracken, Creative Director of the series, adds perspective as a parent and highlights how these expert insights are transformed into engaging, easy-to-understand learning experiences that help parents build a strong foundation before seeking support. A key theme throughout this conversation is that progress doesn’t come from doing more. It comes from focusing on the right things, in the right order, with the right guidance and support. The secret this week is… Address Root Causes Or Stay Stuck You'll Discover: Why Awareness Is Increasing, But Overwhelm Still Persists (3:10) How To Identify Practitioners Who Truly Understand Root Causes (9:12) The Critical Role Parents Play In Guiding Their Child’s Healing (13:05) Why Most Conventional Approaches Miss The Bigger Picture (17:22) How To Turn Information Into Action Without Getting Overwhelmed (36:02) About Our Guest: Maureen McDonnell was a holistic pediatric Registered Nurse for more than 40 years. She has organized conferences, summits, and events since the early 1990s to educate and empower families to pursue optimal health outside of a pharmaceutically dominated system. She served as National Coordinator of the Defeat Autism Now conferences and later founded Millions Against Mandates to promote collaboration within the health freedom movement. Today, she leads the Children’s Health Solutions Series, providing practical, natural, and affordable guidance for parents. Taryn McCracken, Creative Director of the Children’s Health Solutions Series, also joins the conversation. She plays a key role in transforming expert interviews into engaging, parent-friendly learning experiences. Learn more at:https://ChildrensHealthSolutions.orghttps://MillionsAgainstMandates.org Additional Resources: To learn more about personalized 1:1 support go to www.elevatehowyounavigate.com If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends.
SummaryDon’t Blindly Trust “The Science”
Apr 2300:50:03Summary readyWelcome to Episode 304 of Autism Parenting Secrets. This week, we’re going deeper into something that shapes nearly every decision you make for your child - how you interpret science. There’s more information than ever before, with studies, headlines, and expert opinions everywhere, yet many parents still feel confused or stuck. Why? Because even credible research can miss the real signal, and without knowing how to evaluate it, it’s easy to draw the wrong conclusions. My guest this week is Dr. William Parker, returning to the show with decades of experience in biochemistry, microbiology, and immunology. In our last conversation, we explored the potential risks of Tylenol, and in this episode, we go further. We unpack why research can miss the real risk, how scientific systems can overlook what matters most, and what that means for you as a parent. This is about discernment - not just gathering more information, but understanding what’s actually true and what applies to your child. The secret this week is… Don’t Blindly Trust “The Science” You'll Discover: Why Many Studies Focus on Detail Instead of Root Cause (5:22) How Incentives Shape What Science Actually Studies (7:23) Why “Scientific” Conclusions Can Still Be Misleading (13:25) How 32 Studies Can All Miss the Same Critical Factor (31:27) What Parents Should Look For When Evaluating Research (42:34) About Our Guest: William Parker earned a PhD in Chemistry in 1992 and studied biochemistry, microbiology, and immunology at Duke University for almost 30 years before starting WPLab, a private, non-profit research and education corporation, in 2021. Best known for the discovery of the function of the human appendix as a safe-house for bacteria, Dr. Parker has spent almost a decade studying the impact of acetaminophen combined with oxidative stress on neurodevelopment. He has published more than 150 peer-reviewed papers, including work in PLoS One, the European Journal of Pediatrics, Minerva Pediatrics, and Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics. WPLab scientists have concluded that many, if not most, cases of autism are a chemically induced injury caused by exposure of susceptible babies and children to acetaminophen. Learn more:https://www.wplaboratory.org Additional Resources: To learn more about personalized 1:1 support go to www.elevatehowyounavigate.com If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends.
SummaryTake Aluminum Exposure Seriously
Apr 1600:42:00Summary readyWelcome to Episode 303 of Autism Parenting Secrets. Today we’re diving into an important and timely topic… aluminum exposure. My guest is Dr. Brian Hooker, a friend of the show and Chief Scientific Officer at Children’s Health Defense. He’s spent decades researching environmental factors that impact neurodevelopment and helping translate complex science into practical insight for parents. Aluminum isn’t something most parents think much about… and when they do, they’re often told it’s not a concern. But there’s more to understand. Because this isn’t just about where aluminum shows up… It’s about how it behaves once it enters the body, particularly in relation to inflammation and the brain. Brian shares what his latest research reveals, including why aluminum adjuvants stood out, how this form of aluminum is different, and why timing during early development matters. This is about clarity… so you can make more informed decisions for your child. The secret this week is… Take Aluminum Exposure Seriously You'll Discover: Why aluminum adjuvants stood out as the most concerning exposure in recent research (3:36) How aluminum nanoparticles can travel through the body and reach the brain (5:55) The biological mechanisms linking aluminum exposure to inflammation and brain impact (11:30) Why timing of exposure during early development is critical (27:32) Practical ways parents can think about reducing exposure and making informed decisions (30:14) About Our Guest: Dr. Brian Hooker is the Chief Scientific Officer at Children’s Health Defense and a leading researcher on environmental factors impacting neurodevelopment. He has authored and co-authored numerous scientific papers examining vaccine safety, toxic exposures, and autism, and is widely known for his work translating complex science into actionable insights for parents. Contact: drbrianhooker@gmail.com References In This Episode: Aluminum Adjuvants, Autoimmunity, and Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Comprehensive Mechanistic, Neuropathological, and Legal Analysis Science Unleashed 2026 - May 9, 2026 Chandler AZ Additional Resources: To learn more about personalized 1:1 support go to www.elevatehowyounavigate.com If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends.
SummaryThis Light Can Change BRAIN Function
Apr 900:45:02Summary readyWelcome 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.
SummaryHomeopathy Puts Healing Back In Your Hands
Apr 200:46:00Summary readyWelcome 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.
SummaryAI Can Guide. YOU Decide.
Mar 2600:32:25Summary readyWelcome 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.
Summary