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 MORE

You'll Discover:

• The Science Behind ASD Insight (8:51)
• What Is The ADOS Test And Why Is It Performed Too Late (12:09
• One 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.com

References In This Episode:

• ASD Insight Test – NeuroQure

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 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 SPEECH

You'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.com

Instagram: @drrobertmelillo

References In This Episode:

• Autism Parenting Secrets: Episode 133, Correct IMBALANCES First with Dr. Robert Melillo
• Autism Parenting Secrets: Episode 170, Horizontal AND Vertical BRAIN INTEGRATION with Dr. Robert Melillo

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 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 MISLED

You'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.com

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 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 Steps

You'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/about

https://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 2019
• Uncommon Living: Episode 5: Mitochondrial Therapies for Autism With Nicole Rincon
• Autism Parenting Secrets, Episode 245, EVIDENCE-BASED Treatments FIRST with Dr. Richard Frye

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 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 Mitochondria

You'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 Forge

seagertp.substack.com

References In This Episode:

• Uncommon Living: Episode 4: What Causes Autism? With Dr. Richard Frye
• Uncommon Living: Episode 5: Mitochondrial Therapies for Autism With Nicole Rincon

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 261 of Autism Parenting Secrets.

Hello and welcome to Autism Parenting Secrets.

This week, we’re diving into something that most parents overlook — your home’s water.

Even if you’ve got a filter on your sink or fridge, your child is still bathing and brushing in water that could be full of contaminants.

And for sensitive or detox-challenged kids, that adds up fast.

My guest is Anna Khait, founder of Healthy Technologies.

Her passion and expertise around safer home solutions are powerful, and this episode zeros in on whole-house water filtration—what it is, why it matters, and how to take action without overwhelm.

The secret this week is…

Filter Water At The Source

You'll Discover:

• WHY Filtered Tap Water May Still Be Unsafe (4:08)
• WHAT’s Hiding In Bottled Water (9:13)
• HOW Whole House Filtration Works (16:51)
• WHICH Contaminants Must Be Removed (22:26)
• WHY Reverse Osmosis May Not Be Enough (24:07)

About Our Guest:

Anna Khait is a Christian speaker, ordained minister, and founder of Healthy Technologies LLC. Formerly a professional poker player and reality TV contestant (CBS Survivor), she experienced a spiritual awakening that reshaped her life. Today, she educates others about safe, toxin-free living through advanced home wellness solutions, like air and water purification.

Visit HealthyTechs.com and use code APS for 10% off + free shipping.

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 260 of Autism Parenting Secrets.

I’m thrilled to welcome back Dr. Brian Hooker.

If you caught Episode 182, you already know he brings a unique mix of scientific credibility and raw parenting experience.

Today, our focus isn’t research—it’s action.

This conversation is about tuning out the noise, trusting your gut, and taking bold steps right now to support your child’s healing.

If you’ve been stuck or second-guessing, this episode will reignite your clarity and courage.

The secret this week is…

Don’t Hesitate, Take Bold Action NOW

You'll Discover:

• WHY Waiting For Permission Hurts (3:45)
• HOW to Overcome Fear of Making a Mistake (6:34)
• WHY Your Beliefs Shape Outcomes (11:41)
• WHAT It Means To Be a Happy Little Detective (13:49)
• HOW to Sharpen Your Focus & Avoid Overwhelm (23:30)
• HOW Self-Care Fuels Better Decision-Making (34:47)

About Our Guest:

Brian S. Hooker, Ph.D., is the Senior Director of Science and Research at Children’s Health Defense and co-author of the New York Times best-selling book Vax-Unvax: Let the Science Speak (with Robert F. Kennedy Jr.). He holds a Ph.D. in biochemical engineering and has authored over 70 peer-reviewed papers. Dr. Hooker’s passion for vaccine safety advocacy began in 2001, shortly after his son was diagnosed with autism. Since then, he’s worked tirelessly to expose corruption within the CDC and to help parents uncover real solutions.

References In This Episode:

– Dr. Hooker’s show on CHD TV – Doctors & Scientists
– Vax-Unvax: Let the Science Speak by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Dr. Brian Hooker
– Children’s Health Defense: childrenshealthdefense.org

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.