Inside the Mind of Clara Woods: A Nonverbal Artist with a Powerful Voice

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Inside the Mind of Clara Woods: A Nonverbal Artist with a Powerful Voice"

Change Your Brain Every Day, hosted by New York Times bestselling authors Dr. Daniel Amen and Tana Amen, presents an inspiring episode titled "Inside the Mind of Clara Woods: A Nonverbal Artist with a Powerful Voice." Released on March 3, 2025, this episode delves into the remarkable journey of Clara Woods, a nonverbal artist, and her mother Bettina Woods. Clara's story is one of resilience, creativity, and the transformative power of art in overcoming significant neurological challenges.

Introduction to Clara and Bettina Woods

The episode opens with a heartfelt introduction by Clara Woods herself:

Clara Woods [00:00]: "Art is my happy place. When I paint, it's like my brain takes a big deep breath and relaxes... Art is my superpower."

Dr. Daniel Amen and Tana Amen set the stage by highlighting Clara's unique journey:

Tana Amen [00:50]: "Clara suffered a stroke in the womb and had come to see us at Amen Clinic's Costa Mesa for treatment. This is her powerful story of resilience, hope, and healing."

Clara's Early Life and Diagnosis

Bettina Woods shares the challenging early years following Clara's prenatal stroke:

Bettina Woods [02:30]: "Clara was born, but we didn't know that she had the stroke. When she was around one year old, she couldn't open her right arm. Doctors said she'd be like a vegetable, but Clara proved them wrong with her vibrant personality and spirit."

Despite being diagnosed with cerebral palsy, Clara's mother chose to focus on living a "normal" life, avoiding prolonged hospital stays and fostering an environment where Clara could thrive.

The Power of Art as Communication

Clara's inability to speak, read, or write turned to art as her primary means of expression. This creative outlet became her "superpower," allowing her to communicate complex emotions and ideas without words.

Clara Woods [28:15]: "Art is my happy place... Since I can't use my words, painting helps me show the world what's in my heart and mind."

Bettina emphasizes how art transformed Clara's life:

Bettina Woods [10:47]: "She started painting just for fun, but we began to see colors and forms she created. Introducing her to Frida Kahlo's story ignited her passion for art."

Achievements and Exhibitions

Clara's talent did not go unnoticed. With Bettina's unwavering support, Clara hosted over 30 exhibitions worldwide, including prestigious events like Art Basel in Miami, sponsored by Louis Vuitton.

Bettina Woods [12:27]: "Clara was the first kid to have her own company in Italy. Her first exhibition in Florence sold out, and she continued to gain international recognition."

The family's dedication paid off as Clara connected with influential figures like Virgil Abloh, leading to further exhibitions and collaborations. Despite facing challenges such as the pandemic, Clara's art continued to flourish, demonstrating her unyielding spirit.

The Move to California and Its Impact

In 2020, the Woods family relocated to California, seeking a more supportive environment for Clara's growth and their own well-being.

Bettina Woods [15:19]: "In Europe, the mindset was more closed. Here in California, we found more opportunities and a community that embraced Clara's talent and our mission."

The move proved beneficial, offering Clara greater exposure and the freedom to manage her artistic endeavors more effectively.

Managing ADHD Within the Family

Beyond Clara's cerebral palsy, the Woods family also navigates the complexities of ADHD. Bettina and her husband Carlo both have ADHD, which adds another layer of challenge to their daily lives.

Bettina Woods [19:27]: "Carlo is full ADHD, and so is Clara. This impacts our relationships and how we manage our household and business."

Bettina recounts the strain ADHD placed on her marriage and family dynamics before seeking help:

Bettina Woods [41:34]: "We were resilient to be together and raise the family, but it was hell before we understood ADHD. Once we knew, it became manageable."

They credit Amen Clinics with providing the necessary support and strategies to improve their mental health and familial relationships.

Collaboration with Amen Clinics

Feeling overwhelmed and desperate for solutions, Bettina reached out to Amen Clinics for assistance with Clara's cerebral palsy and the family's ADHD challenges.

Bettina Woods [21:46]: "I wrote an email explaining everything—my husband, Clara, and myself. I was desperate for help."

Dr. Amina, a child and adult psychiatrist at Amen Clinics, joined the conversation to discuss Clara's brain health and potential treatments.

Dr. Amina [22:35]: "Clara's brain shows areas of both high and low activity. Strategies like a ketogenic diet or medication can help calm hyperactive regions and support her mental health."

Therapeutic Strategies and Treatments

The discussion highlights various therapeutic options to support Clara's neurological health:

• Ketogenic Diet: Bettina shares success stories where a low-carbohydrate diet significantly reduced seizures in children.

Tana Amen [27:25]: "A ketogenic diet can help with seizure control and mood stability."

• Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: Tana Amen suggests this as a potential treatment to stimulate Clara's cerebellum and improve brain function.

Tana Amen [23:00]: "Hyperbaric oxygen therapy could help stimulate her sleepy cerebellum, enhancing her brain's functionality."

• Medication Management: Dr. Amina discusses the careful use of medications to manage Clara's anxiety and seizure activity without hindering her creativity.

Clara's Influence and Future Projects

Clara's artwork has not only provided her with a means of expression but has also inspired countless individuals facing similar challenges:

Bettina Woods [32:17]: "Clara's videos have over 30 million views, inspiring people to overcome depression and embrace their unique talents."

Looking forward, the Woods family is launching the Inclusion Matters Podcast, hosted by Clara and their son Aiden, who is on the autism spectrum and a talented musician. This platform aims to amplify voices of individuals with disabilities, fostering a community of support and visibility.

Bettina Woods [33:47]: "With the Inclusion Matters Podcast, we want to help others by providing a platform for visibility and support."

Family Dynamics and Emotional Resilience

Bettina openly discusses the emotional toll of managing multiple challenges within the family, including raising a nonverbal child and supporting a husband with ADHD.

Bettina Woods [18:18]: "I believe it's God who has given us these challenges, but I also believe in finding a mission to promote inclusion and diversity."

Her vulnerability offers listeners a candid look into the struggles and triumphs of nurturing a family with diverse neurological needs.

Conclusion: Embracing Unique Brains

The episode concludes with a powerful message about the potential for brain improvement and the importance of understanding and supporting unique individuals.

Tana Amen [43:53]: "Everyone's brain is different, and by seeking help, you can improve your brain's health even if it was hurt before or after birth."

Dr. Daniel Amen reinforces this optimism:

Dr. Daniel Amen [44:24]: "Your brain can be better, and we love making brains better."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Clara Woods [00:00]: "Art is my happy place... Art is my superpower."
• Tana Amen [00:50]: "This is her powerful story of resilience, hope, and healing."
• Bettina Woods [10:47]: "She can communicate really well, like expressing herself with gestures."
• Dr. Daniel Amen [21:19]: "This is what we love, making brains better."
• Bettina Woods [18:27]: "She's amazing and she can do things. She's smart."

Final Thoughts

"Inside the Mind of Clara Woods: A Nonverbal Artist with a Powerful Voice" is a testament to the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity through creativity and support. Clara and Bettina Woods exemplify how understanding the brain and leveraging individual strengths can lead to remarkable achievements. Their story not only inspires but also educates listeners on the importance of brain health, inclusion, and the transformative power of art.

For more information about Clara Woods and her work, visit clarawoodscollection.com or follow her on social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.

Transcript

[Clara Woods]

Art is my happy place. When I paint, it's like my brain takes a big deep breath and relaxes. Sometimes when I feel sad or frustrated, painting helps me let all those feelings out. Like magic, I can put all my colors, shapes and ideas on the canvas and suddenly I feel so much better. It's like my paintbrush is talking for me. Since I can't use my words, painting helps me show the world what's in my heart and mind. It makes me feel strong and pro, like I can do anything. Art is my superpower.

[Dr. Daniel Amen]

Every day you are making your brain better or you are making it worse. Stay with us to learn how you can change your brain for the better every day.

[Tana Amen]

In this week's episode on the Change your brain every day podcast, Tana and I are joined by a mother daughter duo, Clara and Bettina Woods. I met clara at our 35th anniversary event and was blown away by her story. Clara suffered a stroke in the womb and had come to see us at Amen Clinic's Costa Mesa for treatment. This is her powerful story of resilience, hope and healing. Hope you enjoy this week's episode.

[Dr. Daniel Amen]

Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, obsessive thinking, past emotional trauma, ADHD or brain fog and don't know where to turn? Are your relationships a mess and you don't know why? Have you had a brain injury, concussion, or just don't feel the same after Covid? Is your memory worse than it was 10 years ago or do you have a parent or grandparent with dementia and want to work on prevention? Yes, prevention is possible, but the sooner you start the better. For 35 years, we've been changing people's brains and their lives using brain SPECT imaging and a personalized natural approach to brain and mental health care. And we have some of the best published outcomes anywhere. Go to amenclinics.com to learn more and when you call us, mention podcast 10 for a 10% discount.

[Tana Amen]

Joining us today are Clara and Bettina Woods, a remarkable mother daughter duo who have overcome incredible challenges. Clara is a talented painter and model, suffered a prenatal stroke leaving her unable to read, write or speak, but her art speaks volumes. With her mother's support, Clara has hosted over 30 exhibitions worldwide, including at Art Basel in Miami with Louis Vuitton. So I met clara at our 35th anniversary opening at our Costa Mesa clinic and there was a long line of people and I was talking to people. Then I saw Clara out of the corner of my eye and she's so beautiful and she started crying when she Saw me and I started crying too. And then when I heard her story, I'm like, clara's the reason we do what we do here at Amen Clinics. And I just had to have her and her mom on the podcast. So having a stroke even before you're born, that I have actually seen a number of them in my career. And I don't think I've ever seen someone who became an artist. And I'm just so proud of you. And now they're seeing Dr. Amina, who's one of our really great child and adult psychiatrists. We just want to share your journey, share your story.

[Bettina Woods]

Do we want to present ourselves? You can go. I go. Okay. You are a bit nervous. Okay. Because Clara has some things in her. If she wants to speak, then she can use that or I can translate for her. So, yeah, Clara had a stroke, so I'm from Brazil. And then I moved to Italy when I was 22 years, just, you know, to have an experience. And then I got married. Clara was born, but we didn't know that she had the stroke. And then we knew when she was around one year because she couldn't open her right rent. And I was always going to the doctor and saying, something is wrong, something's wrong. And they say, no, every child has their own time. Until I went to Ikea and I saw a child of her age doing everything. And I said, no, something is really wrong. And then after the mri, the doctor called me and said, it's really bad. Lara will not be able to do anything. She will be like a vegetable. I know I should not use this word, but this is what she said. And then I start crying. And she said, you are right to cry. Your life will be a nightmare. And all that. So all by phone, and Carlo was out of the count, so I was alone. And I run back home, home. And I see. But Clara is anything what she's saying, because she's happy, she's beautiful, she's, you know, she was really always laughing and doing so I was, no, it's not her. And then from there, we always tried to live our life. Nor, like I say, normal, not. I never thought she had a disability. You know, I always leave, let's do everything. And we never went through, like, hospitals things. And I don't know if for me it was good. Now with Facebook groups, all these, we get so much fear. What can happen? What can happen? I was so grateful that I was not in these things before, because we could try live, give her a leave, a life like it's okay. Let's do what happened and just let's try to, you know, to navigate. But when she was growing up, then things always were more difficult because when the elementary school start, we thought she could be able to write or read and didn't happen. So it was more difficult. The interactions with kids and everything. And I think anyone is prepared to face what's happening, you know, the school, families, because they don't know when it has a lot of fear. So when she was in the elementary, like, she was throwing rocks or pushing the hair. And then. Because she's lonely. She was lonely and not because she was mean and not because the other kids were mean. They just doesn't know with her and. Yeah, so.

[Dr. Amina]

So can I ask a question? Would this technically be considered like a cerebral palsy type of situation or was something different?

[Bettina Woods]

I think yes, it's a cerebral palsy because from the stroke, she had a lot of things.

[Dr. Amina]

Okay.

[Bettina Woods]

She has kind of 12 different diagnosis, but I don't know well, all of them.

[Dr. Amina]

So I, as a nurse, I worked with Medtronic for a long time, and one of my specialties, I worked with kids with cerebral palsy. And one thing I know is there's a very vast continuum of, you know, you. They're. Everyone's not the same. Right. So vast continuum of function and what kids can do. And I used to get very, very frustrated because one thing people didn't understand was it was almost like sort of being trapped in the body and they understood everything and they knew everything that was going on. And people would sort of overlook and talk to you and not to. To her and not to Clara. And it was almost like they just didn't know that they were able to process everything they were saying. And that's got to be pretty frustrating. I don't know.

[Bettina Woods]

She can understand English, Italian and Portuguese, so she can understand three languages more than. And I always say she can understand more because she always understand beforehand what's happening. She can read, so mostly we cannot keep secrets from her. And I say when she starts speaking, I think we need to change planet, because I don't know what's coming from her. But she can com. Communicate really well, like expressing herself with gestures. We tried sign language in Italian here, but it's difficult for her because she's most. What the doctor explained, her biggest problems is in the output of the information. So all kinds of information that goes out, but not in the input. Because of that, she cannot write, read or.

[Dr. Amina]

But she paints. And so that's One expressive.

[Bettina Woods]

Yes, way. And her talker. Yeah. She can use the AAC even if she refuses to use. And I'm sure if she starts using more and more, she will be able to write with her photograph, memory and with the phone. Because when the phone gives suggestions and she knows already the word, then it's easier for her. But we are fighting that she will use more because she knows even how to program the software. So she knows how to do. But she just says it's, I don't like it.

[Dr. Amina]

Okay, but she likes painting.

[Bettina Woods]

Yeah. When.

[Tana Amen]

When did you know you liked painting?

[Bettina Woods]

Do you want me to say? Okay, you correct me. Mostly she starts just for fun. So when in the beginning she was destroying everything because she thought she was not good enough as the other kids, you know. And then we start seeing colors, forms, and we were, ah, this is nice. And then I gave her the book of Frida Kahlo. And she was in love with Frieda, I think, the story of Frida and hers. And she was kissing the book, she was sleeping with the book, everything.

[Dr. Amina]

So it touched her. You liked that book?

[Bettina Woods]

Did you feel that you could be like Frida, doing things despite your disability?

[Dr. Amina]

So it inspired you?

[Bettina Woods]

So she asked me to. She showed me the page that Frida was in New York, and she asked me to go to New York. So we were living in Florence, Italy. And then I said, okay, let's try. And I always say that this has changed all our lives, because I said, we will need to sacrifice, like, it will not be easy. And I could have said her, no, you have a disability. It will never happen. Or like, it's, you know, it's difficult. And then next day, we went to a place that they do art exhibitions, and we asked to do her exhibition. She was 12. And first they asked to see her artwork, if they would like. So then she made the exhibition with 12 years.

[Dr. Amina]

That's amazing.

[Tana Amen]

So her first exhibition was in Florence?

[Bettina Woods]

Yes.

[Dr. Amina]

When she was 12.

[Bettina Woods]

Yeah.

[Tana Amen]

Which is the city of art.

[Bettina Woods]

Yeah.

[Dr. Amina]

Wow.

[Bettina Woods]

And then it went sold out. I did.

[Dr. Amina]

There are people who spend their entire lives, like, trying to get to that point.

[Bettina Woods]

Yeah. So it went sold out. I start doing. I had another company, so I start managing the two things. And then Clara was the first kid to have her own company in Italy, because it's not easy like here. We need to ask to a judge the authorization to hope to open a company for her. And in that time, we decided to not do a nonprofit, so people would buy if they want not to help, you know, so they could see she's an artist and we will treat her as an artist. Maybe it was foolish, but in the sense of all the work behind, you know. And then the same year she went to Japan to do an exhibition in Japan. And the first time in art Basil for a charity event. And when the first time and then after that in 2019 I sold my business to invest in to do with her. And then we asked the visa because my dream was to come to California. And everyone said you will never get because Clara is 14, she has a disability and like it's crazy. And then we got the visa in the middle of the pandemic.

[Dr. Amina]

Oh wow.

[Bettina Woods]

We moved here with six bags in 2020.

[Dr. Amina]

That's amazing.

[Bettina Woods]

Paintings.

[Dr. Amina]

Yeah, that's so cool. So you went to Art Basel sponsored with. With Louis Vuitton.

[Bettina Woods]

Yeah. Then in 2021Then we arrived in 2020. She sold like at that time, I think around 700 artworks around W got a connection with Virgil Abloh and she was doing a project with Off White. And then. Wow. Yeah. And then what happened that they invited so impressive through the Louis Vuitton group. They host this exhibition. But unfortunately Virgil died right before. And then we did the exhibition, but she was expecting to meet him. She had an artwork for him, but it was really nice. And she exhibited with two other artists there.

[Dr. Amina]

That is so cool. Yeah, that's pretty wild.

[Tana Amen]

And why did you move to California?

[Bettina Woods]

So I'm from Brazil and I was 17 years in Europe. And I think it's a lot like close minded. So when you have ideas, it's mostly. No, it's too difficult. Difficult. It's the risk. And you know, doing this work with her, it's everything against the odds. Because nobody believes everyone lives behind your back. Even our family, they don't believe that we can do it. And with time became much more about the message than about Clara. And I start realizing after a while it's not the business or but the message. Because we got a lot of messages about people saying they start painting again. They are going out of depression. Seeing Clara's video, they are like also people said I didn't suicide because I saw your video that day. Or people with disabilities that feel they can do or family. So I think here we have much more opportunities and if we fail, it's okay. People will just cheer you up. In Europe it's more you fail like.

[Dr. Amina]

You know, we told you so. Yeah, yeah. Interesting.

[Bettina Woods]

Yeah.

[Dr. Amina]

Wow. You've inspired a lot of people. That's pretty amazing. It reminds me a little Bit of the story Johnny, when, you know, she broke her neck and just.

[Bettina Woods]

She is reading the book of Johnny right now. We have a history of Johnny because with all our other business, we used to donate power wheelchairs with her charity in Italy. And this last summer, we were in one of her summer camps, giving in the week. Speaking for the families, I have a.

[Dr. Amina]

Very good friend who he. He had pretty severe cerebral palsy, but he wanted to get a black belt and he. It was pretty wild. He had to work really, really hard. It was very difficult, but he ended up getting his black belt. His name was Jacob. He was amazing. But just having a family that supports you with those dreams and doesn't have that mindset of, you can't do that. Because I hate the word disability, but just really pushes you and encourages you. You remember Jacob, this is such a cool story.

[Bettina Woods]

Yeah. Because we see for us, like Clara, she's amazing and she can do things. She's smart. And I'm always saying to her, I'm sorry I'm your mom, because I will never let. Like you, I will never see you for a people with disability. For me, you are not right. And everyone has. And it would be much easier if I would for me, for my life.

[Dr. Amina]

You know, you don't have to push her.

[Bettina Woods]

Yeah.

[Dr. Amina]

Yeah.

[Bettina Woods]

And then she would be in an institute and I could live my life, but I think she can and she has so much to offer.

[Dr. Amina]

You must be so proud, though.

[Bettina Woods]

And. Yeah, it's. It's hard work.

[Dr. Amina]

She's like, you're not gonna have it so easy.

[Dr. Daniel Amen]

She said, you hear about us.

[Bettina Woods]

So I. I'm doing all this social media for Clara, so it's like a lot. We have one in a million followers around, and I'm managing, so I'm always trying to look for people or listen, but I saw one video that changed my. My life because Carlo, my husband, is full adhd and Cara is adhd. And it was a video that said about conflict seeking. And I said, this is what I live every day. And I never.

[Dr. Amina]

Both of them. Both of them.

[Bettina Woods]

And like, she's laughing.

[Tana Amen]

She has addicted it too.

[Dr. Amina]

I don't. I actually don't believe it. I don't believe I have any. But she's laughing, so she knows. She does.

[Tana Amen]

So you don't believe it?

[Bettina Woods]

No. So I was.

[Tana Amen]

Know the truth. The truth will set you free.

[Bettina Woods]

So I was, this is my life and I'm suffering for these. I know that. So I start following you and I start sending. I bought the book and I Sent for everyone that they know. That's the adhd. And in Italy they don't believe. And I was. Because when we knew. When I got married, I said, carlo, something's really wrong with you. I don't know what.

[Dr. Amina]

And you still married him.

[Bettina Woods]

So we started.

[Dr. Amina]

So something must be wrong with you.

[Bettina Woods]

I start going to all the doctors in Italy, but they don't believe, they don't know. So I was okay one another, another, anything. And once we came here to the US and Carlos saw a flyer and about adhd and he said, it's me. And then when we came back, we tried to seek for treatment, but we didn't find. Because then they just give a medicine. But it's not about that, you know. And his family didn't believe. They made fun. So it was. And then the conflict seeking for me was, okay, this is. And one day I was really bad because Clara was behaving so bad. Carlo. And everything. And because I was. I need to understand Clara's brain. Is she doing this because it's her character? And then I need to act in one finger because it's her brain. Because then I need very different. Yeah. And I don't know. And if I go to the normal doctors, they will give me like medicine for her that will just, you know, knock her down. So what should I do?

[Dr. Amina]

And could affect her creativity.

[Bettina Woods]

Yeah. And like, we don't want her under meds, just that it's easier, you know, or. And then I was so desperate that I wrote email. I'm desperate, Mom. And I need my life back. So I explain everything. Like I have this husband and I have Clara and all that. So I asked for help.

[Tana Amen]

We were honored to help.

[Bettina Woods]

Yeah.

[Tana Amen]

And we have your scam. Should we talk about your scam?

[Bettina Woods]

She can't wait.

[Tana Amen]

So you have a beautiful.

[Dr. Amina]

Yeah, I was going to say it looks really good.

[Tana Amen]

Well, this isn't healthy.

[Dr. Amina]

Oh, I'm like, wow.

[Tana Amen]

So. So the one on the bottom is rest and the one on the top is concentration. And you really do have a beautiful brand. But if we look here. So probably the stroke was in her right temporal lobe.

[Bettina Woods]

Mostly the left side. It was the more affected because she has all the right side blocked of the body. I don't know. Like.

[Tana Amen]

Yeah. Then what I see is mostly on her. Right. It's her temporal low. But the thing is, it could be better. And that's why I talked about hyperbaric oxygen.

[Bettina Woods]

Okay.

[Tana Amen]

That I've treated lots of kids with cerebral palsy. And cerebral palsy is sort of this big umbrella term which means there was an insult either when they were born or right before they were born and the decrease. She's right handed.

[Bettina Woods]

No, left.

[Tana Amen]

She's left handed. So it actually makes sense that she has issues with language, which would be for her. Most people's on the left, but when you're left handed on the right. But if we can stimulate it will actually help her a lot. But a lot of your brain is very healthy. I think that's really important to understand. Now when we look at the active sides, again, rest on the bottom, concentration on the top. You have this big hotspot right here in your basal ganglia that can make you anxious.

[Bettina Woods]

Yeah, she's a lot anxious.

[Tana Amen]

And so strategies to calm it down. But your cerebellum is sleepy and so finding ways to stimulate it can be really good. But there's a brain that can't be better. That's why I get super excited about. But if you don't look, you don't know.

[Bettina Woods]

Yeah.

[Tana Amen]

And so.

[Bettina Woods]

Yeah, because since we are coming here, we are much better. Like also an understanding and trying to relate with her or like giving limits. It's important. But she's dealing a lot with the nutrition. So this is the.

[Tana Amen]

Oh, I know. We have a conversation about sugar.

[Dr. Amina]

Yeah.

[Bettina Woods]

So she has also the book that she's trying to do some recipes, but it's really difficult for her. But she's trying step by step.

[Tana Amen]

Do you have Tanner's cookbook?

[Bettina Woods]

Yes.

[Tana Amen]

Yeah. The nutty buttercups are amazing.

[Bettina Woods]

Yeah. So she's trying and yeah. And the other day she normally she does. She had seizures for a while back then we got her under meds and then she was not having. We took out the meds and then she had a small seizure two weeks ago after a long time without. But she handled all by herself because we were at yoga and it was the only time we are out trying to make, you know, the independent and all these autonomy life. And then she had a small seizure and she wrote me, are you at yoga? I said yes, but she didn't tell me anything. So when we arrived home, she was crying and crying, but she handled by herself.

[Tana Amen]

And you told Dr. Amina that.

[Bettina Woods]

No, I need to write to him now. Yeah, I'm a little bit late.

[Tana Amen]

Yeah. Because sometimes when there's a focal hotspot when.

[Dr. Amina]

Because that's the one on the right. Right on the right or left.

[Tana Amen]

It's on the left. Sometimes medicine can actually calm that down and also decrease anxiety. So if it's this Hot. Something to consider. And sugar. Another reason to get rid of it increases the vulnerability of seizures. In fact, I have a granddaughter who was born with a genetic problem and has struggled. And when she was five months old, she had wicked seizures. In fact, in one day, she had 160 of them. And on a ketogenic diet, her seizures went away. So a ketogenic diet is basically getting rid of all carbohydrates. And over time, her diet's better, but she takes medicine and it's really helpful.

[Bettina Woods]

Yeah.

[Tana Amen]

Because it can also help mood stability and make you just a little bit more level. But. But I like the idea of a hyperbaric chambers. You might talk to Dr. Amina about that.

[Bettina Woods]

Yeah.

[Tana Amen]

And may even help her more. Now, how do you think your art helps your mind? How do you think it helps your mental health?

[Bettina Woods]

Let me find for you. Because it's so small, because we prepare some answers here.

[Tana Amen]

This one.

[Bettina Woods]

It's here. Go.

[Tana Amen]

Go.

[Clara Woods]

Art is my happy place. When I paint, it's like my brain takes a big, deep breath and relaxes. Sometimes when I feel sad or frustrated, painting helps me let all those feelings out. Like magic, I can put all my colors, shapes, and ideas on the canvas, and suddenly I feel so much better. It's like my paintbrush is talking from me. Since I can't use my words, painting helps me show the world what's in my heart and mind. And you know what? It makes me feel strong and proud, like I can do anything. Art is my superpower.

[Tana Amen]

I want to hear more.

[Bettina Woods]

Do we want to tell other things?

[Dr. Amina]

It's pretty great communication.

[Clara Woods]

I was still in my mom's tummy when it happened. My brain works a little differently because of that. And that's why I have something called cerebral palsy. When you look at my brain scan, you'll see some parts that look like they've been on a little adventure. They had to find new ways to work. It's like my brain is a big puzzle and the pieces had to fit together in a different way. I think that makes me unique. And I love showing people how special every brain is, even if it's a little broken like mine. I hope sharing my story helps people understand more about cerebral palsy and how amazing our brains are. And guess what? Even with a brain like mine, I can paint, travel, and have so much fun. Our differences make us awesome.

[Dr. Amina]

That's amazing. I love that.

[Bettina Woods]

We wrote that yesterday with ChatGPT. So we. She told me what she wants to say and then we wrote and it's Pretty awesome communication.

[Tana Amen]

Is that the AAC software?

[Bettina Woods]

Yes.

[Tana Amen]

Yeah.

[Dr. Amina]

Is that what. Is that what I mean?

[Bettina Woods]

Uses.

[Tana Amen]

Yes. Yeah.

[Dr. Amina]

Our granddaughter uses that.

[Tana Amen]

And she can put together so many words where you would have no idea because she can't.

[Dr. Amina]

She can't verbalize otherwise.

[Bettina Woods]

Yeah, that she. She can. I understand her a lot. Like just like this, she can write some words. And now we've the phone, it's much easier. But I think when she use this. But it's too slow for her. So she doesn't like she needs to. And then you need to search. But I'm saying if use half a day, half an hour a day and then you will be able to find fast the words. Then I think she will be able to write. But I'm still trying to convince her.

[Dr. Amina]

But I can see where if you're in a general conversation and you're wanting to respond quickly, she probably gets frustrated.

[Bettina Woods]

And it's really hard in the family because like if I say to her, I can't understand you, so you need to use that. Our days are all right. So you know, busy and some days hard and some days then it's difficult to put also this block and the other side. How she will learn, I don't know. I'm trying.

[Tana Amen]

And you have another child too?

[Bettina Woods]

Yeah, he's 12.

[Tana Amen]

He's 12 now. Is he doing.

[Bettina Woods]

He's okay. We. He just turned 13. And I think the most beautiful thing that when he was like three, he was not speaking. So I was how we will now have another child that's not speaking. Maybe because we speak three languages, but I don't know. And then Clara went to a summer camp and when. As soon as she was out, he started speaking.

[Dr. Amina]

Interesting.

[Bettina Woods]

All the week he spoke everything. And then when she came back, he stopped speaking again. And then I said, okay, this is strange. So we went to speak with him and I said, do you know what Clara has? And he said, her brain is broken. So. And then mostly he had Clara's permission to speak and he start speaking again. So it was really incredible. And then when everything started like the business, the Clara, you know, being the more the center of the attention. It's hard but we try always to put him out. So. And now it's more normal. So like we have things that business related and it's not daughter mother related, you know, and we have things and he is really aware of the things now. And we try to make him always be part.

[Tana Amen]

And how do they get along?

[Bettina Woods]

They like brother and sister.

[Dr. Amina]

Regular brother and sister. That's funny.

[Tana Amen]

And so you have an ADHD husband.

[Bettina Woods]

Yeah.

[Tana Amen]

You have a daughter with special needs. That's special in so many ways.

[Bettina Woods]

Yeah.

[Tana Amen]

And how are you managing it for you?

[Bettina Woods]

Yeah, it's. I don't know. I think it's. For me, it's God. So I believe that he is doing this. And I thought with him so many times because I was. You can heal Clara. Why are you not doing that? Or like, why did you give me Carlo? I believe he gave me Caro. But why? And then now I think I can understand better and it's not so perfect. And I try to speak with him. I need this and. Or I'm feeling this way. I'm trying to take care more. Like doing yoga and eating better, doing exercise, all these things. But sometimes. And I cry a lot. Yeah. But I think it's God. And now I can see a. Like have the vision that's much more a mission about talking about inclusion, diversity, how to manage not just Clara, if we can help much more people. Like what we did with Clara is so much work behind all the videos posting. Like if she sold 900 paintings, all the paintings have a certificate, pictures. Right. History behind. And a lot of people think we have so much money and we are just doing this for fun. It's not true. Right. And we are trying, like we are investing everything we have to make this. And now it's like, let's do for others. So we are launching a podcast where Clara will be hosting with Aiden. He's in the spectrum and he's a musician. He's really great. So they will be hosting. So it's a way of saying she can't speak, but she's hosting a podcast. And Aiden, he is really great. And it will be called the Inclusion Matters Podcast. So the idea is to have not just people with disabilities, but other people that can give visibility, can bring. And then. And we can have a platform to help other people because we have so many people with talent. Even Clara, you know, she has videos with more than 30 million views. Everything but brands does not reach to her so easily. But they reach to girls naked, almost naked. You know, where is the values of how can we show that maybe her content has much more value than someone just, you know, for sure. Yeah. So this is. Yeah. My task.

[Tana Amen]

Well, we are so honored to help.

[Dr. Amina]

It's amazing.

[Tana Amen]

What questions do you have for me?

[Bettina Woods]

You can say no, think because you always say, when you see Dr. Amen, I can translate. Do we want to ask about seizures, eating, the treatment in the Future seizures, eating treatment, seizures. Do you want to understand what happened?

[Tana Amen]

So smack. The study we did on you, when it was first Developed in the 1980s, it was developed for strokes and seizures, dementia and head trauma. And with seizures, what it says is when you're having a seizure, there's too much activity and blood flow in a certain area just like this. And in between times, it's low inactivity. But I suspect this is busy a lot because we saw it at rest and then we see it again with concentration. So these were done on two different days. So I, I would be thinking, how can I calm that down? Either with something like a ketogenic diet, something to think about, or medicine. And I always say this to my patients, it's not a good or bad thing, it's just the thing. And you want to use all the tools. Like as an artist, you use all the tools that you have, Right? And as a doctor, you want to use all the tools you have. And if it calms it, well, that's a good thing. Because if it's always busy, it's always interrupting and you can think of it as, oh, well, she has ADD and that's why she can't concentrate. Or her brain is always over firing and that's why she can't concentrate.

[Bettina Woods]

Yeah. Because I think also with anxiety, she's always controlling, like she needs to know everything what's happening. And I'm like, it's not healthy because she never rests or even when she's sleeping, she calls us just to know, like, what's happening, anything, because we are sleeping. But, you know, so if she sleeps in our room, your brain just going over, she relaxed because she can understand what's happening or not.

[Dr. Amina]

I'm not the only one just saying.

[Tana Amen]

Yeah, medicine can be.

[Bettina Woods]

Yeah. So I'm like, Clara, like, she wants to see all the message and no, like, but. And this anxiety doesn't make good for her. But when we went to the narrow neurologist hours, like he said, where is, where is her exam? Because for him, she should be having seizures all the time. I don't know what.

[Tana Amen]

So that may actually be what I'm seeing.

[Bettina Woods]

Yeah.

[Tana Amen]

So he said that based on an eeg.

[Bettina Woods]

Yes. And he said, it's not possible. Where he's like, it's not the right. Why she's not having seizures? Because. And I said, I don't know. And for me it's God. But he was, where is why she's not having. And then she stayed, I think, for eight years, no seizure. And Then she had one after a big surgery and the doctor said it was for. For the anesthesia, and she had another one just because she was taking a medicine for dystonia. And it's a seizure. We didn't know when she stopped it like this. And now she had this one. So I don't know. I was saying, okay, I don't want to be like negative. And I think God speaks in something, so let's be okay. She had a seizure. Yeah. And she managed by herself that it was a big thing.

[Tana Amen]

How do you think ADD has impacted your family?

[Bettina Woods]

Oh, every day. Yeah. And it's something that I want to speak more because I think Carl and I, we were resilient to be together and to raise the family. And he had a big impact in saying, okay, I want to be better. I want to understand that I have something. And he tries so hard against the symptoms of adhd, but really affect. We were separated for a while. We were running a business together, and he stepped out, but it was not okay, I will step out. He was working 23 hours a day. We didn't know he had ADHD. So if you have ADHD, you need to sleep. So it was like fire all the time. And I was trying to handle the family, the business and everything. So I said, go out. Ten days before that, he was born. I asked him to step out the house and then the business. And I was with a newborn, so it affected a lot. And we didn't know. This is the thing we didn't know. We said, okay, he's crazy or, you know, he's just inconsequent and he is not. And even he has a big heart. So he donate everything for everyone. And I was like, you don't need to do that. And all these things. We start find answers when we knew that he had adhd. And even now with my son, because let's say we are more normal. So sometimes we just need time us because we can't handle, like if we are in the home, just us, it's calm, it's quiet. We do our thing, you know, so it's important too, to just understand. And until we didn't know, it was hell.

[Tana Amen]

Understand.

[Bettina Woods]

Yeah, Understand.

[Tana Amen]

Thank you so much for coming today.

[Bettina Woods]

And thank you so much. A lot of families doesn't know.

[Dr. Amina]

Yeah.

[Bettina Woods]

Because they don't know. And.

[Tana Amen]

Oh, no. And you feel guilty and you think you're bad and you don't know. Think everybody else is happy. Yeah, it's. It's hard. But people can get better. I mean, that's sort of the exciting news is your brain can be better even if it was hurt before you were born or even was heard after you were born. That's what we love, making brains better.

[Dr. Amina]

Thank you for your vulnerability. It's really great.

[Tana Amen]

So how can people find more about Clara and her work and your company?

[Bettina Woods]

So we are everywhere. So just you can google Clara woods or go to clarawoodscollection.com and all the social media stick tok, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, everything. So yeah, and we will put links.

[Tana Amen]

To everything and I will look forward to hearing more about your progress.

[Dr. Amina]

Amazing.

[Bettina Woods]

Thank you so much for having us.

[Dr. Daniel Amen]

Are you excited to optimize your brain and help the brains of those you love? Do you want to prevent or treat memory problems, anxiety or depression? Do you want to be happier? That's why I created Amen University to take what I've learned over the last 45 years and help you have a better brain, a better mind and a better body. You can take courses like our 30 day happiness challenge, which was shown in research to increase happiness by 32% in just 30 days, or memory Rescue or Overcoming Anxiety, Depression, Trauma and grief or healing add at home, home in 30 days and much more. We also have professional courses and courses for kids, including brain thrive by 25, which was found in independent research to decrease depression and improve self esteem. And as a special offer just for our listeners, you can save 20% on your your next course. Visit amenuniversity.com and use the code podcast20.

[Tana Amen]

If you like this week's episode, please.

[Dr. Daniel Amen]

Make sure to leave us a review.

[Tana Amen]

On itunes or Spotify and follow me on Instagram and TikTok at Doc Amen.

[Bettina Woods]

SA.