From the Spectrum: Finding Superpowers with Autism

Ryan Sumner
  • 4.9 (16)
  • SOCIAL SCIENCES
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

I'm Ryan, and I have Autism. From the Spectrum is a podcast about Autism. I am on a mission to explain Autism. Autism emerges in human evolution as a biological adaptation, possibly through neuroplasticity, responding to environmental shifts that harness light’s energy for life. Maybe, people fail to understand how living organisms use the energy from light to drive biochemistry and organize our biology. For each episode, we will discuss various aspects of Autism. At times, we can cover lots of what seems like complex biology and especially neuroscience, but I hope to convey an easy to understand delivery and use basic analogies to enhance the episodes. Lastly, thank you for listening to From the Spectrum podcast. X: https://twitter.com/rps47586 YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGxEzLKXkjppo3nqmpXpzuA email: info.fromthespectrum@gmail.com

  1. White Board Series (Audio Version): Corollary Discharge & Visual Processing

    3D AGO

    White Board Series (Audio Version): Corollary Discharge & Visual Processing

    Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipZ6eLgpArA Ever wonder how the brain predicts what your eyes will see before you even move? In this episode, we uncover the secret of corollary discharge, the hidden “prediction machine” behind vision, eye movements, & sensory processing. Learn why Autistic individuals may appear inward-focused, how sensory overload hijacks attention, & the surprising ways the brain turns these challenges into high-speed learning superpowers. The Future of Tech: Daylight Computer Company, use "autism" for $50 off at https://buy.daylightcomputer.com/autism and "autism" at Daylight Kids (!) https://kids.daylightcomputer.com/autism 00:00 Corollary discharge & the autistic phenotype Kickoff with corollary discharge, prediction machines, & sensory processing in autism 02:03 – Corollary Discharge & Vision, the brain predicts movement and sensory input; visual cortex & heightened perception. 03:07 – Pathway 1: Retina → Superior Colliculus → FEF → Parietal → LG → V2 Red pathway for eye movement prep; feedback loops, thalamic relay, & sensory integration explained. 10:54 – Pathway 2: Retina → Lateral Geniculate → V1 → Visual Cortex → V2 Green pathway handling 85–90% of projections; raw sensory info & sensation-to-perception mapping. 12:36 – Eye Movement & Cranial Nerves Cranial nerves 3, 4, 6 control eye alignment & attention orientation; precision timing explained. 17:57 – Sensory Overload & Misunderstood Attention in Autism; inward-focused, overwhelm, & social misinterpretations. 20:40 – Internal Benefits & Learning in Autism, high-speed info processing, “fire together, wire together.” 24:50 – Sensation - Perception Prediction X: https://x.com/rps47586 YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGxEzLKXkjppo3nqmpXpzuA email: info.fromthespectrum@gmail.com

    27 min
  2. White Board Series (Audio Version): Basal Ganglia (Go/No-GO), Neural Correlates, & "Motivation"

    FEB 6

    White Board Series (Audio Version): Basal Ganglia (Go/No-GO), Neural Correlates, & "Motivation"

    Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTW8CSPVEGc In this whiteboard episode, we revisit the basal ganglia's intricate circuitry, detailing its five subcortical nuclei—dorsal striatum (caudate/putamen inputs), globus pallidus externa/subthalamic relays, and globus pallidus interna/substantia nigra reticulata outputs—driving the classic direct (facilitatory "go") and indirect (suppressive "no-go") pathways for action selection and inhibition. Excitatory cortical inputs converge on medium spiny neurons, finely tuned by dopamine (D1 excitatory/D2 inhibitory via substantia nigra pars compacta), serotonin, and acetylcholine, to orchestrate habits, motivation, and movement suppression through thalamic modulation. In autism, morphological alterations in medium spiny neurons—enlarged dendritic spines and reduced synaptic flexibility—bias toward repetitive behaviors, ritualized patterns, and intensely fixated interests (DSM-5 B2/B3 criteria), underscoring the circuit's preference for sameness via strengthened plasticity and limited prefrontal override. Daylight Computer Company, use "autism" for $50 off at https://buy.daylightcomputer.com/autism Chroma Light Devices, use "autism" for 10% discount at https://getchroma.co/?ref=autism Fig Tree Christian Golf Apparel & Accessories, use "autism" for 10% discount at https://figtreegolf.com/?ref=autism Cognity AI for Autistic Social Skills, use "autism" for 10% discount at https://thecognity.com 00:00 Basal Ganglia Intro Review prior episodes on basal ganglia (48-50 + 47); key for movements, habits, motivation, repetition in autism 00:55 Five Subcortical Areas Dorsal striatum (caudate/putamen = inputs); relays (globus pallidus external, subthalamic nucleus); outputs (globus pallidus internal, substantia nigra reticulata) 02:54 Direct Pathway (Go) Excitatory cortex → dorsal striatum → inhibits internal pallidus/reticulata → frees thalamus → activates movement 06:34 Indirect Pathway (No-Go) Cortex → dorsal striatum → external pallidus → subthalamic → excites outputs → inhibits thalamus → suppresses movement 11:25 Major Inputs Cortex (esp. sensory-motor/prefrontal); thalamus (alerts); substantia nigra compacta (dopamine D1/D2 modulation) 13:32 Modulators & Cortex Regions Serotonin (patience); acetylcholine (focus shift); inputs from sensory-motor (habits), prefrontal (planning), parietal (context) 18:42 Medium Spiny Neurons Dorsal striatum cells with larger spines; repetitive firing strengthens synapses (morphology/plasticity) 23:20 Autistic Differences Larger dendrites/spines → limited flexibility; favors sameness/habits; reduced prefrontal influence 28:42 DSM Criteria B2/B3 Link B2: repetitive behaviors/rituals; B3: restricted/fixated interests—core autistic traits tied to basal ganglia habits/intensity 32:24 Motivation & Change Basal ganglia (not individual) defines motivation via strengthened connections; explains difficulty with change, splinter skills X: https://x.com/rps47586 YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGxEzLKXkjppo3nqmpXpzuA email: info.fromthespectrum@gmail.com

    33 min
  3. Dr. Jeff Knight, D.C.: The Brain–Body Connection & Root-Cause Healing

    FEB 2

    Dr. Jeff Knight, D.C.: The Brain–Body Connection & Root-Cause Healing

    What if conditions like autism, seizures, anxiety, and bipolar disorder aren’t isolated diagnoses—but signals of a nervous system under stress? In this episode, Dr. Jeff Knight, D.C., unpacks how chiropractic care extends far beyond back pain into the regulation of the nervous system, brain–body communication, and root-cause healing. The conversation explores how spinal alignment, neurological feedback loops, and cellular inflammation interact with conditions such as autism, anxiety, bipolar disorder, seizures, and developmental challenges—often in ways that are missed when care focuses only on symptoms. Dr. Knight explains how disruptions in signaling, inhibition, and energy production can cascade across systems, shaping behavior, mood, and regulation. The episode also dives into real-world case studies, including infant seizures and long-term mental health recovery, alongside discussions of brainwaves, nutrition, environmental toxins, and mitochondrial stress. Rather than offering quick fixes, this conversation reframes health as a systems-level process that unfolds upstream, where small changes can have wide-ranging effects. By the end of this episode, we hope you walk away with a clearer lens for understanding the nervous system, a deeper appreciation for the complexity behind neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions, and a renewed curiosity about what healing can look like when we stop chasing symptoms and start listening to the body. Health Empowered Families https://healthempoweredfamilies.com True North Chiropractic & Wellness https://truenorthchiro.com Daylight Computer Company, use "autism" for $50 off at https://buy.daylightcomputer.com/autism Chroma Light Devices, use "autism" for 10% discount at https://getchroma.co/?ref=autism Fig Tree Christian Golf Apparel & Accessories, use "autism" for 10% discount at https://figtreegolf.com/?ref=autism Cognity AI for Autistic Social Skills, use "autism" for 10% discount at https://thecognity.com 0:00 Dr. Jeff Knight 3:55 Understanding our Body's Innate Intelligence 9:40 Chiropractic Roles in Autism 18:20 Motor & Sensory Communication 20:58 Neurological Integration System 27:42 Evaluation Process for Children with Autism 33:48 Case Study: Seizures 38:39 Understanding Mental Health Conditions 41:19 Neurofeedback 43:13 Case Study: Bi Polar 46:42 Brain Waves; Inhibition; Synchrony 53:00 Nutritional Approach in Autism; Lipids 59:01 Addressing Underlying Health Issues 01:04:17 Remote Options; healthempoweredfamilies.com & custom built approaches 01:09:36 Celebrating Small Wins in Life X: https://x.com/rps47586 YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGxEzLKXkjppo3nqmpXpzuA email: info.fromthespectrum@gmail.com

    1h 13m
  4. Tyler Sansom — Learning You & the Sandcastle Moment: An Honest Film About Autism

    JAN 27

    Tyler Sansom — Learning You & the Sandcastle Moment: An Honest Film About Autism

    Taken from Learning You FB: "Did you know that every dollar of our profit is being given away? Learning You was created to build awareness for those who may not yet see or understand the lives of autistic individuals, to foster connection for parents and caregivers who often feel alone, and to offer tangible moments where families of special needs can come together, feel welcomed, and experience the gift of “normal” time side-by-side." My guest today is Tyler Sansom, the filmmaker behind Learning You. We talk about how a deeply personal script became an authentic portrayal of autism on screen, why avoiding Hollywood stereotypes mattered, and the meaning behind the film’s powerful “sandcastle moment.” Tyler also shares what it truly looks like to care for someone who is profoundly autistic, along with reflections on faith, empathy, and the mission-driven decision to donate 100% of the film’s profits to support families through the ACT initiative—reminding us why learning one another matters more than making assumptions. Learning You Movie https://www.learningyoumovie.com Locations & Times https://www.learningyoumovie.com/theatershowingsmap.aspx?subheadertext=Locations+and+Times Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/learningyoumovie Tyler Sansom FB: https://www.facebook.com/tyler.sansom.98 First Capital Films: https://www.facebook.com/fcfilms 00:00 Tyler Sansom & “Learning You” origin story (how it landed at the film company) 01:35 Making autism authentic (avoiding “Hollywood savant” stereotypes; lived reality + caregivers) 03:14 The “Sandcastle Moment” scene (storm, meltdown, and the parent realization) 04:50 Film company background: pastor/filmmaker, 5 feature films, building momentum since 2016 05:53 100% profits donated + why (mission model; I CAN → orphans; Learning You → autism support) 06:38 ACT initiative explained (Awareness–Connection–Touch; counseling/resources/respite; 15-city rollout) 10:00 Casting & working with autistic actors (Caleb vs. Seth; accommodations; overstimulation + breaks) 13:17 How to find ACT/Thrive + Feb 3 launch (website/FB group; resources for caregivers) 14:26 Faith in film: subtle “wrestle,” not preachy (sparking conversation, not a sermon) 16:00 Institutionalization & the hard realities of profound autism (care forever; society’s blind spot) 17:13 Where to watch: theaters → streaming timeline (window ends ~Feb 20; streaming late March) 17:58 Biggest takeaway: “learn one another” (empathy over assumptions; why the title matters) 19:33 Division, black-and-white thinking, and living in the “gray” (judgment vs understanding) 21:36 Personal close: Pakistan trip + freeing families from slavery (what he’s looking forward to) X: https://x.com/rps47586 YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGxEzLKXkjppo3nqmpXpzuA email: info.fromthespectrum@gmail.com

    22 min
  5. White Board Series (Audio Version): Basal Ganglia, Habits, & the Powers of OCD

    JAN 23

    White Board Series (Audio Version): Basal Ganglia, Habits, & the Powers of OCD

    Video https://youtu.be/HBsku5G_SDM In this whiteboard episode, we revisit the basal ganglia's simultaneous "go" and "no-go" pathways, dissecting how excitatory cortical inputs converge on the dorsal striatum's medium spiny neurons, with dopamine from the substantia nigra pars compacta amplifying reward/value while relays (globus pallidus externa/subthalamic nucleus) and outputs (globus pallidus interna/reticulata) fine-tune thalamic drive for action or suppression. Using OCD as an extreme case, we illustrate how enlarged synaptic spines and morphology from repetitive firing hijack the cortico-striato-thalamic loop, prioritizing compulsive habits over flexibility—revealing the circuit's indifference to judgment, driven purely by strengthened connections that conserve energy and dominate behavior in autism and beyond. Daylight Computer Company, use "autism" for $50 off at https://buy.daylightcomputer.com/autism Chroma Light Devices, use "autism" for 10% discount at https://getchroma.co/?ref=autism Fig Tree Christian Golf Apparel & Accessories, use "autism" for 10% discount at https://figtreegolf.com/?ref=autism Cognity AI for Autistic Social Skills, use "autism" for 10% discount at https://thecognity.com 00:00 Basal Ganglia Review Recap of go/no-go pathways; five subcortical areas orchestrate all non-reflex movements simultaneously 00:55 Nuclei Breakdown Inputs: caudate/putamen (dorsal striatum); relays: globus pallidus externa, subthalamic nucleus; outputs: globus pallidus interna, substantia nigra reticulata (GABA) 02:54 Modulator Role Substantia nigra pars compacta (dopamine D1 excitatory/D2 inhibitory) amplifies value/reward; intensifies signals ("worth doing" or "avoid") 05:40 OCD as Extreme Example OCD hijacks cortico-striato-thalamic loop; repetitive compulsions (e.g., light switch flipping) driven by strengthened synaptic connections 06:03 Synaptic Morphology Repeated firing enlarges spines/connections (morphology/plasticity); larger synapses gain preference, dominating behavior 07:23 Basal Ganglia Mechanics Cortex instructs (e.g., "flip switch") but cannot execute; dorsal striatum recruits basal ganglia to carry out/suppress actions 09:58 No-Go Suppression Indirect pathway suppresses alternatives; go pathway executes specific movement; loop provides satisfaction in OCD 11:25 Input Areas Indifference Dorsal striatum cells "dumb"—merely respond to inputs without judgment; value/reward from external modulators (dopamine, ACC) 13:32 CNS Response Nature Brain/central nervous system prioritizes response over deliberation; habits dominate to conserve energy X: https://x.com/rps47586 YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGxEzLKXkjppo3nqmpXpzuA email: info.fromthespectrum@gmail.com

    8 min
  6. White Board Series (Audio Version): Hypothyroidism, Serotonin & T3: Hidden Biomarkers in Autism & Parkinson’s

    JAN 18

    White Board Series (Audio Version): Hypothyroidism, Serotonin & T3: Hidden Biomarkers in Autism & Parkinson’s

    Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6ymQgVLC5c Autism & Parkinson's https://youtu.be/1E53ZYehUCU?si=69pKeFSKi07GGsAT Hypothyroid Biomarker https://youtu.be/X6CxX9kA6b0?si=Bkr8ZKooNdie-N6I Dr. Kristen Lyall, ScD https://youtu.be/cjBR8m82KZQ?si=C-Tclr25oBbid7qG Nicole Rincon & links to her other episodes in notes https://youtu.be/jRd7rE38W90?si=i8CvVutA4a1K9Nze Daylight Computer Company, use "autism" for $50 off at https://buy.daylightcomputer.com/autism Chroma Light Devices, use "autism" for 10% discount at https://getchroma.co/?ref=autism Fig Tree Christian Golf Apparel & Accessories, use "autism" for 10% discount at https://figtreegolf.com/?ref=autism Cognity AI for Autistic Social Skills, use "autism" for 10% discount at https://thecognity.com 00:00 Serotonin Recap: thalamocortical connections (esp. S1 somatosensory) 02:41 Aromatic Amino Acids & UV-sensitive aromatic benzene rings 04:56 Personal Sunlight Reversal Host reversed Hashimoto’s (2005–2024) via increased sunlight 07:58 Cell-Level Roles Serotonin drives neurogenesis, migration, dendrites/spines; T3 matures organelles, myelination & cellular energy 11:00 Maternal Thyroid Dependency Fetus relies on maternal T3/T4 until ~weeks 16–20; hypothyroidism as easy, modifiable biomarker for autism/Parkinson’s 13:07 Substantia Nigra & Basal Ganglia Neuromelanin/dopamine loss in substantia nigra links autism & Parkinson’s; disrupts basal ganglia go/no-go orchestration 15:44 Mitochondria & Melanin Energy Cytochrome c oxidase produces H2O in ETC; melanin + water coupling provides power 18:00 Hypothyroidism Biomarker Call Undisputed, simple-to-check risk factor; urgent prenatal thyroid screening & sunlight exposure needed 20:36 Modern Environment Impact Blue light/low sunlight blocks synthesis; upstream fixes (reflexes, thyroid checks, sunlight) offer prevention/recovery potential 22:15 Serotonin & T3 Synergy Serotonin architects connections; T3 engineers cell/organelle maturity & myelination; combined deficits cascade into autism/Parkinson’s 24:00 Substantia Nigra Detail Loss of neuromelanin/dopamine in substantia nigra (mesencephalon) impairs basal ganglia; ties to movement disorders in both conditions 25:44 Mitochondria Water Production Cytochrome c oxidase (complex IV) generates H2O; melanin & water 27:58 Final Synthesis & Implications Serotonin + T3 critical for cell development/myelination; maternal hypothyroidism disrupts both autism/Parkinson’s risk X: https://x.com/rps47586 YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGxEzLKXkjppo3nqmpXpzuA email: info.fromthespectrum@gmail.com

    30 min
  7. White Board Series (Audio Version): Serotonin's Role in Development for Sensory Maps

    JAN 15

    White Board Series (Audio Version): Serotonin's Role in Development for Sensory Maps

    In this whiteboard-style episode, we delve into serotonin's pivotal yet underrated role in prenatal brain development and autism, tracing its origins from maternal tryptophan (primarily gut-derived in the first trimester) through fetal production shifts across trimesters. Derived from an aromatic amino acid, serotonin drives neurogenesis, migration, and critical wiring of thalamo-cortical connections—especially for the somatosensory cortex (S1)—shaping mini-columns and sensory maps. We contrast diffusion (chaotic, unpruned connections leading to overload) with refinement (clear boundaries via proper pruning), explaining how imbalances foster sensory chaos, poor signal-to-noise discrimination, and inward bias in the autistic phenotype, while setting the stage for comparisons with T3 thyroid hormone's developmental influence. Daylight Computer Company, use "autism" for $50 off at https://buy.daylightcomputer.com/autism Chroma Light Devices, use "autism" for 10% discount at https://getchroma.co/?ref=autism Fig Tree Christian Golf Apparel & Accessories, use "autism" for 10% discount at https://figtreegolf.com/?ref=autism Cognity AI for Autistic Social Skills, use "autism" for 10% discount at https://thecognity.com 00:00 Serotonin role in pregnancy/development; beyond mood, neurogenesis/synaptogenesis from neuralation, Tryptophan Basics From aromatic amino acid tryptophan (one codon); distinct TPH1 (peripheral/gut) vs TPH2 (brain) pathways 02:41 Neuralation & Trimesters First trimester: all maternal serotonin (95% gut); regulates cell proliferation; neuroepithelial cells form brain divisions 05:46 Mesencephalon Details Doesn't subdivide; key roles: sensory integration, motor, external attention orientation—highly relevant to autism 07:58 Serotonin Sources Shift Second trimester: fetus starts own production; maternal still significant; builds placenta/umbilical physiology 11:12 Thalamus & Sensory Maps Serotonin wires thalamus to cortex (esp. S1 somatosensory > V1/A1); structures mini-columns for sensory processing 15:38 Mini-Columns Structure 6 cortical layers; thalamus inputs to layer 4; layers 2/3 for experience/intelligence; autistic: narrower neuropil (~40-60μm) 20:51 Diffusion vs Refinement Serotonin prunes connections; abnormal levels → diffusion (weak, competing links, chaos) vs refinement (clear edges) 28:42 Signal-to-Noise Issues Diffusion causes poor boundaries, overload; inward bias ("autism" meaning self) as adaptation to external chaos 35:59 Critical Period Implications Prenatal setup affects salience network; early detection/intervention potential; serotonin vs T3 comparison upcoming. X: https://x.com/rps47586 YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGxEzLKXkjppo3nqmpXpzuA email: info.fromthespectrum@gmail.com

    37 min
  8. Dr. Robert Melillo: Upstream Healing for Autism Through Retained Reflexes & Brain Balance

    JAN 12

    Dr. Robert Melillo: Upstream Healing for Autism Through Retained Reflexes & Brain Balance

    My guest today is Dr. Robert Melillo. Dr. Melillo shares his 35-year journey from athletic injuries and chiropractic roots to developmental cognitive neuroscience and founder of the Melillo Method. Driven by his own children’s challenges and a deep commitment to preserving their extraordinary gifts, he explains Autism as a treatable developmental imbalance rooted in brain immaturity—caused by retained primitive reflexes, disrupted right-left asymmetry, and poor transition from short-range to long-range connectivity. Emphasizing a bottom-up, root-cause approach over symptom management, he describes how remediating reflexes, stimulating right-brain activity, and balancing networks can unlock speech, motor control, and potential in non-speaking individuals—highlighting the human brain’s unique evolutionary vulnerability and adaptability while offering hope for meaningful change without erasing unique brilliance. Dr. Melillo https://www.drrobertmelillo.com YT https://www.youtube.com/@themelillomethod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drrobertmelillo/ White Board Series: Serotonin's Role in Development for Sensory Maps (not mood) https://youtu.be/Pbovstb82i4 White Board Series: Basal Ganglia (Go/No-GO), Neural Correlates, & "Motivation" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTW8CSPVEGc White Board Series: Basal Ganglia No-Go area & Arkeypallidial Cells https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHZ_5HthUWs Daylight Computer Company, use "autism" for $50 off at https://buy.daylightcomputer.com/autism Chroma Light Devices, use "autism" for 10% discount at https://getchroma.co/?ref=autism Fig Tree Christian Golf Apparel & Accessories, use "autism" for 10% discount at https://figtreegolf.com/?ref=autism 0:00 Dr. Robert Melillo 5:24 The Nature of Gifts & Vulnerabilities with Autism 15:26 The Evolution of the Human Brain & Bipedalism; CNS is to move the living organism; Left Brain, Right Brain 25:20 Functional Connectivity & Movements; Left Brain-Right Brain 36:46 The Immature Brain; Autism means "Self" 38:54 Interventions for Maturing the Brain & Movements 42:46 The Melillo Method & Upstream Individualized Interventions 47:47 GI and the Nervous Systems; Excitation/Inhibition 52:21 Melillo Method 55:40 Giving a Voice to Non-Verbals; Sensory Map, Somatosensory & Homunculus 1:03:00 The Basal Ganglia & Motor Movements 1:06:34 Bridging Clinical & Neuroscience Research & Methods X: https://x.com/rps47586 YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGxEzLKXkjppo3nqmpXpzuA email: info.fromthespectrum@gmail.com

    1h 13m
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4.9
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About

I'm Ryan, and I have Autism. From the Spectrum is a podcast about Autism. I am on a mission to explain Autism. Autism emerges in human evolution as a biological adaptation, possibly through neuroplasticity, responding to environmental shifts that harness light’s energy for life. Maybe, people fail to understand how living organisms use the energy from light to drive biochemistry and organize our biology. For each episode, we will discuss various aspects of Autism. At times, we can cover lots of what seems like complex biology and especially neuroscience, but I hope to convey an easy to understand delivery and use basic analogies to enhance the episodes. Lastly, thank you for listening to From the Spectrum podcast. X: https://twitter.com/rps47586 YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGxEzLKXkjppo3nqmpXpzuA email: info.fromthespectrum@gmail.com

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