In this episode we explore spindle neurons, also known as von Economo neurons (VENs), discovered by Constantine von Economo in the 1920s. These large, cylinder-shaped cells, found in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), anterior (or called frontoinsula) insula, and rarely the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), are crucial for rapid communication in social behaviors. Three key points stand out: first, spindle neurons are located exclusively in the ACC and insula, the core hubs of the salience network, which is disrupted in autism as early as six weeks of age, as shown in a UCLA study. Second, these neurons are primarily involved in social behaviors, underpinning complex interactions in humans and other social species. Third, they are rare, found only in highly social animals like great apes, cetaceans, and possibly elephants, highlighting their evolutionary significance. In autism, increased spindle neuron density in the insula of children aged 4–14 is linked to early brain overgrowth, though this normalizes in adulthood due to pruning.

The salience network, driven by the ACC and anterior insula, relies on spindle neurons to process relevant stimuli, integrate sensory data, and guide social-emotional responses. In autism, hyper-connectivity between the insula and sensory regions causes sensory hypersensitivity, while hypo-connectivity with prefrontal areas, including the DLPFC, impairs social cognition and adaptive behaviors. This disrupts the network’s ability to switch between the default mode network and executive functions, often trapping autistic individuals in an internal world. Spindle neurons are also linked to disorders like frontotemporal dementia, schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s, and emotional dysregulation.

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

3:10 Spindle Neurons; Interesting Point #1: Salience Network

6:03 Interesting Point #2: Rapid Communication & Social Behaviors

7:11 "rediscovery" of Spindle Neurons in 1990s by John Allman

8:30 Interesting Point #3: Highly Social Species

10:57 Neuropeptide Y & Monoamine- Dopamine & Serotonin

11:45 Morphology of Spindle Neurons & In Utero-Children; Social Learning

12:54 Species with Spindle Neurons

14:47 Small Clusters within the dlPFC

15:08 Salience Network, ACC, Anterior Insula; Fulcrum for Default Mode and Executive Networks

22:48 Daylight Computer Company, use "autism" for $25 discount

27:08 Diseases/Conditions associated with Spindle Neurons

29:26 The Autistic Phenotype (!!) -- The Whole Reason for the Podcast

32:25 Reviews/Ratings, Contact Info

X: https://x.com/rps47586

YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGxEzLKXkjppo3nqmpXpzuA

email: info.fromthespectrum@gmail.com

In this episode, we explore the impact of tech use and blue light on circadian biology, exploring how melanopsin and chromophores regulate physiology, mood, and cell functioning. The discussion highlights the leptin-melanocortin pathway, its role in placental physiology, and how ultra-weak biophotons from placental mitochondrial DNA influence fetal development, emphasizing the critical interplay of light and dark cycles in health.

We further examine fetal brain development, focusing on mitochondria, neurogenesis, and the effects of UV light and nitric oxide on the thalamus and sensory integration. The episode connects BH4, tryptophan, and melanin deficits to Autism, discussing how environmental light and electromagnetic fields disrupt biological energy, contributing to neurodevelopmental problems and the Autistic phenotype.

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

04:17 leptin-melanocortin pathway, biophotons, mitochondria, POMC, nitric oxide, BH4, fetal, placental physiology, fertility, ultra-weak biophotons, maternal blood, quantum biology, melanin, UV

08:00 endocannabinoid, UV light, 380 nanometer, melanopsin, photo switch, brain development, leptin, mTOR, mitochondria, thalamus, sensory integration center, neurogenesis, fetal thalamus

12:00 nitric oxide, autism, BH4, fetal ATP production, tryptophan, cellular redox, BPA, fluoride, deuterium absorption, electromagnetic fields, semiconduction, brain growth, biological energy

16:03 Chroma Lights for Humans, use "autism" for 10% discount

20:04 leptin-melanocortin pathway, leptin, adipose tissue, melanopsin, hypothalamus, POMC, placental physiology, ultra-weak biophotons, melanin, semiconductor, antioxidant, maternal physiology, brain volume

24:23 biophotons, living cells, mitochondrial activity, cellular communication, electromagnetic waves, UV light wavelengths, energy, mitochondria, reactive oxygen species, TCA cycle, placental efficiency, thalamic timing

28:29 mitochondrial DNA, retrograde signaling, gene expression, environmental cues, autism, heteroplasmy, biophoton coherence, calcium release, acetyl coenzyme A, fetal thalamus, neurogenesis, environmental light

32:29 leptin-melanocortin pathway, neurodevelopmental problems, biophotons, somnathogenesis, circadian abnormalities, melanin, neural semiconduction, hyper excitability, hyper connectivity, salience network, attention, autistic phenotype

36:34 Reviews/Ratings, Contact Info

X: https://x.com/rps47586

YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGxEzLKXkjppo3nqmpXpzuA

email: info.fromthespectrum@gmail.com

My guest today is a special Mother's Day edition with Katie Asher. Katie is a devoted mother of five and founder of Asher House, who shares her inspiring journey of raising her son Houston, who has severe autism. Katie discusses the challenges of navigating trauma, loss, and an abusive past, all while advocating for Houston’s voice through groundbreaking communication methods like letter boards. She recounts the transformative moment when Houston, previously nonverbal, began spelling to communicate, revealing his profound intelligence and telepathic abilities, which reshaped her worldview and deepened their spiritual connection. Their story, detailed in their co-authored book The Book of Heaven, highlights resilience, faith, and the fight for recognition and inclusion for non-speaking individuals.

Katie also critiques systemic failures in education and healthcare, exposing how institutions often dismiss the capabilities of those with autism, prioritizing profit over humanity. She passionately advocates for presuming competence, emphasizing the need for trust, love, and proper motor coaching to unlock communication. Through her experiences, Katie calls for a societal shift toward kindness, truth, and justice, urging listeners to value every soul and embrace the spiritual abundance that fosters unity and hope. Join us for an emotional and thought-provoking conversation that challenges assumptions and celebrates the power of connection.

Katie Asher X https://x.com/KTAsher5

Katie Asher Instagram https://www.instagram.com/asherhousehope/p/DHrUwDtv2R_/?img_index=1

Asher House https://www.asher.house

The Book of Heaven https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737898608

DTP Hib https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DPT-Hib_vaccine

Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immune_thrombocytopenic_purpura

0:00 Katie Asher

1:33 Katie's Intro into Autism

7;24 Challenges with the medical paradigm; Profits over Humanity

13:35 Understanding Intelligence & Communication; Telepathy & Sensory Processing

25:18 Spelling 2 Communicate

31:24 Houston Pops In

37:26 Building Trust & Communication Skills

46:19 The Instinctual Desire to be Known

48:00 Understanding Non-Verbal Communication

50:26 The Abundance Mindset

51:30 Unity through Truth & Justice

52:42 The Struggles of Parents of Autistic Children

54:10 The Role of Technology in Communication

56:36 The Challenges of Motor Control

1:00:00 Eloping & Self-Injurious Behavior; Being drawn to Water

1:02:05 The Connection to Water

1:03:50 Energy & Spiritual Connection

1:05:46 The Role of Humanity in Nature

1:07:31 The War between Nature & Machine

1:08:35 Telepathy & Communication

1:11:43 The Impact of Thoughts on Life

1:15:50 Trusting God in Doubt; Contact Information

X: https://x.com/rps47586

YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGxEzLKXkjppo3nqmpXpzuA

email: info.fromthespectrum@gmail.com