Welcome to Episode 295 of Autism Parenting Secrets.

This week, we shine a light on one of the most misunderstood and often controversial therapies in the autism world: medical cannabis.

My guest is Dr. David Berger, known to many simply as Dr. David.

He’s a board-certified pediatrician with over 25 years of clinical experience.

He’s the founder of Wholistic Pediatrics & Family Care in Tampa, Florida, where he helps children and adults address root causes behind challenges like autism, ADHD, and immune dysfunction.

He’s also the founder of Wholistic ReLeaf, Florida’s first pediatric medical cannabis clinic, where he’s guided countless families in using cannabis-based therapies safely, responsibly, and with clear medical oversight.

Dr. David brings both compassion and clarity to this conversation, helping parents understand how cannabis can support calm, focus, and balance when used appropriately as part of a broader, integrative approach.

We dive into the science, the misconceptions, and the real-world application of using cannabis as medicine, along with what every parent should understand before considering this option.

The secret this week is…

Cannabis Is Medicine - If You Know How To Use It

You'll Discover:

• How A Personal Family Experience With CBD Sparked Dr. Berger’s Clinical Use Of Cannabis (2:12)
• What Every Parent Should Understand About The Endocannabinoid System And Why It Matters (9:00)
• How Different Cannabinoids (CBD, CBG, CBN, THC) Serve Very Different Therapeutic Purposes (11:42)
• The Research Showing Endocannabinoid Deficiency In Children With Autism (14:39)
• Why Many Children Respond Quickly And How To Introduce Cannabis Safely And Responsibly (18:58)

About Our Guest:

Dr. David Berger is a board-certified pediatrician with over 25 years of clinical experience and a national reputation for his integrative approach to family and pediatric care. He is the founder of Wholistic Pediatrics & Family Care and Wholistic ReLeaf, Florida’s first pediatric medical cannabis clinic. His practice specializes in autism, ADHD, allergies, immune dysfunction, and chronic complex conditions, combining nutritional, lifestyle, and biomedical therapies to address root causes. A leading voice in the responsible use of medical cannabis for children, Dr. Berger is one of only a few pediatricians in Florida qualified to certify patients under the age of 18. He has also advised the FDA on vaccine safety and launched DrDavidMD, a media and education platform focused on health, education, and medical choice.

wholisticfamilycare.com

drdavidmd.com

References In This Episode:

• Dr. David’s YouTube Channel
• P2I Health

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 294 of Autism Parenting Secrets.

This week’s episode is about one of the most overlooked but absolutely critical truths for parents.

The reality is this: no two children are exactly alike.

And when it comes to helping your child thrive, the key lies in understanding and honoring their unique differences.

Joining me is Dr. Erica Peirson, a Naturopathic Physician who has spent the last 17 years helping children with neurodevelopmental and genetic conditions reach their full potential.

Inspired by her own son’s journey with mosaic Down syndrome, Dr. Peirson brings both clinical expertise and personal experience. She’s lectured nationally and internationally, and through her telemedicine practice, she serves families from all over the world.

The secret this week is…

HARNESS Biochemical Individuality

You'll Discover:

• The Key Difference Between Genetics And Functional Genomics (8:10)
• How Food And Environment Shape Behavior More Than Most Parents Realize (12:30)
• Why Testing Changes Everything For Decision-Making (16:30)
• The (Arguably) Most Important First Move Parents Can Make (23:45)
• A Powerful Therapy Many Families Overlook Or Dismiss (30:50)
• How To Build A Plan That Fits Your Child (38:15)

About Our Guest:

Dr. Erica Peirson is a Naturopathic Physician who has been practicing for 17 years. Her passion for helping children with neurodevelopmental and genetic conditions was inspired by her son, who has mosaic Down syndrome. She has lectured nationally and internationally on optimizing children’s health and sees patients worldwide through her telemedicine practice.
www.peirsoncenter.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.

Parents Need ACCESS to the Right Doctors

Welcome to Episode 293 of Autism Parenting Secrets.

If you’re raising a child with complex medical or neurological challenges, you’ve likely discovered that not all doctors are equipped to help - especially when symptoms don’t fit neatly into one diagnosis.

This week, we talk about why that gap exists and what’s starting to change.

My guest, Honey Rinicella, is the Executive Director of the Medical Academy of Pediatrics and Special Needs, also known as MAPS.

MAPS is the leading organization training physicians to care for children with complex conditions - including autism, PANS/PANDAS, epilepsy, immune dysregulation, allergies, and more - by addressing root causes rather than isolated symptoms.

Under Honey’s leadership, MAPS is also opening the door for parents to hear directly from these practitioners, recognizing that parent understanding, clarity, and leadership are essential for progress.

In this conversation, we explore what makes MAPS doctors different, why community and in-person connection matter so much for families, and why parents need more than just additional information.

The secret this week is…

Parents Need ACCESS to the Right Doctors

You'll Discover:

• Why Most Doctors Aren’t Trained For Complex Kids (2:10)
• How MAPS Doctors Think Differently About Complex Kids (6:45)
• Why MAPS Is Rapidly Attracting More Physicians (12:30)
• How In-Person Community Changes Parents And Outcomes (21:40)
• Why Parents Play A Bigger Role Than They Realize (29:10)

About Our Guest:

Honey Rinicella is the Executive Director of the Medical Academy of Pediatrics and Special Needs (MAPS), the nation’s leading organization training physicians to care for children with complex medical needs using integrative and functional approaches. Under her leadership, MAPS has expanded its educational programming and strengthened collaboration among practitioners, researchers, and advocacy leaders nationwide. Honey’s work is deeply personal. As the mother of twins with complex medical needs, her advocacy began at home and grew into a lifelong commitment to ensuring families have access to compassionate care, reliable information, and a supportive community.

References In This Episode:

• Medical Academy of Pediatrics and Special Needs (MAPS)
• MAPS Fellowship Program
• MAPS Spring Conference for Practitioners (Charlotte, NC) - Practitioners use code APS2026 for a discount
• MAPS Spring Conference - Parent Day (Charlotte, NC) - Parents use code ALLIN10 for a discount)

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 292 of Autism Parenting Secrets.

If you’re raising a child with complex challenges, you’ve probably tried supplements, therapies, and protocols—sometimes with limited or inconsistent results.

This week, we explore a very different approach: sound frequency.

My guest, Linda Bamber-Olsen, is the founder of WAVwatch, a wearable sound-frequency device designed to gently support the body through acoustic frequencies.

Linda’s journey into sound-based healing is deeply personal.

Born deaf in one ear, she became fascinated by how the body responds to sound even when it isn’t consciously heard.

That curiosity led her into the science of frequency, resonance, and how sound can support regulation without force.

In this episode, we talk about how sound moves through the body, why it behaves differently than chemical interventions, and how parents can think about using frequency-based tools wisely and gently—especially with sensitive kids.

The secret this week is…

SOUND Frequency Supports Healing

You'll Discover:

• Why Sound Is The First Sense We Develop — And One We Rarely Leverage Intentionally (2:26)
• How Sound Frequencies Move Through The Body Faster Than Chemical Interventions (8:45)
• Why You Don’t Need To Hear Sound For It To Influence The Body (4:20)
• How Nerves May Respond To Sound Pulses Rather Than Electrical Signals (25:15)
• Why Gentle Inputs Often Create Faster, More Sustainable Change (32:10)

About Our Guest:

Linda Bamber-Olsen is the Founder and CEO of WAVwatch, a wearable sound-frequency wellness device designed to support the body through acoustic frequencies. Born deaf in one ear, Linda’s personal journey shaped her passion for creating a tool that works even when sound is not consciously heard. WAVwatch is used by families and practitioners seeking gentle support for nervous system regulation, detoxification, pain, and emotional balance.

Website: https://wavwatch.com

References In This Episode:

• Purchase a WAVwatch, use code APS for 15% off
• Wholetones ancient frequencies
• Bach Flower Remedies

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 291 of Autism Parenting Secrets.

You already know the critical role the gut plays in your child’s overall well-being.

But this week, we’re going to take it to a deeper level—into the science, the data, and the real-world results of microbiome balancing.

My guest, Alex Zaharakis, is a radiation oncology physicist turned microbiome researcher who’s developed a groundbreaking, data-backed approach to restoring gut health.

His system has already helped hundreds of families identify and correct microbial imbalances that drive inflammation, behavior issues, and dysregulation.

You’ll learn what’s really happening in the gut, how to interpret the data, and how personalized, targeted interventions can unlock major shifts in your child’s health and behavior.

The secret this week is…

REBALANCE The MICROBIOME

You'll Discover:

• Why The Gut Is The Most Overlooked Foundation Of Healing (5:00)
• What The 16S Stool Test Reveals That Other Tests Miss (13:00)
• Why Killing Pathogens Alone Backfires Over Time (20:30)
• How Rebalancing Microbes Reduces Inflammation And Dysregulation (28:30)
• What Real Progress Can Look Like At Any Age (36:30)

About Our Guest:

Alex Zaharakis is a radiation oncology physicist and microbiome researcher whose work focuses on restoring gut health through data-driven insights. His 16S-based microbiome analysis platform helps families identify root imbalances and implement practical, personalized interventions that lead to measurable improvements. Learn more at autismisbiomedical.com.

References In This Episode:

• Autism Is Biomedical – autismisbiomedical.com
• Researched Elements - Nutraceutical & Research Company
• Autism Parenting Secrets Episode 271 – Autism Is Biomedical with Dr. Christian Bogner
• Keith Bell - Gut Health Researcher

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.

Self-Care Is PRIMARY Care

Welcome to Episode 290 of Autism Parenting Secrets.

If you’ve been listening for a while, you already know this truth: how you show up as a parent has a huge impact on your child’s progress.

This week, we go deeper—because when your child struggles, it’s easy to focus on fixing what’s outside of you.

But the real key often starts within, with your own calm and self-care.

My guest, Dr. Lawrence Rosen, is an integrative pediatrician, author, and founder of the Whole Child Center.

His wisdom and compassion made a lasting difference in my family’s journey with our son, Ry, and he’s helped countless parents take a more holistic, heart-centered approach to care.

The secret this week is…

Self-Care Is PRIMARY Care

You'll Discover:

• Why Parents Lose Themselves While Trying To Do Everything Right (2:03)
• How Guilt Quietly Pushes Self-Care Off The Table (4:19)
• Why Isolation Feels Protective—but Often Slows Healing (17:53)
• How To Make Sense Of Conventional, Integrative, And Functional Pediatric Care (22:51)
• A Simple Five-Minute Practice To Support Your Own Well-Being (31:55)

About Our Guest:

Lawrence Rosen, MD, is an integrative pediatrician and founder of the Whole Child Center. He is the co-author of Treatment Alternatives for Children, an evidence-informed guide for parents interested in natural solutions for common childhood ailments. Dr. Rosen serves as Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Assistant Director of the Human Dimension Course at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine. A founding member and former Chair of the AAP Section on Integrative Medicine, he received the AAP’s Pioneer in Integrative Medicine Award in 2015. He is a certified yoga teacher, teaches mindfulness to medical students, and serves as Senior Advisor and Chair of the Health Advisory Board for WholeHealthED, a nonprofit bringing whole-health learning to U.S. schools.

🔗 https://wholechildcenter.org

References In This Episode:

• Treatment Alternatives for Children by Lawrence Rosen, MD and Jeff Cohen
• Our Family at the Whole Child Center (2009) — see us at the 2:22 mark
• Autism Parenting Secrets Episode 21 - The Power Is In The Partnership w/ Dr. Lawrence Rosen

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 289 of Autism Parenting Secrets.

In this conversation, Len sits down with Dr. Anju Usman Singh, Medical Director of True Health Medical Center and a leading faculty member of the Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs (MAPS).

Dr. Singh shares why autism, ADHD, and related challenges are best understood as neuroimmune inflammatory conditions — and how toxins, allergens, and persistent infections keep the immune system stuck in overdrive.

She explains why low-level lead exposure is far more common than most parents realize, why there is no safe level of lead, and how even subtle toxic burden can impair attention, behavior, cognition, and emotional regulation.

This episode brings clarity to how environmental toxins drive inflammation, how inflammation creates neurological “excitation,” and why addressing toxic load is often the missing step that unlocks progress.

The secret this week is…

Toxic Load BLOCKS the Breakthrough

You’ll Discover:

• How Chronic Immune Activation Creates Excitation in the Brain and Behavior (8:36)
• Why Low-Level Lead Exposure Is Far More Common Than Most Parents Realize (9:51)
• Why Standard Lab Testing Misses Hidden Metal Burdens (12:55)
• The Most Surprising Everyday Sources Of Lead and Other Toxins (17:27)
• What Signs Suggest Your Child May Be Carrying A Toxic Burden (25:36)

About Our Guest:

Dr. Anju Usman Singh is a globally respected physician with nearly three decades of experience caring for children with autism, PANS/PANDAS, developmental delays, allergies, and complex neuroimmune conditions. She is widely recognized for her deep clinical expertise in environmental toxicity, chronic infections, immune dysregulation, detoxification, and the biomedical factors that drive inflammation in the brain and body. As a leading faculty member of the Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs (MAPS), Dr. Usman Singh trains and mentors clinicians from around the world, helping advance more thoughtful, root-cause–oriented care for this generation of children. Her work bridges rigorous clinical experience with practical guidance for families navigating complex health challenges.

Learn more:
https://truehealthmedical.com

References In This Episode:

• Medical Academy of Pediatric & Special Needs (MAPS)
• Boyd Haley Research On Synergistic Heavy Metal Toxicity
• Lead Safe Mama
• XRF Rental Company

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 288 of Autism Parenting Secrets.

In this solo episode, Len challenges the idea that progress comes from doing more. Instead, he explains why focus — not effort — is the true bottleneck for most parents raising a child with challenges.

Len breaks focus into four critical areas: how closely you observe your child in the present moment, how clearly you understand the past and key stressors, how accurately you identify root causes, and how consistently you take decisive action.

He shares why many parents work incredibly hard while making little progress — often because they’re reacting to urgency, chasing symptoms, or focusing on the wrong root causes — and how clarity restores momentum.

This episode is about cutting through noise, ending guesswork, and directing your energy toward what actually moves the needle for your child.

The secret this week is…

Start With the Right FOCUS

You'll Discover:

• Why effort without focus keeps parents stuck (2:10)
• How present-moment focus reveals what your child truly needs (4:05)
• Why understanding the past clarifies the right root causes (6:20)
• How decisive action and follow-through unlock momentum (9:10)

References In This Episode:

• The All In Parent ACCELERATOR - Start Today
  
  

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.