Autism Parenting Secrets

• Know SOONER, Help MORE

  Welcome to Episode 266 of Autism Parenting Secrets.If you’re navigating autism—or know someone just starting out—this episode is for you.Today we’re talking about possibility.What if autism risk could be identified not at 2 years old… but at 1 month old? Or even at birth?That’s no longer hypothetical.Thanks to a breakthrough diagnostic called ASD Insight, it’s now possible to detect biological risk for autism through a simple, minimally invasive skin biopsy—even before symptoms appear.Traditional screening relies on behavior. This test goes deeper, identifying risk based on biological markers, not just outward signs.For families planning ahead—or supporting someone early in their journey—this knowledge can make all the difference..✅ The secret this week is…Know SOONER, Help MOREYou'll Discover:The Science Behind ASD Insight (8:51)What Is The ADOS Test And Why Is It Performed Too Late (12:09One Mom’s Personal Journey (16:05)The Traps You Don’t Want To Fall Into (22:42)The Importance of Calcium Channels (29:43)A Walkthrough of The Testing Process and How to Approach Your Pediatrician (37:59) About Our Guests:Dr. Jay Gargus is the Founding Scientist at NeuroQure and a world-renowned geneticist with decades of leadership in autism and neurological research. He directed UC Irvine's Center for Autism Research and Translation, overseeing a $28 million initiative that led to the development of ASD Insight.  Michelle Majewski is the Vice President of Sales at NeuroQure and the mother of a thriving 5-year-old son with autism. Her personal journey fuels her passion for bringing earlier clarity and support to more families.www.neuroqure.comReferences In This Episode:ASD Insight Test – NeuroQureAdditional Resources:To learn more about personalized 1:1 support, go to www.elevatehowyounavigate.comTake The Quiz: What’s YOUR Top Autism Parenting Blindspot?If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends.

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• THIS Is Preventing More SPEECH

  Welcome to Episode 265 of Autism Parenting Secrets.If you want to help your child speak more clearly—or begin speaking at all—this episode is a must-listen. I’m joined once again by Dr. Robert Melillo, a world-renowned expert in brain health, especially childhood and adult neurological disorders. He’s the creator of the Melillo Method and supports families directly through his New York locations in Long Island and Manhattan. This is his third appearance on the show, and it may be our most revealing conversation yet.In Episode 133, we explored why the focus must be on correcting imbalances first. In Episode 170, we went deeper into horizontal and vertical brain integration. And today, we shine light on one of the most common—and overlooked—reasons why speech doesn’t emerge or improve the way it should.Dr. Melillo is constantly doing research to better serve these kids. His passion is unmatched, and the third edition of his landmark book, Disconnected Kids, was just released.This conversation will challenge your assumptions and give you clarity on what might be standing in your child’s way.✅ The secret this week is…THIS Is Preventing More SPEECHYou'll Discover:The Overlooked Question That Guided Dr. Melillo’s Research (6:16) What Interoception Is and Why It Matters For Speech (11:02)Why Many Kids Don’t Feel Their Tongue, Face, or Even Body (15:20) The Shocking Revelation From a Child Who’d Never Heard His Own Voice (22:03) How Retained Primitive Reflexes Block Brain Development (28:11) The Connection Between a Leaky Gut and Immature Brainstem (32:40)Why Your Child IS Taking It All In, Even If They Seem Disconnected (38:00)  About Our Guest:Dr. Robert Melillo is one of the world’s leading experts in developmental neurological conditions such as ADHD, autism, OCD, tics, dyslexia, anxiety, and depression. With over 30 years of experience as a clinician, professor, brain researcher, and bestselling author, he has helped thousands of patients of all ages. Dr. Melillo holds multiple graduate and postgraduate degrees and certifications, including a PhD in Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience. He is the creator of The Melillo Method®, a multimodal approach that targets brain, behavior, and immune health. He operates The Melillo Center for Developing Minds in Long Island and Manhattan, directs the National Institute for Brain and Rehabilitation Sciences, and hosts The Melillo Method Podcast: Everything Brain. His bestselling book Disconnected Kids (now in its 3rd edition) has been translated into 16 languages and remains one of the most impactful resources for parents navigating neurological challenges.Dr. Melillo’s Book: Disconnected Kids (3rd Edition)Website: DrRobertMelillo.comInstagram: @drrobertmelilloReferences In This Episode:Autism Parenting Secrets: Episode 133, Correct IMBALANCES First with Dr. Robert MelilloAutism Parenting Secrets: Episode 170, Horizontal AND Vertical BRAIN INTEGRATION with Dr. Robert MelilloAdditional Resources:To learn more about personalized 1:1 support, go to www.elevatehowyounavigate.comTake The Quiz: What’s YOUR Top Autism Parenting Blindspot?If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends.

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• Don’t Be MISLED

  Welcome to Episode 264 of Autism Parenting Secrets.If you’ve ever felt like you weren’t being told the full truth… this episode is for you.I’m joined by Krista Petraco Bourne, a speech-language pathologist, mom, and fierce advocate who’s walked a difficult—but empowering—path with her son, Joey. She shares the heart-wrenching story of Joey’s regression, misdiagnosis, and medical trauma—and how her silence kept them both stuck for far too long.But everything changed when she trusted her instincts, broke through institutional misinformation, and embraced a new, hopeful path.This conversation is about courage, discernment, and how to reclaim your power as a parent.The secret this week is…Don’t Be MISLEDYou'll Discover:Krista’s Story of Regression (2:26)The Approach That Gave Krista’s Son His Voice (17:59)Why Aggression is Often Misunderstood And Preventable (21:38)How Autism Health Provides Resources and Scholarships (33:06)About Our Guest:Krista Petraco Bourne is a licensed speech-language pathologist and the mother of a non-speaking adult son with severe autism and autoimmune challenges linked to vaccine injury. With over 30 years in the field, Krista’s personal experience led her to question mainstream narratives and seek out innovative approaches to communication, including becoming a practitioner-in-training for Spelling to Communicate. She’s a board member at Autism Health, working to connect families with groundbreaking biomedical and therapeutic resources.  References In This Episode:autismhealth.comAdditional Resources:To learn more about personalized 1:1 support, go to www.elevatehowyounavigate.comTake The Quiz: What’s YOUR Top Autism Parenting Blindspot?If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends.

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• Take 3 VITAL Steps

  Welcome to Episode 263 of Autism Parenting Secrets.This week, I’m joined by Nicole Rincon.She’s a board-certified Physician Assistant and an all-in mom of 13-year-old triplets.Her unique vantage point—as both a medical professional and a parent on a healing mission—makes this conversation essential listening.Nicole’s journey wasn’t easy. One of her sons became completely non-verbal, and her daughter began having seizures. But today, all three of her children are thriving.She didn’t wait for certainty—she took bold, informed steps.And what she reveals in this episode will resonate deeply with any parent seeking real answers.The secret this week is…Take 3 VITAL StepsYou'll Discover:Nicole’s Story of Regression - and What Most Doctors Missed (3:34)The Unique Root Causes for Each of Her Three Children (9:19)Vital Step #1 (13:04) Vital Step #2 (17:13)Vital Step #3 (30:00) Nicole’s One Belief That Fuels Her Unwavering Commitment (41:01)About Our Guest:Nicole Rincon, MS, PA-C, is a board-certified Physician Assistant with a Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies from Western University of Health Sciences. She practices at Rossignol Medical Center, specializing in integrative and functional approaches for children with special needs. As a mother to triplets—two of whom regressed into autism—Nicole’s life changed forever. Her boys are now thriving thanks to personalized interventions, and her daughter has been seizure-free for over a decade. Nicole’s passion is empowering families to pursue healing and not give up hope.https://www.nicolerincon.com/abouthttps://rossignolmedicalcenter.com/doctors/nicole-rincon/ References In This Episode:Common Testing and Treatments for Newly Diagnosed Patients with Autism, Nicole Rincon at TACA Now Conference, October 2019Uncommon Living: Episode 5: Mitochondrial Therapies for Autism With Nicole RinconAutism Parenting Secrets, Episode 245, EVIDENCE-BASED Treatments FIRST with Dr. Richard FryeAdditional Resources:To learn more about personalized 1:1 support, go to www.elevatehowyounavigate.comTake The Quiz: What’s YOUR Top Autism Parenting Blindspot?If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends.

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• Cold Plunges SUPERCHARGE Mitochondria

  Welcome to Episode 262 of Autism Parenting Secrets.If you're looking for a way to support your own healing—mentally, emotionally, and physically—this episode explores a powerful tool you may not have considered: cold plunge therapy.I’m joined by Dr. Thomas P. Seager, Associate Professor at Arizona State University and co-founder of Morozko Forge. With over 150 scientific publications and a relentless curiosity, Tom explains how cold exposure directly improves mitochondrial health. And why that matters more than you think—especially for parents.This episode is a deep dive into how the mitochondria—your body’s energy engines—are affected by environment, stress, and lifestyle... and how you can rebuild them. It’s not just about the science. It’s about action. Because parents need energy, resilience, and clarity now more than ever.The secret this week is…Cold Plunges SUPERCHARGE MitochondriaYou'll Discover:WHY Mitochondrial Dysfunction May Be The Missing Link (7:14)HOW Cold Exposure Supports Energy, Hormones & Brain Health (9:34)THE 4 Categories of Mitochondrial Support (18:00)WHY Magnesium and Vitamin D Are Game-Changers (29:24)HOW Cold Plunges Create Internal Vitamin D (31:48)WHEN & HOW Parents Can Start Using Cold Therapy (44:47)WHY Cold Immersion Improves Sleep & Emotional Regulation in Kids (55:13) About Our Guest:Thomas P. Seager, PhD, is Associate Professor in the School of Sustainable Engineering at Arizona State University and co-founder of Morozko Forge. He is the author of Uncommon Cold and Uncommon Testosterone, exploring the science and experience of cold plunge therapy. With 150+ scientific publications, Dr. Seager brings deep expertise in resilience, metabolism, and environmental systems, and is passionate about how cold therapy can support healing and neurological health.Morozko Forgeseagertp.substack.com References In This Episode:Uncommon Living: Episode 4: What Causes Autism? With Dr. Richard FryeUncommon Living: Episode 5: Mitochondrial Therapies for Autism With Nicole RinconAdditional Resources:To learn more about personalized 1:1 support, go to www.elevatehowyounavigate.comTake The Quiz: What’s YOUR Top Autism Parenting Blindspot?If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends.

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