From the Spectrum: Finding Superpowers with Autism

Ryan Sumner
  • 4.9 (15)
  • SOCIAL SCIENCES
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

I'm Ryan, and I have Autism. From the Spectrum is a podcast about Autism. I am on a mission to explain a likely cause of Autism. Autism suddenly shows up in human evolution, and it seems to be a biological adaption (neuroplasticity) to an environmental change used by living organisms for life- light. Maybe, people fail to understand how living organisms use the energy from light to drive biochemistry. In addition, I want to explain Autism. I use various scientific literature, personal experiences, and opinion. With opinion, I will explain why I feel the way I do, and give examples. I will provide links to various references for each episode. For each episode, we will discuss various aspects of Autism. Lastly, thank you for listening to From the Spectrum podcast. X: https://twitter.com/rps47586 Hopp: https://www.hopp.bio/fromthespectrum email: info.fromthespectrum@gmail.com

  1. Dr. Nirosha Murugan: Biophotons Illuminating Life with Energy & Information

    4D AGO

    Dr. Nirosha Murugan: Biophotons Illuminating Life with Energy & Information

    My guest today is Dr. Nirosha Murugan, a Tier II Canada Research Chair in Biophysics and Assistant Professor at Wilfrid Laurier University. Dr. Murugan explores how physics shapes biological processes, with pioneering research into biophotons—ultraweak photon emissions that reveal the hidden interplay between physics, biology, and life. By the end of this episode, listeners will understand how biophotons contribute to cellular communication, regeneration, and health. Dr. Murugan’s insights highlight the emerging field of quantum biology and how it connects physics to life, offering transformative potential for medical diagnostics and a deeper understanding of living systems. This episode explores the future of medicine through the lens of life’s physical foundations. The Murugan Lab https://themuruganlab.com Publications https://themuruganlab.com/publications/ X https://x.com/msahsorin Cause of Autism: https://youtu.be/0onzTNYyrmI?si=4cah8YtY8J1dlh0Y Autism & Mitochondria: Biophysics meets Biochemistry https://youtu.be/-wXJI719L5s?si=XAMqQ0f1xMDlPqls Neurulation, Neuroepitheial Cells, & Mesencephalon https://youtu.be/ZPkb1Fp7EIc?si=OSfUJP9uZIjGe3ZM 0:00 Dr. Nirosha Murugan 2:16 Daylight Computer Company, use "autism" for $50 discount 6:34 Chroma Light Devices, use "autism" for a 10% discount 9:45 Path into Quantum Biology & Biophysics role on organisms; Bioelectricity 13:13 Opsins versus Chromophores; Proteins; Photoreceptors & Light 17:37 The Body Glows & Emits Light (biophotons); Photomultipliers & Measuring Biophotons 20:37 The Role of Light & Development 21:04 Seed Germination & Human Development (neurodevelopment) Analogy 23:54 Environmental Light & Impact on Health; Light Patterns, Spectrums, & Wavelengths 25:34 Mother's of the original Autistic kids from Leo Kanner 26:46 Light type exposure & Autism 29:50 Mitochondria, Light, & Energy 31:28 Neurocognitive (Dementias) rates & Aging; Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), Electrons 35:35 Microtubules & Cell Function; Reverse Engineer Oxidative Phosphorylation- ATPase, Electron Transport Chain & TCA Cycle 37:14 Cytochrome C Oxidase, Water, Energy, Four Red Light Chromophores- Heme a, a3, CuA, & CuB, vitamin D receptors, Red light & UV Light 42:11 Tryptophan, Tublin, Microtubules 46:49 The Role of Water & Energy in Cells 48:59 Nature's Impact on Health; Get Outside (!), Oxygen 51:46 Midbrain (mesencephalon), Dopamine, Norepinephrine; Serotonin and Raphe 53:36 Serotonin & Development (remember the sensory map !) 55:11 Biophotons & Seasonal changes; Depression, Pale Autistics 58:02 Cancer & Biophoton Signals 59:50 Human connection, Biophotons & Quantum Coherence, Energy, & Molecular Signals 01:01:53 Psychedelics, Depression, Anxiety, Consciousness 01:05:20 Mitochondria, Memory & Information: What is Information? 01:09:54 Intersection of Light & Information 01:12:27 Future Direction in Quantum Biology and Medicine; Silos 01:13:36 Ryan's journey into Quantum Biology & Practices, Reversing Autoimmune Diseases

    1h 17m
  2. Dr. Kenda Rigdon: The Gut's Microbial Ecosystem, Yeast, Melanin, Birth, & Development

    AUG 18

    Dr. Kenda Rigdon: The Gut's Microbial Ecosystem, Yeast, Melanin, Birth, & Development

    My guest today is Dr. Kenda Rigdon. Dr. Rigdon is a microbiologist with a PhD in microbiology and virology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Drawing from her expertise, she explores how the gut’s microbial ecosystem—comprising bacteria, yeast like Candida and Malassezia, and other microbes—interacts with genetic and epigenetic factors to influence Autism. Dr. Rigdon highlights the critical role of the birthing process, particularly how vaginal delivery seeds a newborn’s gut with beneficial microbes like lactobacillus, setting the stage for healthy development in the first three years. She also delves into how yeast overgrowth, nutrient competition (e.g., for tryptophan), and environmental factors like manganese and glyphosate exposure can disrupt this delicate ecosystem, potentially exacerbating autism-related symptoms. Dr. Rigdon shares insights into the surprising links between melanin, Neanderthal DNA, and Autism. She discusses how specific genetic mutations, such as MTHFR and PAI1, can intersect with Autism. Additionally, she connects melanin production—potentially influenced by gut yeast like Malassezia—to neurological health, drawing parallels with conditions like Parkinson’s. By viewing the gut as a dynamic ecosystem shaped by birth, diet, and early development, this episode offers a fresh perspective on Autism’s microbial roots and practical implications for health, urging listeners to reconsider modern birthing practices and dietary choices in fostering a balanced gut microbiome. Dr. Rigdon X https://x.com/KendaRigdon Daylight Computer Company use "autism" for $25 off at https://buy.daylightcomputer.com/RYAN03139 Chroma Iight Devices use "autism" for 10% discount at https://getchroma.co/?ref=autism 0:00 Dr. Kenda Rigdon 1:14 Journey into Microbiology 4:08 The Gut's Ecosystem 8:21 Genetics, Autism, & The Microbial Connection 13:08 MTHFR & PAI1: Homocysteine, Methionine, Folate 20:21 The Role of Yeast in Health & Disease; Serotonin, Candida 26:39 The Fight for Tryptophan 31:14 Impact of Birthing Method on Gut Health (!) 33:13 Modern versus Evolutionary Births, Breastfeeding; Oxygen, Acidity, PH 37:15 Melanin, Cell Protection, Neanderthal DNA, Autism 40:46 Neuromelanin; Biological Energy, Melanocytes 43:20 Neanderthal's & Modern Disease & Environments 47:23 Microbes in the Brain 53:21 Manganese & Gut Health 58:22 Gut-Brain Connection & Microbial Balance 01:03:19 Early Gut Health & Development; Modern Insults 01:07:21 Future Direction in Gut Health & Kenda's Passion & Love X: https://x.com/rps47586 YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGxEzLKXkjppo3nqmpXpzuA email: info.fromthespectrum@gmail.com

    1h 10m
  3. (Re-Release) Autism & Gastrointestinal Problems

    AUG 11

    (Re-Release) Autism & Gastrointestinal Problems

    In the episode, we will explore a common problem with Autism- the Gastrointestinal Tract. The one consistent finding with Autism and GI is a problem exists. However, research on complicated in these complicated and complex areas of human biology despite what appears to be tight controls in the studies. However, one crucial component is missing- Light. In this episode, we will cover how biology structures order from the light input and the chaos from the environment. Major Areas include Enterochromaffin Cells, Serotonin, Aromatic Amino Acids, Vitamin D, Enteric Nervous System, the endocrine systems, and the Hypothalamic-Pitutary-Adrenal Axis. Cause of Autism: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-the-spectrum-finding-superpowers-with-autism/id1737499562?i=1000662271496 Su study: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41564-024-01739-1 Sunlight and Vitamin D: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3897598/ Multi-Axis-Meta-Analysis https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-21327-9 Quantum Engineering 33, 54, and 55 https://www.patreon.com/DrJackKruse/posts Daylight Computer Company use "autism" for $25 off at https://buy.daylightcomputer.com/RYAN03139 Chroma Iight Devices use "autism" for 10% discount at https://getchroma.co/?ref=autism (0:00) Autism and the GI Tract; inconsistent research; Order versus Chaos- Light and Environment and Health Conditions (3:10) The GI Tract; Gut-Brain Axis; Gut Microbiome and Various Nervous Systems (6:22) POMC; HPA; Stress example (8:19) Common Autism problems in the GI (9:23) Enterochromaffin Cells; Serotonin; Immune and Inflammation (14:09) Melanin/POMC; Clock-Timing; Omentum (16:31) Real-life Acute GI Fix; Bacteria makes Dopamine in the Gut (19:04) Vitamin D Receptors and more Clock-Timing (22:13) Obesity and Autism connection? (uncoupled systems); Biosynthesis of Vit D and specific Wavelength of Light with Shared Biological Processes- DNA, RNA, Aromatic Amino Acids (24:33) Avoiding UV Light implications (26:18) Scientific Literature; Archaea, Bacteria, Fungi, Virus; "confounding" data (30:03) Ubiquinol-7, COQ10, Thiamine Diphosphate; TCA cycles (32:38) Controls (plural) in Research and lack of Control (singular); LIGHT is GREATER than FOOD (38:27) Reviews/Ratings and Contact Info X: https://x.com/rps47586 YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGxEzLKXkjppo3nqmpXpzuA Email: info.fromthespectrum@gmail.com

    39 min
  4. Relationship of B.2 Strict Schedules & B.3 Fixated Interests: Path, Meaning, & Love

    AUG 4

    Relationship of B.2 Strict Schedules & B.3 Fixated Interests: Path, Meaning, & Love

    For today's episode, we will cover B2 (insistence on sameness, inflexible routines, and ritualized behaviors) and B3 (highly restricted, fixated interests with abnormal intensity). It emphasizes the preference for an internal world, where repetition and self-directed learning thrive, contrasting this with societal misunderstandings that label such behaviors as abnormal. The episode critiques societal pressures to conform to broad knowledge expectations, highlighting how Autistics find comfort in their self-driven focus, supported by neurobiological insights like the role of the mesencephalon in attention and environmental interaction. Further, the episode addresses the challenges Autistics face with external disruptions, like unpredictable social interactions or changes to routines, which can feel debilitating due to the brain’s predictive nature and metabolic energy demands. The discussion ties these struggles to the medial prefrontal cortex’s role in adaptive responses, explaining why Autistics may resist environmental changes to maintain their internal homeostasis. The episode underscores the unique learning style of Autistics, advocating for self-directed interests over externally imposed norms. Daylight Computer Company use "autism" for $25 off at https://buy.daylightcomputer.com/RYAN03139 Chroma Iight Devices use "autism" for 10% discount at https://getchroma.co/?ref=autism 00:00 Daylight Computer Company, use "autism" for $25 discount 02:24 Autism DSM Criteria B, Autism phenotypes, DSM criteria B, restricted repetitive behaviors, focus on B2 and B3, prior episodes (1, 2, 6, 7). 04:42 B2: Insistence on Sameness, DSM B2, insistence on sameness, inflexible routines, distress at small changes, rigid thinking 05:24 B3: Fixated Interests and Autistic Intelligence, DSM B3, Kenner/Asperger kids, autistic intelligence, societal mislabeling. 07:15 Autism and Societal Misunderstandings, Autos (self), societal confusion, discomfort with complexity, Autistics’ comfort in self, internal state shifts. 09:19 Autistic Learning, Love, & Internal World, Autistic intelligence, learning, repetition, professing, self-directed learning, societal pressure. 11:40 Path, Meaning, & Love; “Daimon” 14:42 Neurobiology and Environmental Interaction, Mesencephalon (midbrain), motor movement, sensory integration, attention bias, lack of environmental orientation, social implications, embryogenesis, Autistic resistance to external changes. 17:34 Chroma Light Devices, use "autism" for 10% discount 20:43 Routines, Social Challenges, and Adaptive Responses, B2 routines, external insults, brain as prediction machine, metabolic energy, social interactions, Autistic efficiency, frustration with unpredictability, medial prefrontal cortex, adaptive responses 25:21 Reviews/Ratings & Contact Info X: https://x.com/rps47586 YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGxEzLKXkjppo3nqmpXpzuA email: info.fromthespectrum@gmail.com

    26 min
  5. (Re-Release) Autism and Mitochondria: Biophysics meets Biochemistry

    JUL 28

    (Re-Release) Autism and Mitochondria: Biophysics meets Biochemistry

    In this episode, we discuss the mitochondria. You know mitochondria as the "powerhouse" of the cell, but this biological process is biophysics meeting biochemistry. We discuss glycolysis, the TCA cycle (or Citric Acid cycle or Krebs cycle), and Oxidative Phosphorylation. This discussion goes deep inside the atomic molecular level with electrons and protons. Hang in there with the discussion and topic of Autism and understanding of the generational link to a loss of electrons. Jack Kruse https://www.patreon.com/DrJackKruse/posts Glycolysis https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470170/#:~:text=Glycolysis%20is%20a%20central%20metabolic,use%20in%20other%20metabolic%20pathways. Citric Acid cycle https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citric_acid_cycle Oxidative Phosphorylation https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxidative_phosphorylation Dr. Richard Frye, MD, PhD: Understanding the Roles and Sensitivity of Mitochondrial Functioning: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wsDkv-dkEU&t=13s Daylight Computer Company use "autism" for $25 off at https://buy.daylightcomputer.com/RYAN03139 Chroma Iight Devices use "autism" for 10% discount at https://getchroma.co/?ref=autism 0:00 Intro; Light, water, magnetism; The "powerhouse" and understanding of healthy living organisms and different cell types; Photosynthesis and Cell Respiration 4:11 Prokaryotes, Eukaryotes, and Cytochrome C Oxidase (CCO) 6:53 Mitochondria and Cellular Respiration 1) Glycolysis, 2) Citric Acid cycle, and 3) Oxidative Phosphorylation (OXPHOS) 8:25 Glycolysis 10:03 Citric Acid cycle 12:02 OXPHOS 13:51 Cytochrome I 15:07 Cytochrome II 16:08 Cytochrome III 17:10 Cytochrome IV and creating water 19:56 Not all water is equal/same; Aging; Light and Melanin and Rates of Autism 29:20 Cytochrome V and ATPase; Chromophores 33:56 Evolution and losing electrons; Autism and modern health complications 37:50 Environmental signals due DNA sequencing; Autism research and Genetic studies 40:23 Reviews/Ratings and contact info X: https://twitter.com/rps47586 YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGxEzLKXkjppo3nqmpXpzuA email: info.fromthespectrum@gmail.com

    41 min
  6. Part 2: Supplementing Relationships with Self-Directed Communication

    JUL 21

    Part 2: Supplementing Relationships with Self-Directed Communication

    In this episode, we explore the concept of supplementing relationships in Autism, focusing on the vivid internal dialogues and imaginative "movies" that feel profoundly real. These self-directed monologues and conversations with imagination create a safe, predictable space for social engagement, contrasting with the chaotic external world. We dive into Kanner’s and Asperger’s insights on self-directed speech, used for self-soothing or processing thoughts, not communication. Kanner observed children muttering during solitary play, while Asperger noted lecture-like monologues reflecting autistic intelligence. I will share personal experiences of vivid internal dialogues emerging soon after waking, free of external speech issues but disrupted by real-world interactions. These internal relationships, as frequent as an extrovert’s, pose challenges when balancing with social expectations, offering a predictable haven for exploring restricted interests Supplementing Relationships with Visual Thinking https://youtu.be/lglEGQ7pSlc?si=TgwuMMFGRPmAcCwk Daylight Computer Company use "autism" for $25 off at https://buy.daylightcomputer.com/RYAN03139 Chroma Iight Devices use "autism" for 10% discount at https://getchroma.co/?ref=autism 0:00 Chroma Light Devices, use "autism" for 10% discount 03:11 Supplementing Relationships and Autism: Supplementing relationships, autism, internal dialogue, monologue, imagination, vivid movies, real-like, accelerator. 04:14 Historical Context of Autism Start Time: Autism history, autos, self, dreamlike states, Eugen Bleuler, 1900s, schizophrenia, late 1950s. 05:14 Shared Phenotypes and Kanner/Asperger Contributions: Autism, schizophrenia, phenotypes, speech, language, motor control, intensity, Kanner, Asperger, self-directed communication. 05:55 Autism, Isolation, and Speech/Language Challenges: Isolation, chaotic world, speech issues, language issues, biology, socialness, negative experiences. 07:12 Kanner’s Observations on Self-Directed Speech: Kanner, self-directed speech, internal needs, self-soothing, narrating thoughts, solitary play, no listener, repetitive activities. 09:33 Asperger’s Insights on Monologues and Autistic Intelligence: Asperger, monologues, obsessions, academic style, self-satisfaction, autistic intelligence, accelerated learning, solitary activities. 12:23 Personal Experience with Internal Dialogues and Disruptions: Personal experience, internal dialogues, vivid movies, waking fixation, motor movements, silent speaking, listening dissonance, medial prefrontal cortex. 15:00 Internal Socialness, Supplementing Relationships, and Real-World Challenges: Internal socialness, extrovert comparison, no speech issues, supplementing relationships, vivid imagination, real-world social challenges, predictability, restricted interests, early memories. 19:08 Reviews/Ratings & Contact Info 19:50 Daylight Computer Company, use "autism" for $25 discount X: https://x.com/rps47586 YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGxEzLKXkjppo3nqmpXpzuA email: info.fromthespectrum@gmail.com

    24 min
  7. Samantha Fox: M.A., CCC-SLP, S2C: Autism, Apraxia, & Spelling 2 Communicate

    JUL 14

    Samantha Fox: M.A., CCC-SLP, S2C: Autism, Apraxia, & Spelling 2 Communicate

    My guest today is Samantha Fox. Sam is a Speech-Language Pathologist with a Master’s from Kent State University and the founder of, Beyond Speech Therapy Center, where they focus on personalized therapy and building meaningful connections with clients. As a registered Spelling to Communicate practitioner with deep expertise in Early Intervention, Sam brings a unique perspective to supporting non-speaking and minimally speaking individuals with Autism, Apraxia, and speech sound disorders. Today’s episode is all about Speech-Language Pathology and Spelling to Communicate interventions. By the end, you’ll have a deeper understanding of these powerful protocols. Sam Fox https://www.beyondspeechtherapycenter.com/our-team Beyond Speech Therapy Center https://www.beyondspeechtherapycenter.com/home Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BeyondSpeech I-ASC https://i-asc.org Other episodes: Dr. Reza Shadmehr: Computational Motor Control & The Cerebellum https://youtu.be/LoklISzlXK8?si=AoVKbHRZ0hDDtdY0 Katie Asher: Understanding Communication, Telepathy, and Spiritual Existence https://youtu.be/7FJ52cyfShg?si=gmf7PxrCajcXHkUS Daylight Computer Company use "autism" for $25 off at https://buy.daylightcomputer.com/RYAN03139 Chroma Iight Devices use "autism" for 10% discount at https://getchroma.co/?ref=autism 0:00 Sam Fox 2:15 Learning about Spellers; Kaden 8:55 Beyond Speech Therapy Center; Spelling 2 Communicate; I-ASC 18:06 Non-Verbal, Motor Control, Apraxia, & Communication 23:03 Presuming Competence in Non Speaking Individuals 31:10 Impact of Communication on Behavior; The use of Spelling; Self-Injurious Behaviors 40:08 Understanding Apraxia 43:56 The Process of Spelling 2 Communicate 50:40 Building Motor Skills for Communication 57:27 Overcoming Barriers in Spelling 1:02:29 The Importance of Consistency, Practice, Reasonable Expectations & Patience; Insurance Coverage 1:11:58 The Leap of Faith in Spelling 1:16:56 The Future of Spelling 2 Communicate X: https://x.com/rps47586 YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGxEzLKXkjppo3nqmpXpzuA email: info.fromthespectrum@gmail.com

    1h 18m
  8. Part 1: Supplementing Relationships with Visual Thinking

    JUL 7

    Part 1: Supplementing Relationships with Visual Thinking

    For today's episode, we will expand on Autism & Relationships and introduce a very fascinating phenomena of "Supplementing" relationships. We will cover what Autism means, intense, "dream" like states, visual thinking & seeing movies. This might be hard for you to understand and you cannot verify any of this. In addition, you cannot see this thinking style, you can only guess. See previous episodes: Autism and Relationships Understanding the Rates of Autism Part 1 Origins of Autism: The Kanner Kids & Part 2 Origins of Autism: Asperger's "little professors" JD Barker Autism and Neurulation (two episodes) Part 2: Autism & Sensory Processing Temple Grandin books https://www.templegrandin.com/templegrandinbooks.html Daylight Computer Company use "autism" for $25 off at https://buy.daylightcomputer.com/RYAN03139 Chroma Iight Devices use "autism" for 10% discount at https://getchroma.co/?ref=autism 0:00 Chroma 3:10 Relationships, Supplementing Relationships & Visual Thinking 4:49 Kids of Kanner and Asperger's primary concerns 6:02 What Autism means; Schizophrenia & Autism 8:15 Attention to the environment & Mesencephalon roles; Neuroplasticity 10:18 Social Norms 11:52 Supplementing Relationships; Visual Thinking; JD Barker 13:42 Temple Grandin material 14:32 Visual Thinking & Processing Information/Sensations; The How of Supplementing Relationships 18:17 Reviews/Ratings 19:04 Daylight Computer Company X: https://x.com/rps47586 YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGxEzLKXkjppo3nqmpXpzuA email: info.fromthespectrum@gmail.com

    23 min
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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 a likely cause of Autism. Autism suddenly shows up in human evolution, and it seems to be a biological adaption (neuroplasticity) to an environmental change used by living organisms for life- light. Maybe, people fail to understand how living organisms use the energy from light to drive biochemistry. In addition, I want to explain Autism. I use various scientific literature, personal experiences, and opinion. With opinion, I will explain why I feel the way I do, and give examples. I will provide links to various references for each episode. For each episode, we will discuss various aspects of Autism. Lastly, thank you for listening to From the Spectrum podcast. X: https://twitter.com/rps47586 Hopp: https://www.hopp.bio/fromthespectrum email: info.fromthespectrum@gmail.com

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