Welcome to Episode 228 of Autism Parenting Secrets.

This week on Autism Parenting Secrets, we’re joined by Dr. Dana Johnson, a true pioneer in the world of communication for nonspeaking individuals.

Dr. Dana is the founder of the Spellers Center and Invictus Academy in Tampa Bay, Florida, and co-founder of the Spellers Method alongside Dawnmarie Gaivin (featured in Episode 213).

With nearly 20 years of experience, she specializes in helping nonspeaking, unreliably speaking, and minimally speaking individuals find their voice through spelling and typing.

Dr. Dana's work extends to producing the award-winning documentary SPELLERS, serving as executive producer of UNDERESTIMATED: The Heroic Rise of Nonspeaking Spellers, and co-authoring The Spellers Guidebook: Practical Advice for Parents and Students.

Her journey began as an occupational therapist in public schools, and she continues to make a profound impact through her private practice.

The secret this week is ...

It’s A Brain/Body DISCONNECT

You'll Discover:

• What Exactly Is APRAXIA (3:42)
• The Beliefs To Adopt First (9:23)
• An Enhanced Version of OT (18:09)
• The Impact of Vision (21:38)
• The 4 Ways We Move (30:06)
• Why You Must Presume Competence (32:47)
• How To Coach The Body (37:56)
• The Power of Belief And An Individualized Approach (42:17)

About Our Guest:

Dr. Dana Johnson, PhD, MS, OTR/L, is the Founder of Spellers Center, Tampa; Founder of Invictus Academy, Tampa Bay; and co-founder of the Spellers MethodTM. Dr. Johnson has a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy and a Ph.D in Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Development. She is a producer of the award-winning documentary SPELLERS, an executive producer of UNDERESTIMATED: The Heroic Rise of Nonspeaking Spellers, and co-author of The Spellers Guidebook: Practical Advice for Parents and Students. Dr. Johnson has worked with individuals with motor and sensory differences for almost 20 years and currently specializes in supporting nonspeaking, unreliably speaking, and minimally speaking individuals to utilize spelling and typing as a form of communication. Dr. Johnson started her career as an occupational therapist supporting children in the public school system, then moved to private practice working with individuals with autism, apraxia, and other sensory-motor differences. You can learn more about her at www.spellers.com

References in The Episode:

• Autism Parenting Secrets Episode 213, Presume Competence, Here’s How with Dawnmarie Gaivin
• Ido in Autismland: Climbing Out of Autism’s Silent Prison by Ido Kedar
• Dr. Elizabeth Torres

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 227 of Autism Parenting Secrets.

This week, we’re unlocking the transformative power of improving executive function through a bottom-up approach with an expert in neurodevelopment.

Our guest, Carol Garner-Houston, co-founder of Brain Harmony, is a licensed occupational therapist with 28 years of experience. Her award-winning telehealth program addresses the root causes of neurodiverse conditions, including sensory processing disorders, autism, ADHD, and learning challenges.

Brain Harmony bridges the gap between highly effective therapies and accessibility for families worldwide.

Strengthening executive function can have a profound impact, especially for children with autism, improving focus, self-regulation, and overall learning.

The secret this week is...

Strengthen EXECUTIVE FUNCTION Bottom-Up

You'll Discover:

• Why Executive Function Is So Important (4:24)
• How Sound Frequencies and Vibration Create Balance (11:27)
• The System To Focus On First (20:16)
• The Distinction Between Vagal Stimulation and Vagal Regulation (26:37)
• Accelerants to Build Neural Connections (32:15)
• Ways To Enhance Social Engagement (37:10)
• Approaches To Address Trauma (42:02)

About Our Guest:

Carol Garner-Houston, a licensed occupational therapist with 28 years of experience, is the owner of Brain Harmony. This award-winning telehealth program treats the root causes of various neurodiverse conditions in the brain and nervous system. These conditions include sensory processing disorders, speech and language issues, dyspraxia, auditory processing disorders, autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit, and learning disorders such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, as well as social delays. Brain Harmony aims to bridge the gap between effective therapies and accessibility for families worldwide.

www.brainharmony.com

References in The Episode:

• Autism Parenting Secrets Episode 212, You Can’t Heal If You Don’t Feel Safe with Dr. Neil Nathan
• The Safe And Sound Protocol
• The Integrated Listening System (ILS)
• The Tomatis Method

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 226 of Autism Parenting Secrets.

This week, we’re diving into neuroplasticity—how you and your child can rewire the brain for growth and reorganization.

Joining me is Dr. Patrick K. Porter, founder of BrainTap®, a leader in technology-enhanced meditation.

He pioneered brainwave entrainment to improve clarity, sleep, and energy and remains a trailblazer in brain health research.

BrainTap offers over 1000 audio sessions in 12 languages and serves users worldwide through its app and headset.

Dr. Porter has been featured in major media outlets like The Wall Street Journal and ABC and was awarded the Interdisciplinary Association of Functional Neurosciences and Rehabilitation (IAFNR) lifetime achievement award in 2020.

If you want to help yourself and your child operate at ALL frequencies.

And if you want to learn more about a faster path to a better brain, you’ll want to listen to this entire episode.

The secret this week is …

Rewire The Brain With Sound AND LIGHT

You'll Discover:

• The Role and Purpose of The States Of The Brain (6:38)
• The Brain State To Focus On For More Speech (7:42)
• Why The Whole Family Needs Help (14:38)
• How It’s A Toxic Overload In The Brain (16:34)
• How To Bring Light Energy To The Brain (22:17)
• Ways To Accelerate Learning (24:36)
• The #1 Thing to Do For Longevity (31:18)
• Case Studies and Real-World Applications (34:33)
• Ways To Reduce EMF Exposure (41:00)
• Why It’s Never Too Late To Help The Brain (45:15)

About Our Guest:

Dr. Patrick K. Porter, PhD, is an award-winning author/speaker and the founder of BrainTap®, the leader in technology-enhanced meditation. Dr. Porter pioneered the use of brainwave entrainment to improve clarity, sleep & energy and remains at the forefront of scientific research. He founded BrainTap with the goal of making this technology accessible to everyone. BrainTap offers over 1000 original audio sessions in 12 languages and serves a worldwide user base with its mobile app and headset. Dr. Porter has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, People, Entrepreneur, INC, and on ABC, NBC, and CBS as an expert in brain health & wellness, and in 2020, Dr. Porter received the IAFNR lifetime achievement award.

www.braintap.com

References in The Episode:

• BrainTap Headset
• Children’s Opportunity for Brilliance Autism Series by Joqueta Handy
• Disconnected Kids, Third Edition: The Groundbreaking Brain Balance Program for Children with Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, and Other Neurological Disorders by Robert Melillo
• Awaken The Genius by Patrick K. Porter
• Autism Parenting Secrets Episode 212, You Can’t Heal If You Don’t Feel Safe with Dr. Neil Nathan
• 32 Metronome Synchronization Video

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 225 of Autism Parenting Secrets.

This week, we’re diving deeper into food and uncovering a hidden danger that might be impacting you and your child on the spectrum: oxalates.

These compounds, often found in popular 'superfoods,' can fuel inflammation and disrupt gut and brain health.

Our guest, Sally K. Norton, author of *Toxic Superfoods*, will break down what you need to know about oxalates and how to make healthier food choices for your family.

If you’ve ever wondered why certain 'healthy' foods might be causing problems, you won’t want to miss this.

The secret this week is…

Avoid TOXIC Superfoods

You'll Discover:

• What Are Oxalates And How They Emerged (6:00)
• Some Surprising Facts About Oxalic Acid (8:54)
• What You Need To Know About Kidney Stones (11:53)
• The Downside of Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Diets (15:11)
• Testing Options And Their Limitations (22:11)
• Why It’s All About The Dosage And A Common Mistake To Avoid (24:05)
• The Many Ways Oxalates Wreak Havoc (25:25)
• A Key Resource That Demystifies Oxalate Levels In Foods (31:25)
• Plants DON’T Want Us To Eat Them (34:17)
• Why Almond Milk Is Worse Than Almonds (40:32)
• How To Undo Oxalate Poisoning, Including Kidney Stones (42:07)
• A Case To Address Oxalates Now (48:19)

About Our Guest:

Sally K. Norton, MPH, holds a nutrition degree from Cornell University and a master’s degree in Public Health. Her path to becoming a leading expert on dietary oxalate includes a prior career working at major medical schools in medical education and public health research. Her personal healing experience inspired years of research that led to her book, Toxic Superfoods: How Oxalate Overload is Making You Sick-and How to Get Better, which was released in January 2023 from Rodale Press and is available everywhere books are sold.

SallyKNorton.com

https://www.instagram.com/sknorton/

https://www.instagram.com/toxicsuperfoods_oxalate_book/

https://www.facebook.com/BeFreetoThrive

https://www.youtube.com/@sknorton

https://x.com/BetterLowOx

References in The Episode:

• Toxic Superfoods: How Oxalate Overload Is Making You Sick--and How to Get Better by Sally K. Norton MPH
• Data Companion to Toxic Superfoods by Sally K. Norton
• SafeTechNC.org
• The Plant Paradox: The Hidden Dangers in "Healthy" Foods That Cause Disease and Weight Gain by Steven R. Gundry MD
• The VP Foundation

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 224 of Autism Parenting Secrets.

This week, the topic of food is once again taking center stage.

Our guest is Dr. Novlet Davis, an internal medicine physician, and a dedicated mom. Her son was diagnosed with moderate to severe autism at age 3 and is now 12 and thriving.

Dr. Davis has an inspiring story to share, along with a unique perspective as both a mother and a functional medicine doctor.

The secret this week is...

Clean Up The DIET FIRST

You'll Discover:

• A Common Mistake Parents Make (5:05)
• Some Early Warning Signs (12:37)
• The One Thing To Focus On Most (16:24)
• A Great Research Tool (23:32)
• Power Move #1 To Upgrading Nutrition (32:21)
• Power Move #2 To Upgrading Nutrition (33:10)
• Power Move #3 To Upgrading Nutrition (36:23)

About Our Guest:

Dr. Novlet Jarrett Davis is a physician trained and board-certified in internal medicine. She started a weight loss clinic and helped many patients accomplish their goals. She practiced outpatient primary care medicine for two years after medical school and loved it. She became interested in preventive medicine, which involves helping patients with chronic diseases improve their quality of life through diet and lifestyle changes. She exercised at a local park two nights a week with her patients and educated them with regular classes on nutrition, diet, and healthy lifestyle changes. She then transitioned to hospital medicine, where she took care of very sick patients for 15 years. She has worked in hospitals in North Carolina and Kentucky. Part of her role as a Hospitalist involves teaching and training interns, residents, and medical students. In 2015. her son was diagnosed with severe autism, and it was during that time that she started to explore functional medicine to a greater extent. Functional medicine focuses on treating the root cause of a problem more so than the symptoms. It was using this method that she was able to help her son recover. When not working, she enjoys relaxing at home with her family. She also enjoys reading the bible and doing activities such as running and walking.

www.raleighholistichealthcare.com

References in The Episode:

• Autism Parenting Secrets: Episode 143 - Ensure Your Doctor Meets Your CHILD’S Needs with Honey Rinicella
• Autism Parenting Secrets: Episode 149 - Say NO To PEG with Mike Koehler

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 223 of Autism Parenting Secrets.

This week, we’re focusing on the powerful role Dads can play in the journey to support a child on the spectrum.

More often than not, Moms are center-stage, and Dads might be uncertain about their role.

My guest today is Harry Psaros, and he has a lot to say about this topic.

So much so that he wrote a book, From Struggle to Strength: A Father’s Journey with Autism and the Power of Hope and Positivity.

The secret this week is ...

DADS Can Be The CATALYST For Change

You'll Discover:

• What Many Dads Struggle With (5:32)
• The Key To Helping Your Child (6:03)
• The Power Of Partnership (12:32)
• One Modality That Helped Harry’s Son (17:07)
• A Strong Call To Action (22:21)
• A Powerful Approach A Dad Can Take (27:35)
• The 2% Rule For Working With Your Child (30:16)
• An Important Mindset Shift To Make (41:53)

About Our Guest:

A devoted family man, Harry Psaros has been happily married to his wife Michelle for 24 years and is a proud father of two sons, Costa “Gus” and Maximos “Max.” Originally from the steel town of Weirton, WV, Psaros has called McDonald, PA, home for the past two decades. With a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh, as well as minors in physics and philosophy, Psaros has a strong educational foundation. Further expanding his expertise, he obtained a certification as a health coach from the Institute of Integrated Nutrition. Professionally, Psaros serves as an Executive Neuroscience Account Specialist for AbbVie. Known affectionately by fans as the “Pitt Guru,” he is a top social media influencer for University of Pittsburgh athletics and the senior writer for Pittsburgh Sports Now. Harry is on the Board of Directors for the Autism Caring Center, President of North Fayette Township’s Parks and Recreation Board, Vice President of All Saints Greek Orthodox Church in Weirton, WV, and one of the founders of North Fayette P.A.L.S. (an organization for special needs children). Harry is an avid reader, enjoys strength training, running, and martial arts, and lives to serve others. He has a saying, “If you are breathing air, you should be helping others.”

References in The Episode:

• From Struggle to Strength: A Father's Journey with Autism and the Power of Hope and Positivity by Harry Psaros
• www.harrypsaros.com

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 222 of Autism Parenting Secrets.

This week’s guest is Helen Christoni, Senior Vice President of Business Development at Ideal Living.

Ideal Living is dedicated to ensuring everyone has access to pure water, clean air, and a strong foundation for wellness.

On this podcast, we often emphasize the importance of building that strong foundation to help your child thrive. It starts with the essentials: food, water, and air.

Today, we’re zeroing in on WATER. We all know it’s essential, but many of us have been misled into thinking that the water from our faucet or from a bottle is safe and healthy.

In this episode, we’ll challenge that belief and reveal why you should reconsider what you’re drinking.

The secret this week is...

DON’T Drink Tap Water

You'll Discover:

• Why Taking Water Seriously Matters So Much (2:59)
• A False Belief To Let Go Of (8:24)
• The Specific Toxins Lurking In Tap Water (10:22)
• A Big Mistake To Avoid (15:30)
• How Reverse Osmosis Works (21:11)
• Two Toxins You MUST Avoid (23:01)
• The Issues With Bottled Water & Water Filling Stations (28:54)

About Our Guest:

Helen Christoni is a passionate Health & Wellness executive with over 20 years of experience across a wide range of businesses in this category. Helen thrives on connecting people with great products through meaningful partnerships. With her uniquely diverse background and dedication to healthy living, Helen has an integral role as Vice President of Business Development & Partnerships at Ideal Living, the makers of AquaTru, AirDoctor and AromaTru. At Ideal Living, we believe in Wellness Tech with a mission and that everyone has the right to pure air and clean water. Helen oversees both education and partnerships at Ideal Living and strives to help people around the world learn about the importance of having purified water in their homes.

aquatruwater.com

References in The Episode:

• For All AquaTru Models - Carafe, Classic, and Under-The-Sink
• EWG Tap Water Database

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 221 of Autism Parenting Secrets.

This week on Autism Parenting Secrets, we’re diving into a challenge every parent faces burnout.

We know crashing and burning isn't the answer, but so few of us take action to care for ourselves.

Our guest today reveals a hidden cause of burnout that you might not know.

Dr. Tricia Pingel, known as the Adrenal Whisperer, is a leading naturopathic physician specializing in stress and cortisol management.

She has helped countless women shift from feeling wired and tired to calm and connected, and she’s also a bestselling author and a pioneer in holistic wellness.

The secret this week is...

Stress is OPTIONAL, Fix Your ADRENALS

You'll Discover:

• The Power of Being In The Moment (3:48)
• The 3 Stages of ADRENAL FATIGUE (12:20)
• Something Your Body Was NOT Built For (15:20)
• The Case For More Grace For Yourself (21:44)
• A Fresh Way To Look At Your Child’s Behaviors (30:02)
• The 4 Ways To Avoid Adrenal Fatigue (32:27)
• The Key Action That Triggers Positive Change (37:57)
• The Keys To Better Decisions (47:56)
• Why It’s Not Just Stress (51:51)

About Our Guest:

Dr. Pingel, the Adrenal Whisperer, is a leading naturopathic physician who specializes in stress & cortisol management. She has transformed & empowered countless women, guiding them from feeling wired and tired to a state of calm and connection. She has been featured on major TV shows and in publications like Mind Body Green and Prevention Magazine. Dr. Pingel is a bestselling author, a hip-hop dancer, a retired fashion model, and a visionary CEO shaping the future of holistic wellness.

www.drpingel.com

www.facebook.com/DrTriciaPingel

www.instagram.com/drpingel

www.youtube.com/c/DrTriciaPingelNMD/

References in The Episode:

• Dr. Pingel’s Lab List

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.