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From the Spectrum: Finding Superpowers with Autism: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Ryan Sumner
This is a podcast about autism. I do this because I love it. Everything here comes from the Autism DOJO. Thank you for your retinas.
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- 3 days ago1h 1m
From Sept 2024: Dr. Richard Frye, M.D., Ph.D., on Mitochondria, Autism & the Environment
Originally released in September 2024, this conversation is being re-released as part of a selection of guest interviews from the podcast archive.Video: https://youtu.be/_wsDkv-dkEU?si=uTaUav5v7YfZBsaOIn this episode, I speak with Dr. Richard Frye, MD, PhD, a child neurologist and autism researcher whose work examines the metabolic and physiological systems associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. Dr. Frye received his MD and PhD in Physiology and Biophysics from Georgetown University and has published extensively on autism, mitochondrial function, metabolism, and related areas of medicine.We explore mitochondria far beyond their familiar description as the “powerhouse of the cell,” including their roles in energy production, metabolism, oxidative stress, immune function, and sensing changes in the environment. Dr. Frye explains mitochondrial dysfunction, the citric acid cycle, the electron transport chain, biomarkers of mitochondrial function, and the complex relationship among mitochondria, inflammation, and cellular health. We also discuss autism, environmental influences, light, photobiomodulation, and emerging research.Dr, Richard Frye https://drfryemdphd.comRossingnol Medical Center Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RossignolMedicalCenterNeurobiology of Disease 2024 paper https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0969996124001190?via%3DihubBE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR CHROMA'S NEW LIGHTS!!!Elevate How You Navigate with Len & a free call https://elevatehowyounavigate.comMAYU Water, use "autism" for 10% off at https://mayuwater.comDaylight Computer Company, use "autism" for $50 off at https://buy.daylightcomputer.com/autismDaylight Kids (!!!) https://kids.daylightcomputer.com/autism Chroma Light Devices, use "autism" for 10% discount at https://getchroma.co/?ref=autism0:00 Dr. Richard Frye6:13 Intro into mitochondria & energy production, various disease & dysfunction11:16 Mitochondrial DNA, sensitivity, and the roles with epigenetics16:16 Biomarkers of mitochondrial dysfunction, delicate delivery (space and time) into the electron transport chain20:58 Cytochrome C Oxidase (complex IV); Carnitine, Fat, and Creatine26:57 Molecules connected to aging & cellular respiration, environemental signals implicating mitochondria30:26 Terrible Trio: oxidative stress, mitochondria dysfunction, immune/inflammation, DAMPS & inflammation34:29 Environmental risks for the Embryo, overreactivity of mitochondria (200%) and physiological insults and regression42:50 Tryptophan (aromatic amino acid), NAD, and Gastrointestinal biosynthesis45:52 Light as an environmental change factoring into the Autistic Phenotype, Infant Tree and Adult Tree examples; Vitamin D (skin & brain are connected through Neuroectoderm)54:54 Future Research
- 6 days ago1h 3m
From April 2025: Dr. Reza Shadmehr on the Cerebellum, Prediction & How the Brain Controls Movement
Originally released in April 2025, this conversation is being re-released as part of a selection of guest interviews from the podcast archive.In this episode, I speak with Dr. Reza Shadmehr of Johns Hopkins University about the cerebellum and one of the brain's most fundamental problems: how do we learn to control our movements accurately? With a background spanning electrical engineering, robotics, biomedical engineering, and neuroscience, Dr. Shadmehr has spent his career investigating the computations that allow the brain to learn, predict, and control movement.We discuss internal models, motor learning and memory, prediction, sensory feedback, error correction, Purkinje cells, and how the cerebellum helps distinguish the sensory consequences of our own actions from information coming from the outside world. We also explore reward and effort, eye and tongue movements, research with marmosets, sensory processing, and the possible relevance of cerebellar function beyond movement, including cognition and autism. The conversation reveals the cerebellum as much more than a structure for coordination. It is deeply involved in learning what to expect and using those predictions to make behavior accurate.Shadmehr Lab: http://shadmehrlab.orgPublications: http://shadmehrlab.org/publicationsYT Videos (Very Good !): https://www.youtube.com/@shadmehrlab1352BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR CHROMA'S NEW LIGHTS!!!Elevate How You Navigate with Len & a free call https://elevatehowyounavigate.comMAYU Water, use "autism" for 10% off at https://mayuwater.comDaylight Computer Company, use "autism" for $50 off at https://buy.daylightcomputer.com/autismDaylight Kids (!!!) https://kids.daylightcomputer.com/autism Chroma Light Devices, use "autism" for 10% discount at https://getchroma.co/?ref=autism00:00 Reza Shadmehr02:26 Daylight Computer Company, use "autism" for $25 discount06:45 Chroma Light Devices- Lights Designed for Humans, use "autism" for 10% discount9:54 Reza's journey into Biomedical Engineering & Neuroscience16:26 Understanding the Cerebellum; 3 primary functions22:07 Neuronal Communication & Purkinje Cells; Sensory and Interneurons25:41 Cerebellum, eyes, and Autistic phenotype; Mesencephalon & other connections28:13 Excitation/Inhibition (E/I) balance; Video examples & Movement deficiencies29:29 Layers of the Cerebellum34:08 E/I & Brain function36:30 Learning & Memory in the Cerebellum39:54 Dysfunction & Brain Compensation41:57 Basal Ganglia and Cerebellum43:48 Internal Calculators & Prediction49:42 Reward & Movement & Accuracy52:52 Movement control; Eye movements55:56 Purkinje Cells & Tongue movements; deceleration59:47 Understanding Language of the Cerebellum1:01:58 Future of Cerebellar Technology
- 1 weeks ago1h 14m
From Oct 2024: Nicole Rincon, PA-C on Autism, Regression & the Biology Beyond Behavior
Originally released in October 2024, this conversation is being re-released as part of a selection of guest interviews from the podcast archive.In this episode, I speak with Nicole Rincon, PA-C, a board-certified physician assistant at Rossignol Medical Center whose work focuses on pediatric special needs, integrative medicine, and functional medicine. Nicole brings both a clinical and deeply personal perspective to the conversation as the mother of children who experienced developmental regression and were diagnosed with autism.We discuss autism and regression through a biological and functional medicine lens, including mitochondria, metabolism, gastrointestinal health, inflammation, nutrition, environmental factors, and the potential role of medical comorbidities. Nicole also shares her family's experience and how it ultimately led her from nutritional and wellness medicine into working with autistic children and their families. Throughout the conversation, we explore both established research and emerging or debated areas of investigation in an effort to better understand the biology that may accompany autism beyond its behavioral presentation.Nicole Rincon https://www.nicolerincon.com/nicole-rinconRossignol Medical Center https://rossignolmedicalcenter.com/doctors/nicole-rincon/TACA Info: https://tacanow.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/F-H-2-Nicole-Rincon-Beginning-Biomed.pdfTACA Talks: https://www.nicolerincon.com/videosPublications https://rossignolmedicalcenter.com/articles-publications/#published-2024-2-articlesBE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR CHROMA'S NEW LIGHTS!!!Elevate How You Navigate with Len & a free call https://elevatehowyounavigate.comMAYU Water, use "autism" for 10% off at https://mayuwater.comDaylight Computer Company, use "autism" for $50 off at https://buy.daylightcomputer.com/autismDaylight Kids (!!!) https://kids.daylightcomputer.com/autism Chroma Light Devices, use "autism" for 10% discount at https://getchroma.co/?ref=autism00:00 Nicole Rincon02:07 From Mother & Clinician to Autism Medicine12:30 Autism Regression; Omegas, Mitochondria & Environmental Factors21:56 Functional Medicine & Rossignol Medical Center25:07 Folate, Folate Receptor Antibodies & Methylation30:36 Mito Dysfunction & Autism Comorbidities42:22 Challenges with the Medical Paradigm; Maternal Health 48:34 Looking Beyond Vaccines; Environment, Light & Human Biology53:26 The Functional Medicine Evaluation; Looking Upstream1:02:00 A Multifactorial Approach to Autism & the Future of Medicine
- 1 weeks ago54 min
From Oct 2024: J.D. Barker on How Autism Shapes Creativity, Imagination & Storytelling
Originally released in October 2024, this conversation is being re-released as part of a selection of guest interviews from the podcast archive.For today’s episode, New York Times and international bestselling author J.D. Barker joins me to discuss autism, creativity, imagination, and the way he experiences the world. Barker is the author of The Fourth Monkey and Forsaken, has collaborated with James Patterson, and was approached by Bram Stoker’s family to coauthor Dracul using previously unpublished material from Stoker.Barker shares how autism influences the way he recognizes patterns, constructs stories, visualizes characters, manages multiple projects, and navigates the social world. We discuss masking, intense interests, autistic burnout, and what can happen when autistic traits are understood and cultivated rather than simply treated as deficits. His story offers a fascinating look at the relationship between autism, creativity, structure, and a remarkably successful writing career.
- 2 weeks ago1h 1m
From Dec 2024: Hannah Stevens, M.D., Ph.D., on Autism, the Placenta & the Developing Brain
Originally released in December 2024, this conversation is being re-released as part of a selection of guest interviews from the podcast archive.For today’s episode, Dr. Hanna Stevens joins me to discuss prenatal brain development and the complex relationship between the placenta, maternal environment, genetics, and the developing brain. Dr. Stevens received her MD and PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Illinois and leads the Psychiatry and Early Neurobiological Development Lab at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, where she is a Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry and holder of the Ida P. Haller Chair.We discuss the placenta, prenatal stress, serotonin, cortisol, immune function, genetics, and autism, exploring how events before birth may influence brain development and later behavior. This conversation offers a fascinating look inside the womb and at an increasingly important question: when and how do differences in neurodevelopment begin?Dr. Hanna Stevens https://medicine.uiowa.edu/psychiatry/profile/hanna-stevensIowa Healthcare https://uihc.org/childrens/providers/hanna-e-stevensPsychiatry and Early Neurobiological Development Lab (PENDL) https://stevens.lab.uiowa.eduPublications https://stevens.lab.uiowa.edu/publicationsBE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR CHROMA'S NEW LIGHTS!!!Elevate How You Navigate with Len & a free call https://elevatehowyounavigate.comMAYU Water, use "autism" for 10% off at https://mayuwater.comDaylight Computer Company, use "autism" for $50 off at https://buy.daylightcomputer.com/autismDaylight Kids (!!!) https://kids.daylightcomputer.com/autism Chroma Light Devices, use "autism" for 10% discount at https://getchroma.co/?ref=autism0:00 Dr. Hanna Stevens2:00 Journey into Neuroscience and Psychiatry8:13 Prenatal Development of Autism14:02 The significance of NF-kB in Brain Development23:10 Serotonin; Leukocytes as a window into our Biology; Cortisol29:02 Steroid Hormones and Stress & Development34:12 Methylation40:00 Cell Proliferation & Migration in Fetal Development; Antioxidants45:56 Oxidative Stress; Mitochondria; Antioxidants48:30 Quantum Biology/Physics** Me shaking my head at minute 48:50 is not intended at Dr. Stevens, but at myself because I tell myself not to keep going to the electrons and light for a Cause of Autism to guests53:19 Future Research & Dorsal Striatum; Volume; Brain Development
- 3 weeks ago1h 7m
from Nov 2024: Eric Weis, M.D., on Umbilical Cord Stem Cells & Regenerative Medicine for Autism
For today's episode, Dr. Eric Weiss, MD, explains an exciting medical approach for Autism. Dr. Weiss, who holds board certification in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, is a notable figure in regenerative medicine. Dr. Weiss is a Veteran of the U.S. Navy. Dr. Weiss attended Duke University Medical School for his medical degree, completed his General Surgery Residency at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), and did his Plastic Surgery Residency at the University of Miami. He has a special interest in using regenerative therapies to address autism.Dr. Eric Weiss recounts his journey into innovative medical practices, moving away from conventional pharmaceutical treatments. As a father to Marston, his dedication to exploring treatments for autism stems from personal experience. Throughout his story, his enthusiasm for natural healing methods is evident. By the end of this episode, listeners should gain insight into a thoroughly researched medical intervention that's gaining traction in the autism community.Dr. Eric Weiss, MD: https://northfloridastemcells.comEducating Marston: https://www.educatingmarston.comDisclaimer: This is not Medical Advice.BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR CHROMA'S NEW LIGHTS!!!Elevate How You Navigate with Len & a free call https://elevatehowyounavigate.comMAYU Water, use "autism" for 10% off at https://mayuwater.comDaylight Computer Company, use "autism" for $50 off at https://buy.daylightcomputer.com/autismDaylight Kids (!!!) https://kids.daylightcomputer.com/autism Chroma Light Devices, use "autism" for 10% discount at https://getchroma.co/?ref=autism0:00 Dr. Eric Weiss, MD1:55 Dr. Weiss's Medical Journey5:01 Intersection of Autism and Stem Cell Research12:09 Personal Experience as a Parent with Autism15:58 Understanding Umbilical Cord Blood Treatment22:39 The Process of Umbilical Cord Blood Donation25:55 The Science behind Stem Cell Healing32:31 Future of Regenerative Medicine34:24 Natural Healing and Lifestyle, Not Big Pharma36:56 Mitochondrial Function & Energy Production39:09 The Impact of Light on Health41:07 Understanding Inflammation & Modern Disease44:30 Stem Cell Therapy: Mechanisms & Effects48:41 The Future of Medicine: Beyond Pharmaceuticals54:14 Professional Transition into Stem Cell and Regenerative Therapy58:05 Exploring Cytokines & Interleukins; Patterns of Disease; Dr. Weiss's Contact Info
- 3 weeks ago1h 17m
From Aug 2025: Narosha Murugan, Ph.D. & the Physics of Living Systems & Quantum Biology
My guest today is Dr. Nirosha Murugan, a Tier II Canada Research Chair in Biophysics and Assistant Professor at Wilfrid Laurier University. Dr. Murugan explores how physics shapes biological processes, including pioneering research into biophotons, the ultraweak photon emissions produced by living systems.We discuss biophotons, mitochondria, cellular communication, regeneration, neurodevelopment, and the emerging field of quantum biology, including what these ideas might mean for autism and the future of medicine. The conversation explores what we know, what remains speculative, and what the physical foundations of life might reveal about how living systems communicate, develop, and change.The Murugan Lab https://themuruganlab.comPublications https://themuruganlab.com/publications/BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR CHROMA'S NEW LIGHTS!!!Elevate How You Navigate with Len & a free call https://elevatehowyounavigate.comMAYU Water, use "autism" for 10% off at https://mayuwater.comDaylight Computer Company, use "autism" for $50 off at https://buy.daylightcomputer.com/autismDaylight Kids (!!!) https://kids.daylightcomputer.com/autism Chroma Light Devices, use "autism" for 10% discount at https://getchroma.co/?ref=autism0:00 Dr. Nirosha Murugan2:16 ads9:45 Path into Quantum Biology & Biophysics role on organisms; Bioelectricity13:13 Opsins versus Chromophores; Proteins; Photoreceptors & Light17:37 The Body Glows & Emits Light; Photomultipliers & Measuring Biophotons20:37 The Role of Light & Development21:04 Seed Germination & Human Development (neurodevelopment) Analogy23:54 Environmental Light & Impact on Health25:34 Mother's of the original Autistic kids from Leo Kanner26:46 Light type exposure & Autism29:50 Mitochondria, Light, & Energy31:28 Neurocognitive (Dementias) rates & Aging; Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), Electrons35:35 Microtubules & Cell Function; Reverse Engineer Oxidative Phosphorylation- ATPase, Electron Transport Chain & TCA Cycle37:14 Cytochrome C Oxidase, Water, Energy, Four Red Light Chromophores- Heme a, a3, CuA, & CuB, vitamin D receptors42:11 Tryptophan, Tublin, Microtubules46:49 The Role of Water & Energy in Cells48:59 Nature's Impact on Health; Get Outside (!), Oxygen51:46 Midbrain (mesencephalon), Dopamine, Norepinephrine; Serotonin and Raphe53:36 Serotonin & Development (remember the sensory map !)55:11 Biophotons & Seasonal changes; Depression, Pale Autistics58:02 Cancer & Biophoton Signals59:50 Human connection, Biophotons & Quantum Coherence, Energy, & Molecular Signals01:01:53 Psychedelics, Depression, Anxiety, Consciousness01:05:20 Mitochondria, Memory & Information: What is Information?01:09:54 Intersection of Light & Information01:12:27 Future Direction in Quantum Biology and Medicine; Silos01:13:36 Ryan's journey into Quantum Biology & Practices, Reversing Autoimmune Diseases
- 4 weeks ago51 min
From June 2024: Catherine Lord, PhD, on Early ABA, Autism Assessment, & the Problem with “Spectrum”
In this episode, we discuss Autism with Dr. Catherine Lord. Dr. Lord is a Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry and Education at UCLA and one of the foremost researchers in Autism. Dr. Lord provides tremendous insights into her roles in Autism and Autism Assessment.Dr. Lord discusses her journey into Autism, the evolution of the Assessment including the ADOS growing from her basement & being overran by demand to the Gold Standard, the Challenges with understanding the Spectrum, updates on the Lancet Commission and Profound Autism, and Barriers in the Medical & Educational Systems.https://www.semel.ucla.edu/autism/team/catherine-lord-phdhttps://childmind.org/bio/catherine-lord-phd/https://labs.dgsom.ucla.edu/lord/pages/our_teamAutism and Education https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-the-spectrum-finding-superpowers-with-autism/id1737499562?i=1000656055638The mention of a recent article on Predicting Profound Autism and Cell Biology and me shying away from saying "Organoids" in real-time https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11127428/BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR CHROMA'S NEW LIGHTS!!!Elevate How You Navigate with Len & a free call https://elevatehowyounavigate.comMAYU Water, use "autism" for 10% off at https://mayuwater.comDaylight Computer Company, use "autism" for $50 off at https://buy.daylightcomputer.com/autismDaylight Kids (!!!) https://kids.daylightcomputer.com/autism Chroma Light Devices, use "autism" for 10% discount at https://getchroma.co/?ref=autism Intro Dr. Lord's journey into Autism and Recognizing a Spectrum The Evolution of Autism Assessment from making the ADOS in her Basement and being Overran by Demand to the Gold Standard; Revisions of Assessment Instruments Gaps in the Autism Assessment The Challenges with Understanding the Spectrum of Autism Updates on the Lancet Commission and Profound Autism Barriers with Autism and the Medical Field Barriers with Autism and Education- Four Strikes against the Autistic Phenotype: Sensory-Processing, Speech and Language, Social Communication/Interaction, & Subject Switching (understand B3: Fixated Interests) Helping Autistics Across the Life SpanX: https://x.com/rps47586YT: https://www.youtube.com/@FromTheSpectrumemail: info.fromthespectrum@gmail.com
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About From the Spectrum: Finding Superpowers with Autism
This is a podcast about autism. I do this because I love it. Everything here comes from the Autism DOJO. Thank you for your retinas.
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