Autism Parenting Secrets

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?
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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?
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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.