Welcome to Episode 275 of Autism Parenting Secrets.

This week, I’m joined by Emmy-nominated journalist Leland Vittert, host of On Balance on NewsNation.

In his powerful new book Born Lucky, Leland shares his deeply personal story: a childhood marked by social challenges, relentless bullying, and an autism diagnosis at a time when the word itself was barely understood.

At the heart of his story is his father - a man who refused to accept the limitations imposed by others. Instead, he built trust, modeled resilience, and empowered Leland to rise above every label.

The message of Born Lucky couldn’t be more aligned with this podcast. It’s not about denying differences. It’s about NOT letting a diagnosis define or confine your child.

The secret this week is…

DON’T Fall Into the Diagnosis TRAP

You'll Discover:

• The “Friendship First” Parenting Move That Changed Everything (5:18)
• The Two Cornerstones That Lay The Foundation for Growth (8:58)
• The One Thing To NEVER Show Your Child (12:56)
• The Real Danger of Over-Accommodation (19:04)
• How To Stay Fueled By Incremental Changes (24:27)

About Our Guest:

Leland Vittert is an Emmy-nominated journalist and the host of On Balance on NewsNation. Known for holding leaders accountable and digging for truth, he shares his most personal work yet in Born Lucky, a memoir about his father’s fierce love, resilience, and refusal to accept limitations. It’s a story that transcends diagnosis and inspires parents everywhere.

References In This Episode:

• Born Lucky: A Dedicated Father, A Grateful Son, and My Journey with Autism by Leland Vittert with Don Yaeger
• On Balance with Leland Vittert, NewsNation

Additional Resources:

• To learn more about personalized 1:1 support, go to www.elevatehowyounavigate.com
• Take The Quiz: What’s YOUR Top Autism Parenting Blindspot?

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends.

Welcome to Episode 274 of Autism Parenting Secrets.

This week we’re talking about hope, progress, and the breakthroughs that can happen when you uncover and address what’s truly holding your child back.

My guest is Dr. Darin Ingels, a naturopathic physician, immunologist, and author who has helped countless families dealing with complex chronic illnesses.

He shares a remarkable case study of a young man with autism whose language and quality of life transformed dramatically in his twenties through immunotherapy.

Parents often wonder if it’s “too late” for their child — this conversation makes clear that it’s not.

The secret this week is…

It’s NEVER Too Late For BREAKTHROUGHS

You'll Discover:

• Why IMMUNE Dysfunction Is Often the Hidden Blocker to Language (1:54)
• How Low-Dose Immunotherapy (LDI) Can Unlock Neuroplasticity (4:54)
• The Overlooked Role of Mast Cell Activation in Autism (9:28)
• Why Sublingual Immunotherapy Is Safe, Proven, and Underutilized (15:55)
• The Hopeful Truth: The Brain Can Change At Any Age (17:49)

About Our Guest:

Dr. Darin Ingels, ND, FAAEM, FMAPS is a licensed naturopathic doctor, author, and international speaker specializing in Lyme disease, autism, chronic illness, and immune dysfunction. A former Lyme patient himself, he overcame a three-year battle with the illness using diet, lifestyle, and natural therapies — an approach he has since applied in treating more than 8,000 patients, many of whom have gone on to live healthy, symptom-free lives. With over 30 years of clinical experience, Dr. Ingels has helped thousands restore health through immunotherapy and other natural approaches. He is the author of The Lyme Solution: A 5-Part Plan to Fight the Inflammatory Autoimmune Response and Beat Lyme Disease and works with families both in person and virtually worldwide.

https://dariningelsnd.com/

References In This Episode:

• The Lyme Solution by Dr. Darin Ingels
• APS Episode 240 - Regulate Brain MAST CELLS with Dr. Theoharis Theoharides

Additional Resources:

• To learn more about personalized 1:1 support, go to www.elevatehowyounavigate.com
• Take The Quiz: What’s YOUR Top Autism Parenting Blindspot?

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends.

Welcome to Episode 273 of Autism Parenting Secrets.

This week’s episode comes from the MAPS Fall Conference, where I sat down with Dr. Tom Moorcroft.

Dr. Tom treats some of the sickest, most sensitive patients—but this conversation wasn’t about lab results or protocols. It was about presence, modeling, and the love that fuels real healing.

The truth is simple but often overlooked: your child is always watching, always absorbing. They don’t just hear your words—they feel your energy.

If you want them to be resilient and open to growth, you have to show them how.

The secret this week is…

Fill YOUR Cup First

You'll Discover:

• How Filling Your Own Tank First Makes You a Stronger Parent (8:10)
• Why Modeling Behavior Is More Powerful Than Demanding It (11:29)
• The Surprising Truth: Your Child Is Always Listening (13:28)
• How Turning Supplements & Food Changes Into Acts of Love Shifts Everything (17:35)
• The Unforgettable “I See You In There” Moment That Proves Presence Heals (21:18)
• Why Acceptance Opens the Door to Action and Growth (37:45)
• How Course Correction—Not Perfection—Creates Lasting Change (46:28)

About Our Guest:

Dr. Tom Moorcroft, DO, is one of the most respected voices in complex chronic illness recovery and America’s Premier Lyme Disease Educator. He is the founder of the Lyme Disease Practitioner Certification & Mentorship Program and host of The Lyme Insider podcast, where he trains clinicians to master the art and science of treating Lyme disease, tick-borne co-infections, mold illness, and infection-induced autoimmune conditions like PANS/PANDAS.

With over 15 years of frontline experience, Dr. Tom blends cutting-edge science with practical, results-driven strategies to solve medical mysteries others often miss. He is a Fellow of the Medical Academy of Pediatric & Special Needs (FMAPS), an ILADS Fellow, and a former acting President, Board Member, and Committee Chair of ILADS.

Trusted by patients and practitioners alike—from highly sensitive individuals to children with neuroinflammatory challenges—Dr. Tom’s mission is clear: raise the standard of care and empower more healers to deliver lasting results. tommoorcroft.com

Learn more:

• Medical Practice → OriginsOfHealth.com
• Practitioner Training → LymeTraining.org
• YouTube → @TomMoorcroft
• Instagram → @drtommoorcroft
• LinkedIn → @tommoorcroftdo
• Facebook → @OriginsOfHealth
• The Lyme Insider Podcast

Additional Resources:

• To learn more about personalized 1:1 support, go to www.elevatehowyounavigate.com
• Take The Quiz: What’s YOUR Top Autism Parenting Blindspot?

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your friends.