Ever wondered why your child's ADHD medication seems to help focus but doesn't stop the meltdowns? The answer might lie in the surprising overlap between ADHD and autism that many families discover only after years of incomplete treatment.

Through Ethan's story, we explore how 30-80% of children with autism also meet criteria for ADHD, while 20-50% of children with ADHD simultaneously qualify for autism spectrum disorder. This significant overlap creates unique challenges that medication alone cannot address. When stimulants improve attention but sensory triggers, social struggles, and rigid routines persist, it signals the need for a more comprehensive approach.

At the neurological level, both conditions affect the frontal lobe—the command center for executive function, decision-making, and social communication. This explains why treating just one condition often leaves families frustrated by lingering symptoms. The holistic approach we advocate examines gut health (directly connected to brain function), sleep patterns, nutrition, sensory needs, and emotional regulation strategies. Rather than simply managing symptoms, this method targets root causes to improve overall wellbeing.

Parents, you know your child best. If you suspect there's more to your child's struggles than their current diagnosis suggests, trust your instincts and advocate persistently. Connect with teachers to observe behavioral patterns across environments, and don't stop seeking help until you find providers who listen. Remember that your child is valuable beyond any diagnostic label—they have unique strengths waiting to be discovered. Would you recognize the signs of dual diagnosis in your child? Subscribe to learn more about supporting children with overlapping neurodevelopmental conditions.

Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform and check out the video version on our YouTube channel!

CONNECT WITH ME!
If you want to schedule an ADHD/Autism appointment for your child, you may contact Glow Pediatrics:

• Phone: 405-871-5807
• Fax: 949-695-2681
• info@glowpediatrics.com

🌐 Website: www.glowpediatrics.com
📱 Instagram: @drhokeheeko / @glowpediatrics
📧 dreko@glowpediatrics.com
👍 Facebook: Dr.HokeheEko / glowpediatrics
💼 LinkedIn: hokeheeffiongmd

Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform and check out the video version on our YouTube channel!

CONNECT WITH ME!
If you want to schedule an ADHD/Autism appointment for your child, you may contact Glow Pediatrics:

• Phone: 405-871-5807
• Fax: 949-695-2681
• info@glowpediatrics.com

🌐 Website: www.glowpediatrics.com
📱 Instagram: @drhokeheeko / @glowpediatrics
📧 dreko@glowpediatrics.com
👍 Facebook: Dr.HokeheEko / glowpediatrics
💼 LinkedIn: hokeheeffiongmd

Our gut microbiome significantly impacts brain health, cognition, and emotional well-being for both children and adults through what functional medicine physician Dr. Maria describes as our internal "GI Joes."

• Eating diverse plant foods (aim for 30 different types weekly) supports healthy gut bacteria and brain function
• Adequate sleep, especially hours before midnight, allows microbiome restoration and cognitive recovery
• Fermented foods should be consumed daily as a separate essential food category
• Judicious use of antibiotics prevents killing beneficial gut bacteria that can't fully regenerate
• Start with small, sustainable changes rather than attempting complete lifestyle overhauls
• Outdoor time with bare feet on soil exposes you to beneficial microorganisms
• Growing herbs like rosemary provides both gut-healthy ingredients and beneficial soil contact

Connect with Dr. Maria at www.saludrevisited.com or on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and her podcast for more information on supporting your family's gut and brain health. She offers free initial consultations to determine how she can best support your health journey.

Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform and check out the video version on our YouTube channel!

CONNECT WITH ME!
If you want to schedule an ADHD/Autism appointment for your child, you may contact Glow Pediatrics:

• Phone: 405-871-5807
• Fax: 949-695-2681
• info@glowpediatrics.com

🌐 Website: www.glowpediatrics.com
📱 Instagram: @drhokeheeko / @glowpediatrics
📧 dreko@glowpediatrics.com
👍 Facebook: Dr.HokeheEko / glowpediatrics
💼 LinkedIn: hokeheeffiongmd

Eric D. Williams is the Founder of Project Elijah Empowering Autism. PEEA is a nonprofit organization established in 2004 based out of West Philadelphia and named after his son Elijah (now 26 years old) who at the age of 3 was diagnosed with autism.

PEEA hosts free year-round education and recreation programs for families living with autism/unique abilities who reside in under-resourced communities.

Mr. Williams launched the autistic person area street sign initiative on January 23, 2024 for Philadelphia residents. Currently, there 150 signs have been installed.

With 21 years of leading an autism foundation & 26 years of being a parent to Elijah has equipped Eric with the first hand knowledge to create unique and innovative methodologies to better serve unique abilities communities worldwide.

Social Media: @PEEA98

Email: elijah@peea.org

Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform and check out the video version on our YouTube channel!

CONNECT WITH ME!
If you want to schedule an ADHD/Autism appointment for your child, you may contact Glow Pediatrics:

• Phone: 405-871-5807
• Fax: 949-695-2681
• info@glowpediatrics.com

🌐 Website: www.glowpediatrics.com
📱 Instagram: @drhokeheeko / @glowpediatrics
📧 dreko@glowpediatrics.com
👍 Facebook: Dr.HokeheEko / glowpediatrics
💼 LinkedIn: hokeheeffiongmd

Welcome to Brain Power with Dr. Eko, where each week we explore ways to boost brain health through mind, body, emotional, and environmental well-being.

In this episode, Dr. Eko welcomes Dr. Ruth Odoi, a board-certified internal medicine physician and founder of Oasis Women's Functional Medicine. Together, they dive into the challenges many mothers face chronic stress, fatigue, and the health risks that come with them. Dr. Ruth shares how functional medicine helps women regain their energy, break free from chronic medications, and take charge of their health.

Tune in as they discuss practical strategies for busy moms, how small changes can lead to long-term wellness, and ways to bring the whole family along on the journey to better health.

Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform and check out the video version on our YouTube channel!

CONNECT WITH ME!
If you want to schedule an ADHD/Autism appointment for your child, you may contact Glow Pediatrics:

• Phone: 405-871-5807
• Fax: 949-695-2681
• info@glowpediatrics.com

🌐 Website: www.glowpediatrics.com
📱 Instagram: @drhokeheeko / @glowpediatrics
📧 dreko@glowpediatrics.com
👍 Facebook: Dr.HokeheEko / glowpediatrics
💼 LinkedIn: hokeheeffiongmd

Battling through a haze of vertigo, anxiety, and depression, Dr. Brandy Cummings discovered the hidden culprit of her chronic health struggles: mold exposure. In this episode of Brain Power with Dr. Eko, Dr. Cummings shares her personal journey from illness to recovery, offering hope and guidance to other mothers facing similar challenges. Her story underscores the necessity of identifying root causes over merely addressing symptoms and has driven her to dedicate her career to supporting women with chronic illnesses. Learn from her wealth of expertise in clinical nutrition and environmental health as she provides actionable insights into improving quality of life and embracing the joys of motherhood.

Unlock the mysteries of mold exposure with practical health tips and testing methods discussed in this compelling conversation. Understand the role of mycotoxin and organic acid tests and how traditional blood chemistry can offer cost-effective insights. Dr. Cummings shares holistic health approaches, emphasizing clean air, clean water, and the power of aligning with natural rhythms and consuming local, seasonal foods. We also explore the significance of community support, highlighting how connecting with others can provide essential resources and guidance on your health journey. Join us for a transformative discussion that seeks to empower listeners with knowledge and community.

COMING SOON: The Resilient Motherhood Summit! February 28, 2025 12:01 AM PST.
A 7-day virtual event to teach you how to overcome chronic symptoms, build resilience, and be fully present for the moments that matter most —sign up now!

Connect with Dr. Cummings:
IG: resilientmotherhood.health
TikTok: @resilientmotherhood

Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform and check out the video version on our YouTube channel!

CONNECT WITH ME!
If you want to schedule an ADHD/Autism appointment for your child, you may contact Glow Pediatrics:

• Phone: 405-871-5807
• Fax: 949-695-2681
• info@glowpediatrics.com

🌐 Website: www.glowpediatrics.com
📱 Instagram: @drhokeheeko / @glowpediatrics
📧 dreko@glowpediatrics.com
👍 Facebook: Dr.HokeheEko / glowpediatrics
💼 LinkedIn: hokeheeffiongmd

Exploring the transformative power of communication, this episode unveils strategies for building deeper connections with children.

Dr. Maiysha Clairborne shares insights on inherited communication styles, the importance of conscious parenting, and ways to listen actively to foster emotional intelligence.

In this episode you’ll find:
• Importance of communication in parenting
• Understanding inherited communication styles
• Engaging in peer conversations for growth
• Conscious vs. traditional parenting methods
• Teaching resilience through effective communication
• Modeling honesty about emotions
• Active listening as a fundamental tool
• Connecting through shared activities and play
• Intentional time management for family relationships

Connect with Dr. Maiysha:
mindremappingacademy.com
www.linkedin.com/in/drmaiysha
www.instagram.com/drmaiysha
www.facebook.com/drmaiysha
www.youtube.com/drmaiysha
www.tiktok.com/drmaiysha

Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform and check out the video version on our YouTube channel!

CONNECT WITH ME!
If you want to schedule an ADHD/Autism appointment for your child, you may contact Glow Pediatrics:

• Phone: 405-871-5807
• Fax: 949-695-2681
• info@glowpediatrics.com

🌐 Website: www.glowpediatrics.com
📱 Instagram: @drhokeheeko / @glowpediatrics
📧 dreko@glowpediatrics.com
👍 Facebook: Dr.HokeheEko / glowpediatrics
💼 LinkedIn: hokeheeffiongmd

Discover the transformative journey of Ms. Dina Farmer, a US Air Force veteran who turned life's challenges into a mission to empower families with special needs. Driven by her own experiences as a military spouse and the mother of two children with autism, Dina shares invaluable insights into how travel can become a powerful tool for self-care and development. She sheds light on the unique hurdles faced by military families, from frequent relocations to career disruptions, and how these experiences fueled her passion for creating Spectrum Getaways. This initiative is not just about travel—it's about crafting accessible adventures that cater to the specific needs of families, offering practical advice, and encouraging parents to take small but meaningful steps.

Join us as we explore how travel can enrich the lives of children, particularly those with autism, through tailored experiences that foster growth and communication. Dina shares her wisdom on focusing on a child's strengths and nurturing their interests through unforgettable travel experiences. From exciting destinations like Japan to simple community outings, she illustrates how travel is an essential form of education and life enrichment. Her inspiring message challenges limitations and opens minds to new possibilities, making the world more accessible, one family at a time.

Connect with Dina on her website, www.spectrumgetaways.com, and follow her journey on Instagram and Threads as she continues to support the disabled community with her empowering resources.

Useful links mentioned in the interview:

• Child Care Aware - https://www.childcareaware.org/
• ARCH the National Respite Care Network - https://archrespite.org/caregiver-resources/respitelocator/
• Break Relief Sitters they are a traveling respite service - https://www.instagram.com/breakrelief_sitters/
• Autism Babysitters but also a traveling respite service in the local Atlanta area for other types of respite care like doctor appointments, birth care for children that can't be in the delivery room and so much more! - https://www.autismbabysitters.com/
  
  

Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform and check out the video version on our YouTube channel!

CONNECT WITH ME!
If you want to schedule an ADHD/Autism appointment for your child, you may contact Glow Pediatrics:

• Phone: 405-871-5807
• Fax: 949-695-2681
• info@glowpediatrics.com

🌐 Website: www.glowpediatrics.com
📱 Instagram: @drhokeheeko / @glowpediatrics
📧 dreko@glowpediatrics.com
👍 Facebook: Dr.HokeheEko / glowpediatrics
💼 LinkedIn: hokeheeffiongmd