The Follow-Up: Understanding Autism Characteristics
As a pediatrician, I know how stressful it can feel when you’re filling out those developmental questionnaires at your child’s checkup. You check a few “no” boxes, and suddenly you’re spiraling! What does this mean? Should I be worried?
In this episode, I sit down with an autism specialist to talk through what some of those screening questions actually mean and how they’re meant to be interpreted. We look at common items from the M-CHAT like pointing, pretend play, and responding to their name and unpack why these aren’t simple yes-or-no milestones.
We talk about what’s typical, what might be worth keeping an eye on, and how to bring up your concerns in a productive way with your child’s doctor. Most importantly, we discuss why one missed skill doesn’t equal a diagnosis, and how to focus on the whole picture of your child’s development.
We discuss:
Why the M-CHAT can sometimes create more confusion than clarity
What “joint attention” looks like in real life (and why it matters)
Why pretend play is about creativity, not just copying
What finger posturing means—and why it’s often a self-soothing behavior
When to worry about your child not responding to their name
How delayed babbling fits into speech and language development
How to ask your child’s clinician the right follow-up questions when you’re worried
Want more? Listen to the original, full episode.
Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and subscribe to PedsDocTalk.
Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. Join the newsletter!
And don’t forget to follow @pedsdoctalkpodcast on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support.
We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships page of the website.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Autism: Is Tylenol to Blame? Is Leucovorin the Answer? A conversation with a fellow pediatrician and developmental behavioral pediatrician
This week, I sit down with two incredible guests to unpack one of the most talked-about (and misunderstood) press conferences in recent months. I’m joined by Dr. Tanya Altmann, pediatrician and founder of Calabasas Pediatrics Wellness Center, and Dr. Anshu Batra, developmental-behavioral pediatrician and autism specialist, to separate fact from fear when it comes to Tylenol, leucovorin, and autism.
We talk about what the latest research actually shows, what parents should know, and why conversations about autism deserve more nuance and empathy than political headlines.
We discuss:
What current research tells us about autism’s causes, including the strong role of genetics and the complex mix of environmental and developmental factors.
Why studies on Tylenol and autism don’t prove causation, and how correlation has been misunderstood in headlines and online discussions.
How leucovorin (folinic acid) may support some children with autism, why it’s not a cure, and what doctors are actually seeing in practice.
The connection between micronutrients, gut health, and neurodevelopment, plus real barriers families face in getting lab work and supplements covered.
What early screen exposure can do to developing brains, and why less screen time and more real-world interaction matter for young children.
Where research and funding need to go next, from identifying subtypes of autism to improving access to early intervention and therapeutic schools.
To connect with Dr. Tanya Altmann check out all her resources at Drtanya.com. Follow her on Instagram at @drtanyaaltmann.
00:00 Introduction
02:05 Meet the Guests
04:09 The Tylenol Controversy
06:41 What We Know About Autism Causes
09:02 Advances in Autism Research
14:15 The Role of Genetics and Environment
18:15 What Is Leucovorin
22:25 What Parents Are Seeing
27:10 Who Might Benefit
29:20 Micronutrients, Gut Health, and Screen Time
38:28 What Research Still Needs to Happen
45:54 Reactions to the White House Press Conference
52:41 Final Takeaways for Parents and Clinicians
55:29 Outro and Reflection
We’d like to know who is listening! Please fill out our Listener Survey to help us improve the show and learn about you!
Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and subscribe to PedsDocTalk.
Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. Join the newsletter!
And don’t forget to follow @pedsdoctalkpodcast on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support.
We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships page of the website.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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The Follow-Up: Why the School System is Broken
The American school system was built to measure performance but at what cost? In this Follow Up episode, Dr. Mona sits down with Lauren Smith, a former educator and nationally certified school psychologist, to unpack how our current approach to education fuels anxiety, burnout, and perfectionism in kids.
They dive into the ripple effects of over-testing, constant competition, and the push to perform that begins as early as kindergarten. From standardized tests to college rankings, the conversation explores how a culture obsessed with metrics is stealing creativity, rest, and joy from learning — and what real change could look like.
In this episode, we discuss:
Why kids are more anxious than ever about school and grades
How over-testing and Common Core shape classroom pressure
The downstream effects of perfectionism on teens and college students
How teacher burnout connects to testing culture
What other countries are doing differently — and better
Why “slowing down” might be the most radical educational reform
Want more? Listen to the full, original episode.
Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and subscribe to PedsDocTalk.
Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. Join the newsletter!
And don’t forget to follow @pedsdoctalkpodcast on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support.
We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships page of the website.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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How Sensory Processing Shapes Kids’ Behavior
Sensory processing isn’t always easy to spot, but it affects how kids experience the world in a big way. From clothing struggles to party meltdowns, what looks like “behavior” can often be a child’s nervous system asking for help. That’s why I sat down with occupational therapist Laura Petix, who specializes in sensory processing and works with families online to support kids with unique sensory needs.
We talk about what sensory processing really means, sensory processing differences, how parents can recognize differences, and why shifting from “disorder” to “differences” matters for kids’ self-esteem and support. Laura shares her own parenting experiences as a neurodivergent mom raising a neurodivergent child, and we break down myths that leave parents feeling judged or confused.
We cover:
What sensory processing is and how it shapes daily life for kids
The difference between typical toddler behavior and sensory differences
Red flags that suggest a child might need more support
The “sensory cup” analogy for understanding overstimulation and meltdowns
Why discipline doesn’t fix sensory needs, and what actually helps
Practical ways parents can validate, regulate, and advocate for their kids
To connect with Laura Petix check out all her resources at https://theotbutterfly.com/. Follow her on Instagram at @theotbutterfly.
00:00 Intro & Dr. Mona’s Story
03:15 Meet The OT Butterfly (Laura Petix)
06:45 What Sensory Processing Really Means
10:40 Typical vs. Sensory-Driven Behavior
16:00 From Disorder to Difference
20:00 Early Signs in Babies and Toddlers
23:40 Parent Stories & The Sensory Cup Analogy
31:00 Supporting Kids (and Yourself)
34:00 Myths and Misunderstandings
41:00 When to Seek Help & Encouragement for Parents
We’d like to know who is listening! Please fill out our Listener Survey to help us improve the show and learn about you!
Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and subscribe to PedsDocTalk.
Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. Join the newsletter!
And don’t forget to follow @pedsdoctalkpodcast on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support.
We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships page of the website.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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The Follow-Up: Managing Health Anxiety
When my son had a stroke and seizures as a newborn, every moment felt uncertain. Once things stabilized, that deep anxiety finally eased until the first time he got sick again. I remember walking into his room and feeling that old fear rush back.
If you’ve ever felt your heart race when your child spikes a fever or starts coughing, you’re not alone. Even if your child’s never been seriously ill, that drop in your stomach is real. Health anxiety is something many parents carry, especially after the pandemic reminded us how fragile health can feel.
In this episode, I share what helped me work through that anxiety—both as a pediatrician and as a mom who’s lived it. I talk about the mindset shifts that changed everything:
Accepting that I can’t control every outcome for my child
Trusting that I’m doing my best with the resources I have
Remembering that back-to-back viruses mean my child’s immune system is learning
Focusing on what’s in my control, not the scary “what-ifs”
Finding hope, even when it’s hard
Listen to the original, full episode.
Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and subscribe to PedsDocTalk.
Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. Join the newsletter!
And don’t forget to follow @pedsdoctalkpodcast on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support.
We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships page of the website.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
About The PedsDocTalk Podcast: Child Health, Development & Parenting—From a Pediatrician Mom
The PedsDocTalk Podcast is your go-to parenting resource, hosted by Dr. Mona Amin, a trusted pediatrician, parenting expert, and mom of two. As a top 30 Parenting Podcast in the U.S., this show delivers expert-backed guidance on child development, health, illness, behavior, feeding, and sleep—giving parents the confidence to navigate every stage from baby to teen.
Each episode dives into real-life parenting challenges, featuring conversations with specialists in pediatrics, child psychology, nutrition, and parental well-being. From potty training and sleep training to tackling tantrums, picky eating, discipline, screen time, postpartum recovery, and developmental milestones, Dr. Mona provides practical, science-backed advice that actually works.
Tune in on Mondays and Wednesdays for actionable insights, mindset shifts, and expert interviews that empower you to raise healthy, resilient, and happy kids—while thriving as a parent yourself!
Listen to The PedsDocTalk Podcast: Child Health, Development & Parenting—From a Pediatrician Mom, Happy Place and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
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