From the Spectrum: Finding Superpowers with Autism

Ryan Sumner
  • 5.0 (14)
  • 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. 2D AGO

    (Re-Release) The Roles of Oxytocin & Vasopressin in the Autistic Phenotype

    In this episode, we explore Oxytocin and Vasopressin's vast roles in Human Biology. We time travel to cover the evolution of the two molecules and learn about their functions with developing and socializing. Oxytocin and Vasopressin are dynamic molecules whereby they are Peptides and Hormones. In addition, we cover previously discussed brain regions and how the molecules work alongside key Neuromodulators like Serotonin and Dopamine. Social Reward https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6214365/ Social Reward Requires Oxytocin and Serotonin in Nucleus Accumbens (Parvo Path) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4091761/ Magnocellular and Parvocellular social Information Processing https://www.cell.com/neuron/fulltext/S0896-6273(20)30770-4?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS0896627320307704%3Fshowall%3Dtrue Magnocellular and Parvocellular https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jne.12284 Meta-Analysis of Intranasal https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=intranasal+oxytocin+autism&sort=pubdate&filter=pubt.meta-analysis https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33400920/ Intranasal Review https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38579916/ (0:00) Intro; Oxytocin and Vasopressin; Episode Objectives (2:46) Oxytocin and Vasopressin; 700 million year time travel (Phylogeny) (4:12) Peptides and Hormones; Modes of Transmission- Endocrine, Paracrine, Synaptic (6:35) Proteins and Peptides; Amino Acids and Aromatic Amino Acids and Light (8:58) Magnocellular and Parvocellular (12:33) Roles of Oxytocin and Vasopressin and connections to various Brain Regions (22:20) Scientific Literatures (27:12) Oxytocin and Serotonin; 1) Reward Processing, 2) Fear Response, 3) Social-Emotional Processing (30:07) Oxytocin and Dopamine (31:08) Dopamine Receptors (31:37) GABA (33:57) Intranasal Oxytocin (36:08) Take aways from Intranasal Literature (37:24) Biggest Take Away (Magnocellular versus Parvocellular and Intranasal Administration) email: info.fromthespectrum@gmail.com

    39 min

  2. 5D AGO

    Autism, Circadian Rhythms & Protocols

    In this episode, we navigate the fascinating world of circadian rhythms and their profound impact on our health. We cover essential biology and protocols for human health, Autism or not. We will discuss how these natural cycles of light and dark regulate our biology, from hormone production to mood and cellular function, and why disruptions—particularly from artificial light—are a growing concern in modern society. Highlighting the role of melanopsin, a blue light-absorbing protein discovered as recently as 1998, we explore how exposure to LED and tech light can throw off our internal clocks, a challenge especially relevant for those with autism who often struggle with circadian rhythm issues. Modern life has two problems: 1) removing ourselves from the full sun spectrum and 2) extending the day with artificial light at night. This, in large part, explains the origins of Autism: 1) a lack of biological energy (energy from the full sun spectrum during development- remember the episodes on neurulation, embryo and womb) and 2) improper clock-timing in our biology (in large part, this is why the gastrointestinal comorbid problem is heavily involved with Autism). We also introduce actionable protocols to reset and maintain a healthy circadian rhythm, whether you're autistic or not, emphasizing the critical role of sunlight at different times of day—morning, midday, and evening. We will discuss innovative solutions like the Daylight Computer, a blue light-free, flicker-free device designed with sensory-sensitive users in mind, and Chroma light devices that harness specific wavelengths to enhance well-being. Alongside these insights, we touch on historical and environmental factors, including a thought-provoking comparison to the Amish lifestyle, to underscore how our modern world might be influencing Autism rates and overall health. use "autism" for $25 off at https://daylightcomputer.com?sca_ref=8231379.3e0N25Wg3w use "autism" for 10% discount at https://getchroma.co/?ref=autism 00:00 Circadian rhythms introduced; blue light’s impact via melanopsin and Daylight Computer’s benefits. 00:42 Daylight Computer Company 5:00 Blue light’s harm, autism energy deficits, and artificial vs. natural light comparison. 08:01 Melanopsin’s role, modern light’s disruption, and historical autism link to artificial light. 12:01 Amish lifestyle comparison and modern environments’ effect on autism rates. 16:01 Morning sunlight protocol for circadian reset via SCN and melatonin timing. 20:01 Morning sun primacy; Non-Negotiable 21:23 Chroma light devices for health 24:33 Midday sun / UV light for longevity, evening sun’s role, and ranking sunlight importance. 28:01 Nighttime light management: avoid overhead lights, prefer candles/red lights, ensure dark sleep. 32:01 Maternal health benefits, reviews/ratings, and social media/podcast engagement X: https://x.com/rps47586 Hopp: https://www.hopp.bio/fromthespectrum YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGxEzLKXkjppo3nqmpXpzuA email: info.fromthespectrum@gmail.com

    34 min
  3. Dr. Richard Frye, MD, PhD: All about Leucovorin & Benefits for the Autistic Phenotype

    MAR 31

    Dr. Richard Frye, MD, PhD: All about Leucovorin & Benefits for the Autistic Phenotype

    For this episode, we discuss the roles and sensitivity of mitochondria with Dr. Richard Frye, MD, PhD. Dr. Frye received an MD and a PhD in Physiology and Biophysics from Georgetown University. He is board certified in Pediatrics, Neurology with special competence in Child Neurology, and as a Certified Principal Investigator. In addition, he has a Masters in Biomedical Sciences and Biostatistics from Drexel University. Dr. Frye has over 300 publications in leading journals and book chapters. Dr. Frye shares many figures during the conversation so the listener can follow along. Dr. Richard Frye https://drfryemdphd.com Rossingnol Medical Center Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RossignolMedicalCenter Neurological Health Foundation https://neurologicalhealth.org Healthy Child Guide https://neurologicalhealth.org/the-guide-5/ Daylight Computer Company https://daylightcomputer.com?sca_ref=8231379.3e0N25Wg3w use "autism" in the discount code for $25 coupon. This is the future of tech. Chroma Light Therapy https://getchroma.co/?ref=autism use "autism" for a 10% discount, 0:00 Dr. Richard Frye 0:58 Daylight Computer Company 5:17 Chroma Light Devices 8:27 History of Leucovorin; low risk, high reward; Folate Receptor Alpha (FRa) 10:25 Blood Brain Barrier; Folate; CSF (cerebral spinal fluid) 14:04 DNA, RNA; MTHFR (Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) 17:34 Cerebral Folate deficiency; BH4, Placenta & Womb 23:35 Folate deficiency & Autism 26:21 Clinical Studies & Data 29:28 Folate & Mitochondria; Cerebral Folate Antibodies; White Matter Findings (!) 34:45 Cerebral Folate deficiency & Ranges; Autistic Phenotypes: Language, Communication, & Behaviors 40:45 Language & Communication; Self-Injurious Behaviors; Hyperactivity, Agitation; Treatment duration 42:53 Folate Autoantibodies & Maternal Health & Markers 45:30 Studies & Behavioral outcomes; inflammation & thyroid findings 46:58 Neural development; Language connections, white matter tracts & distal connections 48:53 Leucovorin for different severity/levels of Autism; Spinal Bifida 51:08 Preparing for pregnancy 53:50 Transgenerational aspects of Folate Autoantibodies Research; Prenatal Care & Awareness 59:32 Guidance & Support X: https://x.com/rps47586 Hopp: https://www.hopp.bio/fromthespectrum YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGxEzLKXkjppo3nqmpXpzuA email: info.fromthespectrum@gmail.com

    1h 2m
  4. Nicole Rincon, PA-C: Various Biomarkers including Gastrointestinal Issues & Autism

    MAR 24

    Nicole Rincon, PA-C: Various Biomarkers including Gastrointestinal Issues & Autism

    Nicole Rincon https://www.nicolerincon.com Nicole's X https://x.com/NicoleRinconPA Rossignol Clinic https://rossignolmedicalcenter.com TACA Info: https://tacanow.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/F-H-2-Nicole-Rincon-Beginning-Biomed.pdf TACA Talks: https://www.nicolerincon.com/videos Publications https://rossignolmedicalcenter.com/articles-publications/#published-2024-2-articles Nicole Episode 1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBkdgwVfcZI Nicole Episode 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auLReV0DHkQ Daylight Computer Company https://daylightcomputer.com use "autism" in the discount code for $25 coupon. This is the future of tech. Chroma Light Therapy https://getchroma.co use "autism" for a 10% discount, ***THIS IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE*** 0:00 Nicole Rincon 1:10 Daylight Computer Company; DC-1 5:33 Pre-pregnancy checks; Vitamin D 8:37 MTHFR, Folate; Mitochondria; CPR, ESR, Inflammation 11:12 GI; CSA; Bacteria, Fungus, Parasites, Calprotectin; Zonalin; MS & Proteus Mirabilis 13:06 Organic Acid Test (OAT); Clostridia 15:24 MTHFR; C677, 1298; Folinic Acid 19:02 Folate's role in pregnancy and development; Critical info about types and duration 22:35 Cholesterol; Maternal & Child; Speech & Communication 25:06 Telepathy; Autism Rates 26:40 Dysbiosis; PCOS 29:30 Cholesterol ranges & symptoms; mood, irritability, cognition, aggression; Cortisol & Hormones 37:02 Dysbiosis symptoms; Self-Injurious, Posturing 41:08 Identifying symptoms in Non-Verbal; Self-Injurious 45:08 Importance of Gut Health & Checks; Vitamin D, Electrical Efficiency & Biological Energy 48:17 Autistics and pale skin; too many are pale; supplementing Vitamin D, K2; Brands 51:00 Proprietary blends warning; abbreviated doses; Fungal overgrowth, Yeast 55:49 "Binders;" Magnesium 61:00 Fungal Overgrowth & Autism; OAT, Clostridia, C. diff, aggression, self-injurious; Antibiotics & Probiotics 1:05:42 Telepathy Tapes, Autism, Water (Cytochrome C Oxidase), Coherence; Luc Montagier NOT Emilio Del Giudice; Distal Connections via Water and NOT axons; Outro X: https://x.com/rps47586 Hopp: https://www.hopp.bio/fromthespectrum YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGxEzLKXkjppo3nqmpXpzuA email: info.fromthespectrum@gmail.com

    1h 18m
  5. Neurulation, Neuroepithelial Cells, & Mesencephalon

    MAR 17

    Neurulation, Neuroepithelial Cells, & Mesencephalon

    Why doesn't the MESENCEPHALON further subdivide into larger regions of the brain? In this episode, we will expand on the neurulation time and focus on the brain formation, spotlighting the proencephalon, mesencephalon, and rhombencephalon, which emerge around days 22–23 of embryonic life. The proencephalon (forebrain) splits into the telencephalon—think cerebral hemispheres for cognition—and the diencephalon, home to the thalamus and hypothalamus for sensory and hormonal control. Meanwhile, the rhombencephalon (hindbrain) divides into the metencephalon (pons and cerebellum, key for movement) and myelencephalon (medulla, handling [mostly] autonomic essentials like breathing). The mesencephalon stands out as a non-subdividing relay hub. The mesencephalon offers tremendous insights into the Autistic phenotype with its roles in biasing the living organism's attention to the environment. Autism and the Womb https://youtu.be/NOVp4mIroug Autism, Neurulation, & Embryogenesis https://youtu.be/TXkc93uGNuw Autism & Eye Movements https://youtu.be/1amB5e9qzg4 Autism & Sensory Processing Part 1 https://youtu.be/HPvwvtu5hB4 Autism & Sensory Processing Part 2 https://youtu.be/iWy9Rligzic Daylight Computer Company https://daylightcomputer.com use "autism" in the discount code for $25 coupon. This is the future of tech. Chroma Light Therapy https://getchroma.co use "autism" for a 10% discount, 0:00 Daylight Computer Company 04:22 Neuralation and Brain Development 05:09 Maternal Factors and Biomarkers (Tyrosine, Hypothyroidism, etc.) 06:46 Tryptophan and Its Role in Embryogenesis 08:34 Environmental Insults and Toxins 09:19 Embryogenesis and Brain Formation (Proencephalon, Mesencephalon, Rhombencephalon 10:43 Telencephalon 10:57 Diencephalon 12:34 Rhombencephalon 12:52 Metencephalon 13:35 Myelencephalon 15:12 Evolutionary Perspective of the Mesencephalon 21:39 Chroma Light Devices 24:48 Mesencephalon’s Role in Motor Control, Sensory Processing, and Autism; 27:12 Extrapyramidal motor system; Substantia Nigra, Red Nucleus 30:11 Additional Nuclei of the Midbrain; Ocular Motor Nuclei; Edingher-Westphal; Trochlear nerve 31:58 Paraaqueductal Gray (PAG), "Retard Strength" and Its Role in Pain, Behaviors and Autism; "Freezing" in Flight, Fight, & Freeze 36:00 Eye Movements; learning & Neuroplasticity; Motor Planning, Proprioception, Language and Speech 38:20 Wrap Up X: https://x.com/rps47586 Hopp: https://www.hopp.bio/fromthespectrum YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGxEzLKXkjppo3nqmpXpzuA email: info.fromthespectrum@gmail.com

    39 min
  6. Autism, Neurulation, and Embryogenesis

    MAR 10

    Autism, Neurulation, and Embryogenesis

    For today's episode, we go into the science of embryogenesis, focusing on neurulation—the critical process where the neural tube forms, laying the groundwork for the central, peripheral, and enteric nervous systems. We discuss how disruptions in this early developmental stage, influenced by factors like folic acid metabolism, the sonic hedgehog pathway, and genes such as PTEN (P10), could shape the autistic phenotype. From cell proliferation to migration, we connect these biological processes to autism, exploring how environmental factors—like a pregnant mother’s exposure to artificial light versus sunlight—might alter developmental outcomes. This episode sets the stage for when the Autistic phenotype begins and for more detail on why the mesencephalon does not evolve into other cell types like the other three areas (prosencephalon, rhombencephalon, and spinal cord). Daylight Computer Company https://daylightcomputer.com use "autism" in the discount code for $25 coupon. This is the future of tech. 0:00 Daylight Computer Company 4:20 Neurulation; primary & secondary 6:26 Neural tube, MTHFR & Folate (Vitamin B9), DNA methylation 11:51 Neuroepithelial Cells; Neural Crest, Surface Ectoderm, Mesodermal 16:05 Environmental implications, proliferation, differentiation, and migration 18:45 PTEN 26:29 Modern Environments 28:00 What do you think light is? Autism is in the Womb 31:40 Hyper and Hypo-connectivity 34:40 some rants 35:51 Leo Kanner kid, Donald Tripplet; The Biology that gives us Autism allows us to be comfortable within ourselves; more rants, probably 37:59 Review/Ratings & Contact Info X: https://x.com/rps47586 Hopp: https://www.hopp.bio/fromthespectrum YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGxEzLKXkjppo3nqmpXpzuA email: info.fromthespectrum@gmail.com

    39 min
  7. Part 2 Autism and Sensory Processing: Scientific Literature

    MAR 3

    Part 2 Autism and Sensory Processing: Scientific Literature

    For today's episode, we expand on Autism and Sensory Processing. We return to the mesencephalon—a brainstem region with superior and inferior colliculi—as a critical hub for sensory integration and attention bias. We cover four scientific articles, starting with Marco et al. (2011), which uses EEGs, MEGs, and fMRIs to reveal autism’s auditory processing inconsistencies (e.g., delayed N100/M100 cortical responses), tactile hypersensitivity from overactive receptors, and visual processing quirks like reduced fusiform gyrus activation for faces. Russo et al. then explore brainstem-level deficits, showing autistic children’s auditory brainstem responses (ABR) to speech syllables like "DA" exhibit poor neural synchrony and phase locking, especially in noise, due to disrupted wave V, A, D, F timing—linking these to language impairments. These findings point to biological roots, including denser neocortical mini-columns (30-40 vs. 50-60 microns in controls) and cerebellar Purkinje cell loss, impairing local processing and long-range connectivity. The episode continues with Leekam et al. (2007), confirming over 90% of autistic individuals have multi-modal sensory abnormalities—hypo- and hypersensitivity tied to serotonin and GABA dysregulation—persisting across life, while Tomchek and Dunn (2007) note 95% prevalence via caregiver reports, hinting at neural pathway disruptions. At some point, we need to acknowledge the mesencephalon’s embryological stasis as one of four neural cell types, suggesting its evolutionary role in sensory modulation is key to Autism’s biology. These articles collectively highlight altered neural circuitry, from brainstem to cortex, and biases us to remaining within ourselves. Remember, the biology that gives us Autism allows us to be comfortable within ourselves. Marco et al 2011 https://www.nature.com/articles/pr9201193 Russo et al 2009 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1467-7687.2008.00790.x Leekam et al 2007 https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10803-006-0218-7 Tomchek & Dunn 2007 https://affectautism.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/tomcheck_dunn.pdf 0:00 Autism and Sensory Processing; comorbid conditions; Mesencephalon 3:03 Article 1 Marco et al 2011 4:11 Auditory 5:00 N100 & M100 tools 9:17 Tactile 11:23 Visual 13:53 Multisensory Integration 15:16 Postmortem; Cerebellum & Purkinje Cells; Minicolumns 17:06 Speech 19:02 Article 2 Russo et al; Brainstem scientists 20:28 Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR); Quiet versus Noisy environments; Beatles comparison 23:49 Neural Synchrony; Waves V, A, D, F 24:33 Phase Locking 27:34 Article 3 Leekam et al 2007; Neuroplasticity 33:09 Article 4 Tomchek & Dunn 2007 36:36 Reviews/Ratings and Contact Info X: https://x.com/rps47586 Hopp: https://www.hopp.bio/fromthespectrum YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGxEzLKXkjppo3nqmpXpzuA email: info.fromthespectrum@gmail.com

    38 min
  8. Part 1 Autism and Sensory Processing: Intro to Senses & Melanin

    FEB 24

    Part 1 Autism and Sensory Processing: Intro to Senses & Melanin

    For today's episode, we discuss Autism and sensory processing. The episode expands on the concept of the mesencephalon (midbrain), touching on the superior and inferior colliculi, key regions that help extract and integrate sensory information. The role of melanin in sensory processing is highlighted, as it aids in signal transfer and increases efficiency in sensory organs, including the eyes, ears, and skin. The episode also connects these concepts to autism, noting that individuals with Autism often experience both hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity to sensory stimuli, affecting their interaction with the environment. The episode also dives into the biological foundations of sensory perception, focusing on the role of melanopsin and other chromophores in light absorption and how they influence wakefulness and sleep cycles. Additionally, we cover the auditory system, specifically how melanin in the cochlea contributes to hearing and how auditory processing can become overwhelmed in individuals with Autism, leading to sensory overload. The discussion then extends to the role of melanin in other systems, such as the gastrointestinal tract, and its connection to energy production and sensory perception. By exploring the pathophysiology of Autism at an early developmental stage, the episode emphasizes the need to investigate sensory processing and its integration across the nervous system to better understand Autism. Role of semiconductivity and ion transport in the electrical conduction of melanin https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3384144/ Dr. Jack Kruse: QUANTUM ENGINEERING #53: WHY IS MELANIN ALWAYS FOUND BETWEEN YOUR SENSES & THE ENVIRONMENT? https://www.patreon.com/posts/quantum-53-why-83720421 Dr. Jack Kruse: QUANTUM ENGINEERING #45: AUTISM & MELANIN/MELANOPSIN: A MIGRATION PROBLEM https://www.patreon.com/c/DrJackKruse/posts 00:00 Autism and Sensory Processing 02:31 Mesencephalon’s Role; Melanopsin; Chromophores 05:02 Melanin in Sensory Systems 07:33 Light and Quantum Biology 10:04 Environmental Impact on Health; Hypo and Hypersensitivity 12:35 Energy and Mitochondria 15:06 Embryogenesis and Autism Origins; Neuralation, Neuroepithelial Cells 17:37 Autism Research 19:05 Reviews/Ratings & Contact Info X: https://x.com/rps47586 Hopp: https://www.hopp.bio/fromthespectrum YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGxEzLKXkjppo3nqmpXpzuA email: info.fromthespectrum@gmail.com

    20 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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