SHOW NOTES

Dr. Richard G. Boles is a medical geneticist and pediatrician who specializes in mitochondrial medicine, functional disease, and autism spectrum disorders.

His expertise stems from decades of both clinical work and research at a major academic center as well as from his most recent experience in cutting-edge biotechnology and genomics. He uses an innovative and integrative approach in both diagnosis and treatment to best serve his patients.

Dr. Boles leads the NeuroGenomics program at NeurAbilities.

Neurogenomics can help to unravel the biological causes and contributions for many diseases and disorders, as well as provide important information for changing clinical management.

Dr. Boles recently shared his expertise at the Akhil Autism Foundation Ascend Annual Summit, in a presentation called Genetic Testing in Autism Results in a Precise Diagnosis and Individualized Treatment Options in Most Cases. You can find the link to that presentation in the show notes and view Dr. Boles’ entire presentation there. Today he breaks it down into more of a Q&A discussion.

Summary

Brett and Richard discussed the evolution of genetics, its impact on medical diagnosis and treatment, and the complex interplay between genetics and the environment in the development of conditions such as autism, diabetes, and asthma. They also explored the potential of using specific pathways to address neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and the benefits of a supplement to aid brain recovery. The conversation ended with a discussion on the importance of omega-3 fatty acids and potential side effects of a supplement aimed at improving mental function.

LINKS

Dr. Richard Boles’ Presentation for Akhil Autism Foundation (2024)

https://youtu.be/WmGL4RxZmRs?si=8vx1TaJiBx6LSkqt

NeuroNeeds - https://www.neuroneeds.com/

Contact Dr. Boles - drboles@molecularmito.com

INTRO

It has been said that “necessity is the mother of invention”.

In this case, necessity turned out to be the mother of “intervention”. When her son developed seizure-like tics after getting a strep throat, and getting bit by a lyme-positive tick, leading to a viral infection, with fierce determination, Dr. Nancy O’Hara poured everything she had into research and methods for dealing with his condition. As a result of his recovery, and of her findings in this field, she has developed a passion for Lyme Co-infections as well as for PANS/PANDAS and other neurodevelopmental disorders.

She is a board-certified pediatrician and a strong advocate of the basics - eating, sleeping, movement, breathing, etc., offering worlds of hope for parents of children with these debilitating disorders.

Dr. O’Hara is a leading trainer and mentor of clinicians in the US and globally, educating medical professionals to recognize, diagnose and treat PANS, PANDAS and BGE.

Before she began her medical career, Dr. O’Hara taught children with autism. From 1993 to 1998 she was a practicing general pediatrician and partner in a group practice. In 1999, she began her consultative, integrative practice for children with special needs, dedicating her practice to treating children with neurodevelopmental disorders, ADHD, PANS/PANDAS and BGE, OCD, Lyme, and Autism Spectrum Disorder.

You will be hard-pressed to find anyone with more passion, wisdom and experience on today’s subject. We enjoyed a very positive and upbeat conversation, which I’m sure you will find refreshingly hopeful and fascinating.

Glad to have you here today. Come on in.

RESOURCES/LINKS

Dr. Nancy O'Hara - https://www.drohara.com/

Supplements - OHMc – Options for Healing Modality and Care: oharamccabe.com
Password: OHMcvip

Dr. O'Hara's Book: Demystifying PANS/PANDAS by Dr. Nancy O’Hara

Show Notes:

Kim Barthel is a world-renowned therapist and teacher on the topics of developing self-awareness, compassion and healthy relationships. As an occupational therapist, she blends intuitive inquiry with neuroscience to solve unique mental health mysteries.

She is a gifted and compassionate soul, with a passion for studying and supporting the conscious evolution of the human spirit. Her empathy and deep awareness are palpable and inspiring as she shares her deep appreciation for, and understanding of the humanity of mental health issues.

We are so blessed today to have Kim Barthel here with us today on the Akhil Autism Foundation Podcast. You are in for a real treat.

· How did you become a world-renowned therapist and teacher? (2:50)

· It has been said that you “are a genuine bridge between disciplines, across cultures, and most importantly, in the interior landscape.” What is meant by the interior landscape?

· Neurodevelopmental Treatment (9:45)

· Connection to one’s body is where self-regulation happens. (11:43)

· Having the ability to feel others, comes from the ability to feel oneself. (13:07)

· How do you become mindful and aware? (16:28)

· Memories of movements are connected to context. (18:09)

· How does storytelling help in therapy? (34:12)

Emotion lives in story. Neurobiologically, it taps into a different part of memory. (Hippocampus). Story also lives in the non-verbal. There’s story in how we communicate through touch.

· The disconnect between desire and the ability to physically do it for people on the spectrum. (40:25)

· What can parents and caregivers do to help? (41:00)

“Spokes on the Wheel” (Wholistic Clinical Reasoning) The function is in the center. The spokes are the things that are in the way.

4 Spokes

1. Validation. Understanding.
2. Sensory (Touch -Sensory processing) Proprioception. Deep pressure touch. Movement experienced.
3. Anxiety. Anxiety is a barrier to function (of any kind).
4. Co-regulation through relationship (Sound therapy is a tool that can support anxiety) There are multiple paths to one function. It’s not just one thing.

· Sound Therapy – Different frequencies are processed by different parts of the brain. (45:28)

· Monotropism (48:48)

· The Polyvagal Theory (49:46)

· The Social Engagement Pathway (50:40)

Social engagement - Dr. Stephen Porjes

The Connection between Listening Therapy the Safe and Sound Protocol and the Polyvagal Therapy

· Learning how to connect with your child (54:37)

“Coming alongside” – Moving from Connectedness to Collaboration.

· What can parents do to better understand their child? (56:00)

When a parent becomes their best self, the child can become their best self.

· “Coming alongside” in order to come beside your child (59:00)

· Conscious Evolution of the Human Consciousness (1:05)

Links:

Kim Barthel - https://www.kimbarthel.ca/

Dr. Stephen Porges - https://www.stephenporges.com/

www.integratedlisteningsystems.com

Other Resources - www.integratedlisteningsystems.com