Welcome to Episode 247 of Autism Parenting Secrets.

In this episode, we’re diving into a game-changing approach that shifts everything for parents of a child with autism—the power of true connection.

Our guest is Amanda Louison, CEO and Senior Program Advisor at The Option Institute and the Autism Treatment Center of America.

She has been immersed in The Son-Rise Program® for over 16 years, working directly with families and children to foster deeper connections through love and acceptance.

And this episode is especially meaningful to me because Amanda was personally part of my son Ry’s journey. She helped him want to form a bond with other people—something that was completely life-changing for our family.

Through her experience as a facilitator, advisor, and leader in the Son-Rise Program®, Amanda has helped thousands of parents see their child through a new lens—one that opens the door to greater joy, connection, and growth.

Discover how shifting from a need for change to an acceptance of the now can revolutionize your parenting journey.

The secret this week is…

JOINING Is Your Way IN

You'll Discover:

• How The Son-Rise Program Started (5:31)
• The Difference Between WANT and NEED (13:39)
• A Different Way To See Stimming (15:01)
• What JOINING Looks Like (21:16)
• Red and Green Lights To Notice (30:29)
• A Mindset Shift To Make And A Mistake to Avoid (34:03)

About Our Guest:

Amanda Louison is the CEO & Senior Program Advisor at The Option Institute and the Autism Treatment Center of America. With over 15 years of experience in The Son-Rise Program®, she has dedicated her career to helping parents foster deeper connections with their children through love and acceptance. Originally drawn to the program through her own journey as a parent, Amanda became a Son-Rise Program® Child Facilitator and later a Senior Program Advisor, guiding families in applying the program’s principles. Now, as a leader in the organization, she continues to support both parents and staff in creating transformative experiences for children on the autism spectrum. Amanda’s passion for empowering families remains at the heart of her work, making her an invaluable advocate for parents navigating this journey.

www.autismtreatment.org

www.option.org

References in The Episode:

• The Autism Treatment Center of America, to Speak To A Program Advisor Call (413) 229-2100
• The Option Institute

Additional Resources:

• Unlock the power of personalized 1-on-1 support, visit allinparentcoaching.com/intensive
• Take The Quiz: What’s YOUR Top Autism Parenting Blindspot?
• To learn more visit us at www.autismparentingsecrets.com
• Be sure to follow Cass & Len on Instagram
  

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

Welcome to Episode 246 of Autism Parenting Secrets.

In this episode, we tackle a critical issue affecting every family—the hidden dangers of screen overuse.

Our guest, Melanie Hempe, is the founder of ScreenStrong, a movement dedicated to helping parents reclaim childhood from the grip of screens. When her oldest son dropped out of college due to video game addiction, Melanie used her nursing background to develop a science-backed solution for her younger children, leading to the creation of ScreenStrong, a nonprofit that helps families eliminate toxic screen use and the conflicts it creates.

Through her Be ScreenStrong Substack, ScreenStrong Families podcast, and media appearances, Melanie empowers parents with practical strategies to delay harmful screen exposure and foster real-world connections. Today, we’ll explore the science behind screen addiction, how screens disrupt social and emotional development, and—most importantly—what parents can do to create a healthier, more connected home.

The secret this week is…

SCREENS Prevent Connection

You'll Discover:

• The Worst Screen Type And The Worst Device (4:09)
• The Case Against ISOLATED Use (11:13)
• Why Understanding The Neuroscience Is So Key (18:22)
• What Your Child Wants MORE Than Tech (22:29)
• A Strong Call To Action (27:48)
• Screentime Myths That Just AREN’T True (31:08)

About Our Guest:

When her oldest son dropped out of college due to a video game addiction, Melanie Hempe used her nursing degree from Emory University to create a better, science-backed screen solution for her three younger children. The success of these solutions compelled Melanie to found ScreenStrong, a nonprofit that empowers parents to eliminate toxic screen use—and the conflict it creates—from their home. ScreenStrong’s proactive, neuroscience-based solution of delaying social media, smartphones, violent video games, and pornography through adolescence has improved the mental health, life skills, and relationships of countless teens and families across the world.

Melanie writes the weekly “Be ScreenStrong” Substack and hosts the popular ScreenStrong Families podcast. She has been featured on CBS, CNN, NPR, Fox, The Wall Street Journal, the Screened Out documentary, and other media outlets. Her Kids’ Brains and Screens series is available for all ages in book and curriculum formats.

Melanie lives in North Carolina with her husband, Chris, and their four children. She believes it’s never too late to reverse screen addiction and reconnect with your kids.

https://screenstrong.org/about/

References in The Episode:

• https://screenstrong.org/
• ScreenStrong Families Podcast

Additional Resources:

• Unlock the power of personalized 1-on-1 support, visit allinparentcoaching.com/intensive
• Take The Quiz: What’s YOUR Top Autism Parenting Blindspot?
• To learn more visit us at www.autismparentingsecrets.com
• Be sure to follow Cass & Len on Instagram

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

Welcome to Episode 245 of Autism Parenting Secrets.

In this episode of Autism Parenting Secrets, we’re joined by Dr. Richard Frye, a renowned child neurologist specializing in neurodevelopmental disorders, to explore the critical medical insights that can help children with autism thrive.

Dr. Frye shares his expertise on mitochondrial dysfunction, immune system dysregulation, and other underlying medical issues affecting autism.

We discuss the importance of evidence-based treatments, foundational aspects like sleep and gut health, and the significance of a tailored approach to each child's unique needs.

Join us as we delve into the strategies and emerging interventions that offer the most promise for helping children with autism live their best lives.

The secret this week is...

EVIDENCE-BASED Treatments FIRST

You'll Discover:

• Two Connected Challenges to Tackle Early in the Journey (4:15)
• Signs of Poor Gut Health (11:29)
• Three Key Issues You Can Measure and Treat (19:58)
• Why Mitochondria Matter So Much (22:49)
• The Importance of Folate Metabolism (25:35)
• Why Less Is MORE (34:43)

About Our Guest:

Dr Frye is a Child Neurologist with expertise in neurodevelopmental and neurometabolic disorders. He received an MD and PhD in Physiology and Biophysics from Georgetown University. He completed a residency in Pediatrics at the University of Miami, Residency in Child Neurology and Fellowship in Behavioral Neurology and Learning Disabilities at Harvard University/Children’s Hospital Boston, and Fellowship in Psychology at Boston University. He also received a Master’s in Biomedical Science and Biostatistics from Drexel University. He holds board certifications in Pediatrics and Neurology with Special Competence in Child Neurology. He has authored over 300 publications and book chapters and serves on several editorial boards.

Dr. Frye is a national leader in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) research. He is President and Chief Scientific Officer of the Autism Discovery and Treatment Foundation, Chief Medical Officer of the Neurological Health Foundation, Director of Research and Neurologist at the Rossignol Medical Center, and Principal Investigator at the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center.

He has led several clinical studies on children with ASD, including studies focusing on defining the clinical, behavioral, cognitive, genetic, and metabolic characteristics of children with ASD and mitochondrial disease and several clinical trials demonstrating the efficacy of safe and novel treatments that target underlying physiological abnormalities in children with ASD, including studies on leucovorin, cobalamin and tetrahydrobiopterin and has an ongoing multicenter controlled clinical trial on leucovorin, neuroimmune modulators and photobiomodulation.

https://drfryemdphd.com/

References in The Episode:

• Medical Academy of Pediatrics & Special Needs MAPS

Additional Resources:

• Unlock the power of personalized 1-on-1 support, visit allinparentcoaching.com/intensive
• Take The Quiz: What’s YOUR Top Autism Parenting Blindspot?
• To learn more about Cass & Len, visit us at www.autismparentingsecrets.com
• Be sure to follow Cass & Len on Instagram

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

Welcome to Episode 244 of Autism Parenting Secrets.

In this episode, we welcome back Tracy Slepcevic, a dedicated advocate for parents navigating the autism journey.

Tracy—a U.S. Air Force veteran, speaker, and certified integrative health practitioner—is also the author of Warrior Mom: A Mother’s Journey in Healing Her Son with Autism.

Her insights have empowered countless parents, and now she’s taking her mission even further with The Autism Health Summit: Journey to Wellness—an annual in-person event happening this April in San Diego.

We explore the life-changing impact of attending conferences, the latest breakthroughs in autism treatments, and the power of building an informed, supportive community.

The secret this week is...

One CONFERENCE Can Change EVERYTHING

You'll Discover:

• Virtual vs. In-Person Learning Value (7:20)
• The Myriad of Topics Covered at the AHS Summit (13:18)
• The Basics To Start With (17:48)
• Why You CAN Trust The Process (20:58)

About Our Guest:

Tracy Slepcevic is a certified integrative health practitioner, speaker, and Air Force veteran. She is the bestselling author of Warrior Mom: A Mother’s Journey In Healing Her Son with Autism and the founder of Autism Health, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, as well as the Autism Health Summit. She is educated in the field of Complementary and Alternative Medicine and has dedicated over 16 years to researching various treatments and therapies for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Over the years, she has worked with many doctors, scientists, advocates, and researchers, and she has made it her mission to educate families on the importance of living a healthy lifestyle.

tracy@autismhealth.com

References in The Episode:

• https://autismhealth.com
• https://ahsconference.com - use code AHS50 for a discount
• Warrior Mom: A Mother’s Journey In Healing Her Son with Autism
• Autism Warrior Mom Substack

Additional Resources:

• Unlock the power of personalized 1-on-1 support, visit allinparentcoaching.com/intensive
• Take The Quiz: What’s YOUR Top Autism Parenting Blindspot?
• To learn more, visit us at www.autismparentingsecrets.com
• Be sure to follow Cass & Len on Instagram

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

Welcome to Episode 243 of Autism Parenting Secrets.

We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Pejman Katiraei (Dr. K) back to the show!

Dr. K is one of the nation’s most highly trained integrative pediatricians, dedicated to helping children with learning and behavioral challenges thrive.

Since 2008, he has been at the forefront of integrative and holistic medicine, guiding thousands of children with complex health issues toward true healing.

What makes Dr. K’s perspective so powerful is that he’s lived it. As a child, he battled anxiety, ADHD, and depression—until he discovered how to heal himself.

Now, he’s on a mission to help parents see the world through their child’s eyes and truly understand their struggles.

The secret this week is…

See The World Through THEIR Eyes

You'll Discover:

• The Treatment That’s Helped Dr. K. The Most (5:31)
• The Impact Of An Overactive Immune System (15:13)
• The Two Most Common Presentations of Mold (27:16)
• Why Your Child Is More Susceptible To Harm (33:54)
• One Reason Why Kids Are So Rigid (38:22)

About Our Guest:

Dr. Pejman Katiraei (Dr. K) is a board-certified pediatrician who completed his undergraduate at UCLA and then obtained his osteopathic medical degree at Western University. He completed a pediatric residency at Loma Linda University, where he stayed on as a teaching faculty for over 4 years. He has also completed two fellowships in integrative medicine and has over a decade of clinical experience helping children with severe learning and behavioral challenges. Dr. K is now in private practice in Santa Monica, where he focuses on helping children with mold-related illnesses, autism, and other mental health challenges.

Wholistic Kids

Wholistic Minds

References in The Episode:

• Autism Parenting Secrets - Episode 95: MOLD Is A Bigger Threat Than You Think with Dr. Pejman Katiraei
• Autism Parenting Secrets - Episode 208: Brain Allergies Are In the Way with Dr. Pejman Katiraei
• Substack: On A Mission To Help A Million Kids Heal From Autism by Dr. Pejman Katiraei
• Autism Parenting Secrets - Episode 240: Regulate Brain Mast Cells with Dr. Theo Theoharides
• Dr. Theoharides, PhD, MD

Additional Resources:

• Unlock the power of personalized 1-on-1 support, visit allinparentcoaching.com/intensive
• Take The Quiz: What’s YOUR Top Autism Parenting Blindspot?
• To learn more about us at www.autismparentingsecrets.com
• Be sure to follow us on Instagram

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

Welcome to Episode 242 of Autism Parenting Secrets.

In this episode, Dr. Dave Rabin reveals transformative ways to reduce stress and prevent burnout.

Dr. Dave is a renowned neuroscientist, board-certified psychiatrist, and trauma expert with over 15 years of groundbreaking research into how chronic stress affects mental and physical health. He’s also the creator of Apollo Neuro, a wearable device proven to reduce stress, enhance heart rate variability, and boost cognitive performance.

In our conversation, Dr. Dave shares his fascinating journey—from studying dreams to uncovering the profound connection between stress, safety, and decision-making. Together, we explore the science of stress, the critical need for a sense of safety, and practical strategies to regain control of your life.

From mindfulness and deep breathing to the game-changing Apollo Neuro, Dr. Dave offers actionable insights and tools that can help you and your child thrive—even amid the unique challenges of autism.

Join us as we uncover how small, consistent practices can profoundly transform your well-being. Packed with actionable tips and inspiring stories, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Tune in now to take control of stress and create a more balanced, fulfilling life.

The secret this week is...

Prioritize INTENTIONAL Attention

You'll Discover:

• Why You Want To Avoid Tunnel Vision (6:40)
• The Wisdom of Ancient Mindfulness Techniques (11:47)
• Why You Want Homeostasis (19:05)
• The Power of The Present Moment (21:25)
• A Powerful Exercise You Can Do Anytime (25:24)
• How Apollo Neuro Helps You And Your Child Feel Safe (33:19)
• The Benefits Of Improved Vagus Nerve Tone and Higher HRV (36:46)
• A Different Way To Look At Your Child’s Behaviors (42:36)
• Ways To Combat Burnout (48:58)

About Our Guest:

Dr. David Rabin, MD, PhD, is a neuroscientist, board-certified psychiatrist, and health tech entrepreneur who has studied the impact of chronic stress for over 20 years. He is the Co-Founder & Chief Medical Officer of Apollo Neuro, creators of the first scientifically validated wearable to improve energy, focus, and relaxation through touch therapy, signaling safety to the brain.

Dr. Rabin focuses on non-invasive therapies for treatment-resistant conditions like PTSD and substance use disorders. As Executive Director of the Board of Medicine, he leads efforts to establish evidence-based guidelines for alternative medicines, including plant-based therapies, while training healthcare providers and ensuring quality standards.

In his psychiatry practice and ongoing research, Dr. Rabin explores trauma recovery, the neurobiology of belief, and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. He earned his MD and PhD from Albany Medical College and specialized in psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Dr. Rabin has been married to his co-founder, Kathryn Fantauzzi, since 2016.

Personal Website: David Rabin MD, PhD

Company Website: Apollo Neuro

Nonprofit Website: The Board of Medicine

Podcast Website: The Psychedelic News

References in The Episode:

• Apollo® Wearable - Use Code ALLIN for a Discount
• Autism Parenting Secrets Episode 212 - “You Can’t Heal If You Dont Feel Safe” with Dr. Neil Nathan
• Autism Parenting Secrets Episode 241 - “Trust Your GUT Feelings” with Dr. Will Cole

Additional Resources:

• Unlock the power of personalized 1-on-1 support, visit allinparentcoaching.com/intensive
• Take The Quiz: What’s YOUR Top Autism Parenting Blindspot?
• To learn more about Cass & Len, visit us at www.autismparentingsecrets.com
• Be sure to follow Cass & Len on Instagram

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

Welcome to Episode 241 of Autism Parenting Secrets.

I’m excited to introduce Dr. Will Cole, a leading functional medicine expert and author of several game-changing books, including Ketotarian, Intuitive Fasting, and his latest Gut Feelings, Healing The Shame-Fueled Relationship Between What You Eat and How You Feel.

This incredible book reveals the powerful connection between your emotional health and your physical health and how healing your gut can unlock better health and happiness for you and your family.

As parents of children with autism, we know how critical diet and gut health are to our child’s development. But what many don’t realize is that parental self-care is equally vital. Dr. Cole’s insights on Shameflammation—the damaging combination of stress, shame, and inflammation—are eye-opening and empowering.

In this episode, we’ll discuss how to make better food choices for your child, prioritize your own health, and create a healing environment for your family. This conversation is packed with tips and inspiration to help you and your child thrive.

The secret this week is...

Trust Your GUT Feelings

You'll Discover:

• How The Gut Is The Seed of the Soul (5:46)
• Why It’s Bi-Directional (7:28)
• The First Ingredient That Disrupts The Gut/Brain Axis (12:00)
• The Second Ingredient That Disrupts The Gut/Brain Axis (15:30)
• The Third Ingredient That Disrupts The Gut/Brain Axis (16:12)
• The Fourth Ingredient That Disrupts The Gut/Brain Axis (17:07)
• What To Do After Cleaning Up The Diet (20:32)
• Why You Need a “Proverbial Cast” (25:15)
• What is Shameflammation (29:41)
• The Power of Meta-Physical Meals (35:55)

About Our Guest:

Dr. Will Cole is a leading functional medicine expert who consults people around the globe, starting one of the world's first functional medicine telehealth centers over a decade ago. Named one of the top 50 functional and integrative doctors in the nation, Dr. Will Cole provides a functional medicine approach for thyroid issues, autoimmune conditions, hormonal imbalances, digestive disorders, and brain problems. He is also the host of the popular The Art Of Being Well podcast and the New York Times bestselling author of Intuitive Fasting, Ketotarian, The Inflammation Spectrum, and Gut Feelings.

https://drwillcole.com/

References in The Episode:

• www.apolloneuro.com
• Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE)

Additional Resources:

• Unlock the power of personalized 1-on-1 support, visit allinparentcoaching.com/intensive
• Take The Quiz: What’s YOUR Top Autism Parenting Blindspot?
• To learn more about Cass & Len, visit us at www.autismparentingsecrets.com
• Be sure to follow Cass & Len on Instagram

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

Welcome to Episode 240 of Autism Parenting Secrets.

This week, we’re honored to welcome Dr. Theoharis Theoharides, a trailblazer in Autism and Mast Cell Regulation. With five degrees and decades of research, Dr. Theoharides offers powerful insights into the link between autism, allergies, eczema, and mast cells.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Breakthroughs in liposome technology for better supplement absorption.
• How to spot environmental triggers affecting your child.
• The role of luteolin in reducing neuroinflammation.
• Simple strategies for dietary changes and stress reduction.

Dr. Theoharides emphasizes understanding autism’s complexity, especially the roles of mast cells and neuroinflammation. Early identification, personalized treatments, and thoughtful supplementation can transform a child’s well-being.

Recorded at the Documenting Hope conference in Orlando, Florida, this discussion dives into actionable strategies and the potential to reverse autism symptoms.

Dr. Theoharides's passion shines through, making this a must-listen.

The secret this week is…

Regulate Brain MAST CELLS

You'll Discover:

• The Extensive Track Record of Dr. Theoharides (3:19)
• What Exactly Are MAST Cells (7:14)
• Critical Concepts To Understand During Pregnancy (10:42)
• Why High MMP9 Is An Issue And What Helps To Reduce It (14:43)
• A Must-Do Regarding Supplements (27:14)
• A Simple Test To See If Mast Cells Are An Issue (28:45)
• MTHFR Considerations (33:23)
• Ways To Address Hyperactivity (36:28)

About Our Guest:

Dr. Theoharis Theoharides is Professor and Vice Chair of Clinical Immunology and Director of the Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine-Clearwater, Nova Southeastern University, FL, and Adjunct Professor of Immunology at Tufts School of Medicine, where he was Professor and Director of Molecular Immunopharmacology & Drug Discovery, and Clinical Pharmacologist, Massachusetts Drug Formulary Commission (1983-2022). He served on the Board of the Institute of Pharmaceutical Research and Technology (IFET) and the Supreme Health Council of the Ministry of Health in Greece. He received his BA, MS, MPhil, PhD and MD degrees and the Winternitz Price in Pathology from Yale University. He also received a Certificate in Global Leadership from Tufts Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and a Fellowship at Harvard Kennedy School of Government. He trained in internal medicine at New England Medical Center, which awarded him the Oliver Smith Award, “recognizing excellence, compassion and service.” He received the Tufts Distinguished Faculty Recognition and Excellence in Teaching awards multiple times. He showed that the unique tissue immune cells, mast cells, communicate with the brain microglia and are critical for neuroinflammation. He has 493 publications (49,406 citations; h-index 113 placing him in the world’s top 0.05% of most cited authors and the worldwide expert on mast cells by ScholarGPS and Expertscape. He was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society, the Rare Diseases Hall of Fame, and the World Academy of Sciences. He developed novel dietary flavonoid supplements formulated in olive pomace oil to increase absorption. He has received 30 patents and trademarks.

www.mastcellmaster.com

www.drtheoharides.com

References in The Episode:

• www.algonot.com
• Documenting Hope Conference

Additional Resources:

• Unlock the power of personalized 1-on-1 support, visit allinparentcoaching.com/intensive
• Take The Quiz: What’s YOUR Top Autism Parenting Blindspot?
• To learn more about Cass & Len, visit us at www.autismparentingsecrets.com
• Be sure to follow Cass & Len on Instagram

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