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What do you do when the experts say “lifelong” and offer little beyond wait-and-see? We sit down with Dr. Theresa Lyons—a Yale-trained computational chemist and mom to a child once diagnosed with profound autism—who chose a different path: translate research into action and build a community that makes doing the right next thing possible. Theresa shares how she moved from drug discovery and global health to PubMed deep dives, contacting researchers directly, and assembling a care team that addressed real health load: gut function, immune balance, sleep, and sensory regulation.
Across our conversation, we break down why autism is still diagnosed by observation, which pitfalls to rule out first (like hearing issues in toddlers), and how “optimal outcomes” reframed what progress can look like. We dig into the gut–immune–brain loop, the mechanisms behind gluten-driven permeability, and why understanding the “how” turns diets and supplements from guesswork into targeted experiments. Theresa also spotlights a hot topic in the field—folinic acid (leucovorin)—and how folate transport issues and antibodies at the choroid plexus can make language gains possible for some kids. The message is not hype; it’s a method: find the mechanism, test the hypothesis, track the result.
We open the doors to the Navigating Autism platform, where families worldwide get structure, small-group support, health coaching, and access to functional testing options. Seven categories guide the journey—healthcare, diet, supplements, probiotics, education strategies, mindset, and celebration—so nothing essential gets missed and progress compounds. Teresa’s personal story, plus a moving family case, shows what can change when parents have a plan and a team. And her reframe from “autism” to “AWEtism” reminds us that determination and dignity are not soft ideas; they’re fuel.
If this conversation gave you clarity or hope, tap follow, share it with someone who needs it, and leave a review so more families can find science they can use. Your next step might be one small change—and we’re here to help you take it.

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