From the Spectrum: Finding Superpowers with Autism

For today’s episode, we discuss Autism with J.D. Barker. J.D. is a New York Times and International Best-Selling Author. His debut novel, Forsaken , caught the attention of legendary Author, Stephen King, who allowed Barker to use one of his characters from Needful Things for Barker’s debut novel. His writing career took off with The Fourth Monkey , which drew widespread attention, leading to a se...

In this episode, we discuss Autism and the Default Mode Network. According to Lisa Feldman-Barrett, the Default Mode Network has many names because it has been discovered, named, rediscovered, and renamed many times. I do not disagree with the Science regarding Autism and the Default Mode Network. However, I disagree with the Interpretation of the Data. This IS our Default; our preferred state; th...

For today's episode, we discuss Autism with Dr. Yehezkel Ben-Ari. Dr. Ben-Ari is a pioneer in the field of human development with over five decades of academic and private research. He has over 520 publications with a strong passion for early detection and treatment of brain disorders. His work includes studying Human Development, Autism, Epilepsy, Parkinson's, and Brain Tumors. He is a leader in...

For today, just a brief introduction to research beginning at UT-Austin, University of Texas at Austin, led by Dr. Francisco Gonzalez-Lima. The study is called: Effects of Transcranial Infrared Light Stimulation on Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder. In the link below, it is Study #2. Dr. Francisco Gonzalez-Lima https://dellmed.utexas.edu/directory/francisco-gonzalez-lima Research Link (Study #2...

In this episode, we discuss eye-tracking as an early biomarker for Autism. Eye-tracking, on infants, improve assessment outcomes at young ages, as young as 14-months-old. Adding biomarkers to the assessment process is valuable, and Autism research is beginning to offer more biomarkers. We've covered biomarkers in cellular respiration, serotonin, two studies on 6-week-olds- 1) predicted profound Au...

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...

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 challenge the modern trend of Autism and ADHD comorbid diagnosis. We will use children from Kanner and Asperger to show these so-called ADHD symptoms are simply parts of the Autistic Phenotype. However, society finds it easier to lump these two conditions together, and we question why. We review both, the inattentive criteria and the hyperactivity and impulsivity of ADHD and ex...

My guest today is Jonathan Mitchell. Jonathan is a senior citizen Autistic, Author of numerous novels and blogs, and stands up for the purpose of Autism. His blog, Autism Gadfly , provides perspectives of Autism otherwise not considered by the lay-public or researchers in Autism. Jonathan's views have been mentioned in Newsweek , NPR , Autism Daily Newscast , and HuffPost . Jonathan was born in 19...

Hans Asperger called the children "little professors"- This is Autism. In this episode, we explore criteria B.3, which is the core of Autism. Donald Triplett's father's first sentence to Leo Kanner- He seems self-satisfied. Leo Kanner http://www.autismtruths.org/pdf/Autistic%20Disturbances%20of%20Affective%20Contact%20-%20Leo%20Kanner.pdf Hans Asperger https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1992-97284-002...

In this episode, we explore typical topics with Autism research and try to understand the purpose. Autism research is confounding, and maybe, lacks direction. We offer a research suggestion based on the most plausible cause of Autism- the new modern day environmental factor- Artificial Light. Remember, Autism just shows up, so it makes sense to send the mother and father back to an environment pre...

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...

In this episode, we explore Autism developing in the embryo. We will review a couple Scientific papers discussing specific time frames of development within the embryo based on each trimester and specific cellular abnormal processes occurring. We will connect previous biological and environmental components and how it influences the creation of Autism and previous episodes of From the Spectrum pod...

In this episode, we explore some critical dates and understanding of Autism. We will time travel from 1911 to 2024 with a goal of understanding why the sharp increase in Autism diagnosis of late. We review the closeness of schizophrenia and the separation from schizophrenia. In addition, we will review Autism becoming a separate diagnosis in the DSMs from the 1980s and review the closeness of Vacc...

Autism just magically shows up. "... I realized that all biochemistry is the bridesmaid to physics. I then realized that physics are how the business of cells gets completed. Light is the biophysical levers that control substrate level biochemistry in cells." - Dr. Jack Kruse (Start here) Regenerative Health with Dr. Max Gulhane and Dr. Jack Kruse https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ln3WszTq0uA Decent...

In this episode, we discuss Autism with Dr. Leanna Hernandez. Dr. Hernandez is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences at UCLA and director of the Hernandez Lab. She is a member of UCLA’s Center for Autism Research and Treatment , Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics , and the Brain Research Institute , and serves as Co-Director of the Genetics, Genomics, a...

We expand on a critical network discussed in the Autism and Adaptive Responses episode. The biology that gives us Autism, gives us a condition the outside world is chaotic. The trade off is our inner world is comfortable. See criteria B.3. The Salience Network is used to determine what we send our attention to as we orient ourselves with the outside world. You can see this in Autism versus Non-Aut...

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 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 three regions associated with social awareness- the medial Prefrontal Cortex, the Anterior Cingulate Cortex, and the Insula. We review the functions of each, the interactions between each region, and the inputs and bi-directional connections to some crucial areas of the brain. In large part, we will review adaptive responses and cover some scientific literature on these...

In this episode, we discuss biology of anxiety, responses from anxiety, and common situations causing anxiety with Autism. The stress response system of the body is very finite and the nervous system reflexively responds based on what it knows. A few biological components of anxiety include the amygdala, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), and the spine. Common responses to anxiety include...

In this episode, we cover Autism and employment- some Superpowers and some Superdeficits. We discuss different types of work that are easier and fit our abilities and cover some challenges in the workplace. Some challenges include the social dynamic and being misunderstood, which are driving forces and sources of burnout and avoidance. Remember the metabolic "bank" account and the Excitation/Inhib...

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...

There is no question Mothers that have children with Autism are incredible. You are loved and appreciated.

Criteria B is Autism. Hans Aspergers called the children with the syndrome "little professors." This is Autism. Our routines and fixated interests. Autism gives us the ability to be comfortable within ourselves, and this accelerates our abilities, our Superpowers. How will society handle these so-called "differences" and the conflict within the so-called "normal" people? In this episode, we expand...