From the Spectrum: Finding Superpowers with Autism

For today's episode, we discuss Autism and sensory processing. The episode expands on the concept of the mesencephalon (midbrain), touching on the superior and inferior colliculi, key regions that help extract and integrate sensory information. The role of melanin in sensory processing is highlighted, as it aids in signal transfer and increases efficiency in sensory organs, including the eyes, ear...

In this episode, we discuss the connections between autism and eye movements, starting with the underappreciated role of eyes in human biology. We emphasize the significance of the retina, which is central to both image-forming and non-image-forming functions of vision. The discussion takes a turn towards how blind individuals also leverage their eyes for biological functions beyond sight, highlig...

In this episode, we discuss the intricate relationship between Autism and speech & language, emphasizing the critical role of neuroscience in understanding these dynamics. The discussion begins by highlighting how speech and language are foundational to human evolution and social interaction, yet pose unique challenges for individuals with Autism. The episode explores the brain's key regions i...

In this episode, we explore the intricate world of autism research with Jill Escher, a dedicated philanthropist, lawyer, and parent to two Autistic young adults. Jill's journey into Autism advocacy was sparked by her children's diagnoses, with no prior family history, leading her to significant roles like president of the National Council on Severe Autism and leadership at the Autism Society in th...

In this episode, we delve into defining the Autistic Phenotypes, emphasizing that while these traits are straightforward to identify, understanding their depth and impact requires integrating real-life data and personal experiences. We explore the characteristics of repetitive behaviors, habits, restricted interests, and a rigid adherence to schedules, which are pivotal to the Autistic Phenotypes....

In this episode, we explore the connections between Autism and Parkinson's, focusing particularly on the basal ganglia and its substructures, notably the substantia nigra within the midbrain. We discuss how the substantia nigra, known for its high concentration of neuromelanin, plays a critical role in these disorders. The episode examines how neuromelanin, a dark pigment, not only absorbs all fre...

Autism just magically shows up. In this episode, we explore neuroplasiticity in our biology for one common environmental change- Light. Please consider 1) Critical Thinking and 2) Curiosity as we travel upstream in the biological implications causing Autism. In addition, we will explore other common health conditions related to Light. These health conditions are dementia, type 1 diabetes, obesity,...

In this episode, we explore the Basal Ganglia. The basal ganglia are a group of subcortical nuclei that play a crucial role in orchestrating movement. They are involved in what's known as the 'Go, No-Go' decision-making process, where they help decide whether to initiate or suppress actions. This region is critical where motivation translates into action. When discussing "motivations," we must be...

The biology that gives us Autism allows us to be comfortable within ourselves. Our biology orients the Autistic towards our internal state. This is more comfortable for the Autistic in comparison to the outside world. In this episode, we cover brain regions, networks, and internal calculators. All humans use these biological calculators. However, based on the living organisms unique structure of b...

Understanding the roles of Thyroid with Autism & Parkinson's, and what is the missing link. Research misses the link. Do not rely on research to connect these conditions and point to the real cause. Both, Autism and Parkinson's, have two major factors, 1) clocked timing and 2) A loss of, or a lack of, energy. Two Questions are asked: 1) What do you think Neuromelanin is? 2) What do you think L...

Consider how the autistic phenotype might be judged. We spend more time in educational settings, but our interactions extend beyond these environments. Humans are social creatures, and we need to understand what individuals are trying to accomplish, especially in social settings. These two phenotypes show significant differences.

A Year in Review from previous episodes. 00:00 - Intro 00:42 - Warning Against Comparing Rates; why comparing autism rates across different time periods is misleading due to changes in diagnostic criteria and definitions. 02:07 - Historical Context; the Bayh-Dole Act, DSM acceptance of Autism, and changes in vaccination schedules, affecting Autism definitions; Core Autism Characteristics 04:30 - E...

In this episode, we discuss some difficulties with eye contact for the Autistic phenotype. Sensory processing and the rate of information comes fast, and this provides additional energy for an already challenging and exhaustive task. Humans are constantly extracting physical phenomena from the environment (sensations) and we process this information to inform our nervous systems (perceptions). Spe...

My guest today is Dr. Kristen Lyall, ScD. Dr. Lyall received a Doctor of Science in Epidemiology from Harvard School of Public Health. During her postdoctoral training, she received training in Nutrient Science at Harvard and Pediatric Epidemiology at UC-Davis MIND Institute's Autism Research Training Program. Currently, Dr. Lyall is an Associate Professor at Drexel University's A.J. Drexel Autism...

In this brief episode, we discuss keeping up in the classroom during teacher lecture. Specifically, we discuss the delays in sensory processing, taking notes, visual thinking, and some challenges with keeping up. This is a pressing issue for Autistics, and in my opinion, education needs to do better for the Autistic phenotype. Autism and Education https://youtu.be/zQpNtvS-tWw X: https://x.com/rps4...

For today's episode, we discussing transferring energy from the environment across our biology. We discuss a few quantum theories, atoms, molecules, water, DHA, and NF-kB. Life on Earth is driven by energy from the environment, and this could be missed with humans, and especially with developmental problems like Autism. Water Podcast 1: Rubin, Kruse, Huberman https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lBAcU...

These are comments about my opinion and experience with education- the classroom and the school day. There are many contrasts to the Autistic phenotype when it comes to the classroom and school day. Autism and Education https://youtu.be/zQpNtvS-tWw B.3 https://youtu.be/Ov_Bw--zzrQ Kanner Kids https://youtu.be/FjELhG5FKzs Asperger's Autistic Intelligence https://youtu.be/qygNL6wCrhg X: https://x.co...

For today’s episode, Dr. Hanna Stevens joins me to discuss early prenatal factors of early brain development. Dr. Stevens received an MD and PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Illinois. Dr. Hanna Stevens leads the Psychiatry and Early Neurobiological Development Lab at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. Dr. Stevens is a distinguished Professor of Psychiatry and holder of th...

For today's episode, we go back to the origins of Autism. It seems necessary because of the recent shifts in what is Autism and the confusion in the rates of Autism. Autism was here in the 1930's, and it magically showed up in different areas of the world. The two-part series intends to remember the phenotypes that appeared and became known as Autism and Asperger's. It is my opinion, the recent sh...

For today's episode, we go back to the origins of Autism. It seems necessary because of the recent shifts in what is Autism and the confusion in the rates of Autism. Autism was here in the 1930's, and it magically showed up in different areas of the world. (Part 2 on Asperger's "little professors" next). The two-part series intends to remember the phenotypes that appeared and became known as Autis...

For today's episode, Dr. Eric Weiss, MD, explains an exciting medical approach for Autism. Dr. Weiss, who holds board certification in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, is a notable figure in regenerative medicine. Dr. Weiss is a Veteran of the U.S. Navy. Dr. Weiss attended Duke University Medical School for his medical degree, completed his General Surgery Residency at the University of Califor...

For today's episode, Nicole Rincon, PA-C, returns to discuss the risks associated with Autism development. The conversation spans from before conception through to after birth. We'll explore how factors related to the mother can influence autism risk, and we'll look at specific tests and signs in the body (labs and biomarkers) that have been linked to Autism. Additionally, we'll cover environmenta...

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, we speak with Dr. Theresa Regan, PhD & CAS, about adolescents and adults with Autism. Dr. Regan is a neuropsychologist with over 25 years of experience serving adolescents, adults, and seniors in hospital settings. She is a Certified Autism Specialist and the Director of the OSF HealthCare Adult Diagnostic Autism Clinic. Dr. Regan has conducted over 1,000 assessments on ad...

In this episode, we discuss Autism with Nicole Rincon, PA-C from Rossignol Medical Center. Nicole Rincon is a board-certified Physician Assistant (PA-C) who specializes in Pediatric Special Needs, MAPS (Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs), Integrative, and Functional Medicine. At Rossignol Medical Center, she is actively involved in patient care, research, and educational content. Nicole a...