What if healing your child’s brain started with their gut? In this powerful episode of Autism Roundtable, Leah Gross sits down with Dr. Hokehe Eko, integrative pediatrician and CEO of Glow Pediatrics, to explore how a holistic approach can transform the lives of children with autism and ADHD. Key Questions Explored in the Episode: How does gut heal…

What does it truly mean to raise a child with autism? In this heartfelt episode, Leah Gross sits down with Tonya Newberry to discuss her personal journey as a mother navigating autism, from the first signs to finding the right support system. Tonya shares invaluable insights on early intervention, therapy options, and the power of community support…

What’s it really like growing up as a sibling to someone with an intellectual disability? In this heartfelt episode, Abrar Shahin, a BCBA and sibling to an individual with an intellectual disability, shares her personal journey—its challenges, lessons, and triumphs. From childhood confusion and teenage embarrassment to deep admiration and advocacy,…

What is ABA therapy, and how can it help children with autism thrive? In this episode, host Leah Gross welcomes Rosie Neustadt, clinical director at Circle Care Services, to break down the fundamentals of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. Together, they explore how ABA works, its evolution over the years, and its impact on children with auti…

Our gut microbiome significantly impacts brain health, cognition, and emotional well-being for both children and adults through what functional medicine physician Dr. Maria describes as our internal "GI Joes." • Eating diverse plant foods (aim for 30 different types weekly) supports healthy gut bacteria and brain function • Adequate sleep, especial…

Eric D. Williams is the Founder of Project Elijah Empowering Autism. PEEA is a nonprofit organization established in 2004 based out of West Philadelphia and named after his son Elijah (now 26 years old) who at the age of 3 was diagnosed with autism. PEEA hosts free year-round education and recreation programs for families living with autism/unique …

Welcome to Brain Power with Dr. Eko, where each week we explore ways to boost brain health through mind, body, emotional, and environmental well-being. In this episode, Dr. Eko welcomes Dr. Ruth Odoi, a board-certified internal medicine physician and founder of Oasis Women's Functional Medicine. Together, they dive into the challenges many mothers …

Battling through a haze of vertigo, anxiety, and depression, Dr. Brandy Cummings discovered the hidden culprit of her chronic health struggles: mold exposure. In this episode of Brain Power with Dr. Eko, Dr. Cummings shares her personal journey from illness to recovery, offering hope and guidance to other mothers facing similar challenges. Her stor…

Exploring the transformative power of communication, this episode unveils strategies for building deeper connections with children. Dr. Maiysha Clairborne shares insights on inherited communication styles, the importance of conscious parenting, and ways to listen actively to foster emotional intelligence. In this episode you’ll find: • Importance o…

Discover the transformative journey of Ms. Dina Farmer, a US Air Force veteran who turned life's challenges into a mission to empower families with special needs. Driven by her own experiences as a military spouse and the mother of two children with autism, Dina shares invaluable insights into how travel can become a powerful tool for self-care and…

How do you maintain hope and resilience when faced with the challenges of raising a child with disabilities? Together with Dr. Dannette Taylor, a dedicated advocate and coach for parents in similar situations, we unravel the emotional journey that comes with diagnoses like ADHD and autism. Dr. Taylor opens up about her personal experiences and stre…

Listen in and get answers to the top ADHD questions parents ask! Plus, don't miss our discussion on how lifestyle choices can impact your child's ability to thrive. Could understanding the early signs of ADHD change the way you see your child’s behavior? Join me as we tackle the most common ADHD questions parents ask, unraveling the complex world o…

What if redefining fatherhood could transform how we understand and support our children with autism? This episode features the inspiring Mr. Jamiel Owens, a dedicated advocate for fathers within the autism community. Jamiel shares his remarkable journey from facing personal challenges at a young age to his current role as Family Relations Coordina…

Unlock the secrets to a healthier life as we sit down with the pioneering Dr. Chhaya Makhija, founder of Unified Endocrine and Diabetes Care. Dr. Makhija reveals her groundbreaking methods that merge traditional medicine with lifestyle enhancements, such as laughter yoga, and breathwork. Learn how a good laugh and focused breathing can transform yo…

Looking to transform your family's health habits without feeling overwhelmed? Get ready to be inspired by Dr. Tolulope Olabintan, a family physician, CEO, co-founder, and mom, as she shares her expert strategies for fostering a culture of health in your household. Learn how to seamlessly incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables into your daily routi…

Ever wondered how a good night's sleep can transform your family's life? Join us for an enlightening episode featuring Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown, a board-certified sleep physician who specializes in sleep for children and their parents. Dr. Funke shares her personal journey into sleep medicine, sparked by her own experiences and the positive changes …

Unlock a deeper understanding of ADHD and autism comorbidities in children and teens with insights from our special guest, Dr. Marie Dona. In this episode of Brain Power, Dr. Dona shares groundbreaking statistics and underscores the urgency of early diagnosis and treatment to prevent additional mental health issues like depression and anxiety. You'…

What if you could turn everyday moments into opportunities for your family's well-being? Join us as Dr. Sara Ionescu, a dedicated family medicine physician and mom of five, reveals her strategies for seamlessly integrating physical activity into busy family routines. Learn how to foster a love for movement in your children, manage screen time effec…

Curious about how loving your child can shape their entire future? Join us for a heartwarming conversation with Dr. Ebere Azumah, CEO of Love Your Menses and an esteemed OBGYN. Dr. Azumah shares invaluable insights on understanding our children's actions as signals for attention and the profound impact a nurturing environment can have on their self…

Unlock the secrets behind your child's hyperactivity or inattention as we welcome Dr. Ruan, CEO of the Texas Center for Lifestyle Medicine, on this eye-opening episode of Brain Power with Dr. Eko. Could chronic mouth breathing or sleep apnea be masquerading as ADHD in your adolescent? Dr. Ruan sheds light on the skull-brain connection, revealing ho…

Could you be missing crucial developmental milestones for your child simply because intervention came too late? Join us in today's heartfelt episode where we share an emotionally charged story of a mother's six-year struggle to get her child evaluated for developmental delays. We underscore the profound impact of early intervention during the criti…

Can early intervention in ADHD and autism truly revolutionize a child's development? In this episode, I passionately discuss the critical importance of timely evaluations and the comprehensive process my practice implements to support families. From filling out forms and submitting videos to engaging in virtual appointments, I unveil the detailed j…

Are screens turning our kids’ lives upside down? Join me for an eye-opening conversation that explores the hard-hitting realities of screen time and its impact on ADHD symptoms in children. You'll discover why instant digital rewards can worsen hyperactivity and attention issues, as well as practical steps for setting boundaries around screen use. …

Can changing a single word in your vocabulary transform your stress levels and parenting experience? Join us as we welcome Dr. Samara Potter, a pediatric oncologist and certified life coach, to discuss the profound impact of negative self-talk on parents, especially those caring for children with cancer. Dr. Potter offers transformative advice on s…

Ever wondered how resilience born from hardship can be transformed into entrepreneurial success? Erica Myers, the dynamic founder of Fosterpreneur, joins us to share her inspiring mission of guiding young adults who have experienced foster care toward starting their own businesses. Erica delves deep into how her trauma-informed, holistic approach n…

Discover the transformative power of a plant-based lifestyle with Dr. Amanda Adkins, a double board-certified lifestyle and internal medicine doctor whose personal health journey will leave you inspired. After struggling with her weight as a teenager, Dr. Adkins made the life-changing decision to embrace a healthier way of living, eventually becomi…

Navigating the educational landscape for children with learning disabilities can be a labyrinth of confusion and frustration for parents and educators alike. That's where the expertise of educational therapist Dr. Bibi Pirayesh comes in, guiding us through the complexities with a mix of professional insight and compassionate advocacy. In an enlight…

Discover the essential life skills that can transform your child's future as we sit down with Katie Kimball, the visionary behind Kids Cook Real Food. Katie, a beacon of inspiration for parents, unfolds her narrative from confronting the everyday challenges of healthy cooking and budgeting to pioneering a platform that empowers children with culina…

When a mother's intuition sparked a quest for answers, it led to the discovery of early signs of autism in her young child. Our latest episode features an intimate discussion with this devoted mom who walked the path from uncertainty to advocacy, highlighting the life-altering power of early diagnosis and intervention. Together, we traverse the lan…

Unlock the mysteries of Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders as we host the remarkable Dr. Adame, a pediatrician who advocates for a "Veggies Over Pills" approach to health. Our enlightening conversation traverses the challenging landscape of PANS and PANDAS, conditions that often confound both parents and healthcare professionals alike.…

Unlock the secrets to safeguarding your child's neurological health with the brilliant Dr. Fernandes, a pediatric neurologist who brings the latest insights on the concerning rise in pediatric headaches since the dawn of the pandemic. It's more than just an episode; it's a journey into the complexities of a child's brain, where Dr. Fernandes unrave…

Ever wondered how a calmer heart could transform your family life? Emma O'Brien, a HeartMath practitioner and life coach, joins us to share the secrets of emotional regulation and its profound effects on parenting. Emma's insights into nervous system coherence teach us how to respond to our little ones with more compassion, enhancing decision-makin…

Unlock the secrets to rejuvenating sleep with Dr. Bhopal from Pacific Integrative Psychiatry, who gracefully dissects the intricate dance between sleep and mental health. Our enlightening chat navigates through her holistic approach to well-being, targeting nutrition, gut health, and mind-body practices. Dr. Bhopal unveils her three pillars of slee…

This episode is an intimate exploration of why keeping those pearly whites healthy matters more than you might think, especially for our little ones. Dr. Valerie Mukanga from Healing Wings Dental joins us to shed light on pediatric oral care, focusing on children with ADHD and autism. Together, we navigate through practical tips and strategies to m…

When your child receives a diagnosis of Autism or ADHD, it can feel like you're venturing into unknown territory without a map. In our latest episode, I delve into this very journey with you. I'm Dr. Hokehe Eko, a pediatrician dedicated to nurturing the development of children with these diagnoses. My philosophy goes beyond symptom management; it's…

Unlock the secrets to a thriving work life with neuro-immunologist Dr. Mary Rensel, who joins us to illuminate the path to professional well-being entrenched in joy and vitality. Dr. Rensel, with her profound expertise, shares neuroscience-backed strategies that go beyond the norm, showcasing how fun can powerfully rejuvenate our neurological state…

Unlock the secrets of holistic pediatric care with Staten Island's own Dr. Vladimir Barayev, a pediatrician whose heart beats for his community. On today's Brain Power, we're not just celebrating Dr. Vlad's third practice anniversary; we're gaining a treasure trove of advice for families. Discover how Dr. Vlad's Direct Primary Care model revives th…

Unlock the secrets to nurturing the best possible relationship with your child's pediatrician, as Dr. Emeka Obidi, a luminary in pediatric care, joins us to discuss the art of making the right choice for your little one's health. Feel the weight of decision lift, as Dr. Obidi, with his rich experience and founder of Newborn Prep Academy, guides us …

Ready to conquer the kitchen chaos and give your family's meals a nutritious makeover? Join me, as I team up with the inspiring Dr. Sandra Luyindula, lovingly known as Dr. L, to unravel the art of meal prepping for the busiest of bees. In a candid chat, Dr. L spills her secrets on whipping up a week's worth of delicious, healthy meals without break…

Navigating the stormy seas of parenting isn't easy, especially when your child with autism faces the compulsion to headbang. In our heartfelt discussion, we delve into this perplexing behavior and offer a treasure trove of practical strategies designed to bring solace to both you and your child. From parsing out the hidden messages behind each head…

Unlock the transformative power of early childhood evaluations with our heartfelt exploration into pediatric care. As we unveil the significance of the first five years, you'll grasp the profound impact that early recognition and intervention can have on children with developmental concerns. From identifying signs of autism to addressing ADHD nuanc…

When Lori Knowles' son, Daniel, was diagnosed with autism, she found herself at a crossroads that many parents know all too well—the search for answers when the experts seem out of reach. Lori's relentless pursuit of knowledge led her to explore the uncharted terrain of biomedical treatments and dietary changes, which resulted in Daniel's extraordi…

Discover the hidden power of your body's "second brain" as Dr. Eko guides us through the enigmatic brain-gut connection, revealing its profound influence on mental and physical health. Venture into the intricate workings of the enteric nervous system and grasp how it communicates with our central nervous system, shaping not only digestion but our o…

Have you ever felt the profound impact of sisterhood ripple through your life? Nancy and Amy Harrington, creators of The Passionistas Project, join us to weave a tapestry of stories that celebrate the strength of female bonds and their effects on our emotional and brain health. As we traverse their transition from Hollywood to fostering a vibrant c…

Unlock the secrets of your child's health and behavior with Dr. Piper Gibson's expert insights on personalized nutrition. In our latest discussion, we delve into the profound influence of diet on children's well-being, particularly those with tic disorders, autism, and ADHD. Dr. Gibson, a luminary in functional medicine, genomics, and holistic nutr…

Unlock the potential of restorative sleep for your child with ADHD or autism as we navigate the back-to-school transition with guidance from Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown, a triple-board-certified sleep medicine physician. In a landscape where every parent strives to give their child an edge, this episode offers a treasure trove of insights into setting …

Discover the keys to unlocking your child's potential and navigating the educational landscape with special needs. Dr. Joy Bell, an executive function coach and passionate educator, joins us to share her transformative strategies for supporting children with ADHD and autism. Together, we demystify the intricacies of forming effective partnerships w…

Ever wondered how to guide your child through emotional turbulence and problem-solving challenges? Strap in as we journey into the world of child development with author and curriculum instructor, Lindsey Kealey. Lindsey introduces us to her effective 3 C's framework - Connect, Calm, Collaborate - promising to transform the way we handle challengin…

Ever feel like you're running on empty as a parent of a special needs child, struggling to balance your own needs with those of your child's? Melody Kashumba, a mental health nurse and mother of an autistic son, joins us to stress the significance of parental self-care. Her personal journey is a testament that embracing your child's unique path and…

Here's a question to ponder, why do we often overlook the health of our brain? The answer, seemingly simple, has profound implications for how we live our lives. Your brain is responsible for every function, every thought, every emotion and every decision you make. So, it's high time we paid attention to it. In our conversation, we navigate through…