What if the biggest barriers to your autistic child's progress aren't the ones anyone told you about… and the solutions are already backed by science? Kate Mason welcomes back Theresa Lyons, PhD, scientist, autism researcher, and founder of navigating AWEtism, for a conversation that goes beyond the diagnosis and into the biology. Theresa unpacks three powerful areas that functional medicine research has identified as having real impact for children on the spectrum: gut health and diet (including gluten, dairy, and food additives), the role of genetics and environment in why two siblings in the same house can have completely different outcomes, and a groundbreaking discovery called cerebral folate deficiency… a condition affecting up to 70% of autistic children that may be dramatically limiting speech. Parents who feel overwhelmed, confused, or like they've already tried everything will find this episode both deeply informative and genuinely hopeful. Listen For3:50 What is the real science behind going gluten-free for a child with autism?7:31 Why is diet change so overwhelming for autism families, and how should parents approach it?12:16 How can genetics and environment explain why two children in the same household experience autism so differently?14:29 What is cerebral folate deficiency, and how could a simple blood test unlock speech in non-verbal children?18:34 What should parents do right now if they think cerebral folate deficiency could be a factor for their child? Leave a rating/review for this podcast with one click  Connect with guest: Theresa Lyons, MS, MS, PhD | Founder & CEO Navigating AWEtismWebsite | LinkedIn | Instagram| YouTube| FacebookContact Kate:Email | Website | Kate’s Book on Amazon | LinkedIn | Facebook | X