From the Spectrum: Finding Superpowers with Autism

My guest today is Dr. Kenda Rigdon. Dr. Rigdon is a microbiologist with a PhD in microbiology and virology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Drawing from her expertise, she explores how the gut’s microbial ecosystem—comprising bacteria, yeast like Candida and Malassezia, and other microbes—interacts with genetic and epigenetic factors to influence Autism. Dr. Rigdon highlights the crit...

In the episode, we will explore a common problem with Autism- the Gastrointestinal Tract. The one consistent finding with Autism and GI is a problem exists. However, research on complicated in these complicated and complex areas of human biology despite what appears to be tight controls in the studies. However, one crucial component is missing- Light. In this episode, we will cover how biology str...

For today's episode, we will cover B2 (insistence on sameness, inflexible routines, and ritualized behaviors) and B3 (highly restricted, fixated interests with abnormal intensity). It emphasizes the preference for an internal world, where repetition and self-directed learning thrive, contrasting this with societal misunderstandings that label such behaviors as abnormal. The episode critiques socie...

In this episode, we discuss the mitochondria. You know mitochondria as the "powerhouse" of the cell, but this biological process is biophysics meeting biochemistry. We discuss glycolysis, the TCA cycle (or Citric Acid cycle or Krebs cycle), and Oxidative Phosphorylation. This discussion goes deep inside the atomic molecular level with electrons and protons. Hang in there with the discussion and to...

In this episode, we explore the concept of supplementing relationships in Autism, focusing on the vivid internal dialogues and imaginative "movies" that feel profoundly real. These self-directed monologues and conversations with imagination create a safe, predictable space for social engagement, contrasting with the chaotic external world. We dive into Kanner’s and Asperger’s insights on self-dire...

My guest today is Samantha Fox. Sam is a Speech-Language Pathologist with a Master’s from Kent State University and the founder of, Beyond Speech Therapy Center, where they focus on personalized therapy and building meaningful connections with clients. As a registered Spelling to Communicate practitioner with deep expertise in Early Intervention, Sam brings a unique perspective to supporting non-s...

For today's episode, we will expand on Autism & Relationships and introduce a very fascinating phenomena of "Supplementing" relationships. We will cover what Autism means, intense, "dream" like states, visual thinking & seeing movies. This might be hard for you to understand and you cannot verify any of this. In addition, you cannot see this thinking style, you can only guess. See previous...

Relationships are challenging. In this episode, we explore some of the Autistic phenotype challenges in relationships. We discuss symptoms from criteria A are external and criteria B are internal, and how criteria B complicates the symptoms in criteria A. In addition, Autism is a comparison to social-norms, and this is a problem. Some environments/relationships discussed include peer-to-peer, roma...

For today's episode, John Coates from RF Safe returns to provide valuable and needed information about the harms of Radio Frequency Radiation and our modern environments. John Coates Episode 1 https://youtu.be/KgLj0X4AJh4?si=QS8KM6FUfASqpzTs RF Safe https://www.rfsafe.com John's X https://x.com/rfsafe Section 704 https://www.rfsafe.com/section-704-and-fcc-guidelines-cemented-a-dangerous-wireless-m...

In this episode we explore spindle neurons, also known as von Economo neurons (VENs), discovered by Constantine von Economo in the 1920s. These large, cylinder-shaped cells, found in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), anterior (or called frontoinsula) insula, and rarely the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), are crucial for rapid communication in social behaviors. Three key points stand out...

In this episode, we discuss Autism with Dr. Catherine Lord. Dr. Lord is a Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry and Education at UCLA and one of the foremost researchers in Autism. Dr. Lord provides tremendous insights into her roles in Autism and Autism Assessment. Dr. Lord discusses her journey into Autism, the evolution of the Assessment including the ADOS growing from her basement and being ov...

In this episode, we explore the impact of tech use and blue light on circadian biology, exploring how melanopsin and chromophores regulate physiology, mood, and cell functioning. The discussion highlights the leptin-melanocortin pathway, its role in placental physiology, and how ultra-weak biophotons from placental mitochondrial DNA influence fetal development, emphasizing the critical interplay o...

My guest today is a special Mother's Day edition with Katie Asher. Katie is a devoted mother of five and founder of Asher House, who shares her inspiring journey of raising her son Houston, who has severe autism. Katie discusses the challenges of navigating trauma, loss, and an abusive past, all while advocating for Houston’s voice through groundbreaking communication methods like letter boards. S...

My guest today is John Coates. John is the founder of RFsafe, and he is on a mission from a personal commitment to understand and educate the harms of non-native Electromagnetic Fields. John takes us through a passionate and personal story and educates us on many topics around these modern products. We explore cell phones, microwaves, routers, WIFI, computers, towers, and more. John also educates...

For today's episode we learn about the cerebellum with Dr. Reza Shadmehr. Dr. Shadmehr is a trailblazing neuroscientist whose groundbreaking work has reshaped our understanding of how the brain controls movement. With a rich academic journey—from a bachelor’s in electrical engineering to a PhD in robotics and computer science, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at MIT—Dr. Shadmehr now leads the...

In this episode, we explore the critical role of serotonin in shaping sensory maps within the brain, a process vital for interpreting sensory input and navigating the world. Serotonin, a neurotransmitter and neuromodulator synthesized from the aromatic amino acid tryptophan, influences brain development by fine-tuning sensory systems. It modulates neuronal growth, synaptic connections, and plastic...

In this episode, we discuss Autism and Education. We explore some current condition within education and some personal experiences. Specifically, the school day is in complete conflict with Autism- both Criteria A and B. This is the primary factor with the challenges of Autism in Education. The classroom requires a Social Dynamic, a Speech and Language Dynamic, and Sensory-Processing Dynamic, whic...

This episode explores the critical role of tryptophan, an aromatic amino acid, in forming tubulin—the key protein building microtubules, which act as cellular "train tracks" for structure and movement. We delve into how microtubules drive mitosis, the process of cell division essential for growth and repair, and discuss tryptophan’s unique biochemical significance, including its single codon (UGG)...

In this episode, we explore Oxytocin and Vasopressin's vast roles in Human Biology. We time travel to cover the evolution of the two molecules and learn about their functions with developing and socializing. Oxytocin and Vasopressin are dynamic molecules whereby they are Peptides and Hormones. In addition, we cover previously discussed brain regions and how the molecules work alongside key Neuromo...

In this episode, we navigate the fascinating world of circadian rhythms and their profound impact on our health. We cover essential biology and protocols for human health, Autism or not. We will discuss how these natural cycles of light and dark regulate our biology, from hormone production to mood and cellular function, and why disruptions—particularly from artificial light—are a growing concern...

For this episode, we discuss the roles and sensitivity of mitochondria with Dr. Richard Frye, MD, PhD. Dr. Frye received an MD and a PhD in Physiology and Biophysics from Georgetown University. He is board certified in Pediatrics, Neurology with special competence in Child Neurology, and as a Certified Principal Investigator. In addition, he has a Masters in Biomedical Sciences and Biostatistics f...

Nicole Rincon https://www.nicolerincon.com Nicole's X https://x.com/NicoleRinconPA Rossignol Clinic https://rossignolmedicalcenter.com TACA Info: https://tacanow.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/F-H-2-Nicole-Rincon-Beginning-Biomed.pdf TACA Talks: https://www.nicolerincon.com/videos Publications https://rossignolmedicalcenter.com/articles-publications/#published-2024-2-articles Nicole Episode 1 http...

Why doesn't the MESENCEPHALON further subdivide into larger regions of the brain? In this episode, we will expand on the neurulation time and focus on the brain formation, spotlighting the proencephalon, mesencephalon, and rhombencephalon, which emerge around days 22–23 of embryonic life. The proencephalon (forebrain) splits into the telencephalon—think cerebral hemispheres for cognition—and the d...

For today's episode, we go into the science of embryogenesis, focusing on neurulation—the critical process where the neural tube forms, laying the groundwork for the central, peripheral, and enteric nervous systems. We discuss how disruptions in this early developmental stage, influenced by factors like folic acid metabolism, the sonic hedgehog pathway, and genes such as PTEN (P10), could shape th...

For today's episode, we expand on Autism and Sensory Processing. We return to the mesencephalon—a brainstem region with superior and inferior colliculi—as a critical hub for sensory integration and attention bias. We cover four scientific articles, starting with Marco et al. (2011), which uses EEGs, MEGs, and fMRIs to reveal autism’s auditory processing inconsistencies (e.g., delayed N100/M100 cor...