The Profound Parent Podcast - with Dr. Dana Johnson

About The Profound Parent Podcast - with Dr. Dana Johnson

The Profound Parent Podcast Parenting a child with profound autism and complex support needs requires a depth of knowledge, courage, and advocacy that few people truly understand. The Profound Parent Podcast is for parents raising children with high support needs—including nonspeaking or unreliably speaking children—and navigating a world that doesn't always know how to see the whole person. A Profound Parent isn't defined by a diagnosis. They're defined by the depth of knowledge, resilience, and fierce advocacy they develop along the way. This podcast explores what it really means to raise a child with profound autism, complex support needs, and significant communication challenges while holding two truths at once: a child can have profound, lifelong support needs and be thoughtful, intelligent, curious, and capable of learning. Difficulty demonstrating ability is not the same as an absence of ability. Each episode brings you real stories, practical tools, honest conversations, and mindset shifts for navigating communication, advocacy, education, AAC, daily life, and the complicated realities of high-support-needs parenting. We talk about what it means to presume competence, support communication, understand behavior, and advocate fiercely—even when the world underestimates your child. Because understanding profound support needs should never mean underestimating the person. The Profound Parent Podcast: Understanding profound needs without underestimating the person.

Publisher

Dr. Dana Johnson

Category

education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

23 Aug 2026

Latest episode

3 Nov 2026

Latest episodes

10 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   3 Nov 2026

   Episode 9: Len Acruri "The Parent is the Force Multiplier"

   Len Arcuri is a Private Strategic Advisor to Parents, founder of All In Parent, and host of the Autism Parenting Secrets podcast, where he has interviewed hundreds of experts dedicated to helping families navigate autism. Inspired by his journey raising his son Ry, who was diagnosed with autism at 18 months, Len has spent more than two decades navigating the uncertainty, complexity, and difficult decisions faced by families raising children with autism.A former CPA, CFO, and Six Sigma Master Black Belt, Len combines systems thinking, strategic decision-making, and lived experience to help parents become more effective at navigating their child's journey. Rather than telling parents what to do, he helps them get clear on what matters most, create a strategy they feel great about, and execute that strategy powerfully. His core belief is simple: The parent is the force multiplier. When parents become stronger, more capable leaders, they are better positioned to help their children thrive. Learn More & ConnectAbout Len and All In Parent: https://allinparent.com Explore Private Strategic Advisory: https://www.elevatehowyounavigate.com Listen to Autism Parenting Secrets: https://autismparentingsecrets.com/podcast/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/autismparentingsecrets 💬 Have questions? Drop them in the comments below!👍 Found this helpful? Please like and subscribe for more evidence-based strategies for parents and professionals.🔔 Subscribe for weekly videos on supporting children with complex autism and whole-body apraxia! IMPORTANT RESOURCES:🔗 Helpful Resources & Links: https://www.drdanajohnson.com https://www.spellerstampa.com https://www.spelleratlanta.com X:  https://x.com/drdanajohnson https://www.youtube.com/@DrDanaJohnson⁩   🔗 Spellers Method: www.spellers.com 🎬 Spellers Documentary:    • SPELLERS THE MOVIE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8h1rcLyznK0&t=2210s  📍 Find a Spellers Center: www.spellerstampa.com or www.spellersatlanta.com 📚 Learn About Whole-Body Apraxia: www.drdanajohnson.com Disclaimer: The information provided on this channel is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. I am a licensed occupational therapist, not a medical doctor. The content shared reflects my professional experience, clinical insights, and personal opinions, and should not be interpreted as a substitute for individualized medical, diagnostic, or therapeutic advice. Always consult your physician, licensed healthcare provider, or qualified specialist for guidance specific to your child’s needs. Use of this content is at your own discretion and risk. Viewing or interacting with this channel does not create a therapist-client relationship.

2. 

   26 Oct 2026

   Episode 8: Dr. Sylvia Fogel "Regression, Neuroimmune Health & the IACC"

   Dr. Sylvia Fogel is a psychiatrist and the parent of two adult children with autism, including a son with profound, nonspeaking autism and complex medical needs. Her personal experience has profoundly shaped her clinical and research interests. Dr. Fogel chaired the development of the 2026–2028 Strategic Plan of the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC), which establishes federal priorities for autism research, services, and supports. She continues to serve on the IACC, advocating for a systems biology approach to autism that integrates genetics, immune function, metabolism, and neurodevelopment, with particular attention to regression and profound autism. Her clinical practice includes individuals with autism, PANS/PANDAS, and complexneuropsychiatric conditions, integrating conventional psychiatry with functional medicine and systems biology principles. Dr. Fogel is an Instructor in Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and teaches in the MGH/McLean Psychiatry Residency Program. She received her medical degree from Weill Cornell Medical College and completed her psychiatry residency and psychoanalytic training at Columbia University, where she previously held academic and leadership positions. She also serves on the Massachusetts Department of Public Health PANDAS/PANS Advisory Council and is a member of the Autism Innovation Coalition. Dr. Fogel writes solely in her personal capacity. Link to research article referenced: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.aek6870 Music licensed through Soundstripe.Code: HQLMA0DIRKJ7IXYB 💬 Have questions? Drop them in the comments below!👍 Found this helpful? Please like and subscribe for more evidence-based strategies for parents and professionals.🔔 Subscribe for weekly videos on supporting children with complex autism and whole-body apraxia! IMPORTANT RESOURCES:🔗 Helpful Resources & Links: https://www.drdanajohnson.com https://www.spellerstampa.com https://www.spelleratlanta.com X:  https://x.com/drdanajohnson https://www.youtube.com/@DrDanaJohnson⁩   🔗 Spellers Method: www.spellers.com 🎬 Spellers Documentary:    • SPELLERS THE MOVIE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8h1rcLyznK0&t=2210s  📍 Find a Spellers Center: www.spellerstampa.com or www.spellersatlanta.com 📚 Learn About Whole-Body Apraxia: www.drdanajohnson.com Disclaimer: The information provided on this channel is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. I am a licensed occupational therapist, not a medical doctor. The content shared reflects my professional experience, clinical insights, and personal opinions, and should not be interpreted as a substitute for individualized medical, diagnostic, or therapeutic advice. Always consult your physician, licensed healthcare provider, or qualified specialist for guidance specific to your child’s needs. Use of this content is at your own discretion and risk. Viewing or interacting with this channel does not create a therapist-client relationship.

3. 

   13 Oct 2026

   ESSENTIALS with Dr. Dana: How To Get More Out Of Your Child's Therapy

   Spending thousands on autism therapies and not seeing progress? Your child’s diet may be the missing foundation. In this video, Dr. Dana Johnson, an occupational therapist with training in functional and nutritional medicine, explains why nutrition matters for kids with profound autism and how to start improving your child’s diet without a mealtime battle. Supplements, the gluten-free casein-free (GFCF) diet, red light therapy, movement programs, stem cells: parents ask me about all of it. My first question is always the same: “How’s your child’s diet?” Food is the fuel for your child’s body and brain, and every therapy is an upgrade built on top of it. If the fuel isn’t right, those upgrades have nothing to work with. In this video, you’ll learn: ✅ Why nutrition is the foundation for every other autism therapy ✅ How today’s food can leave kids undernourished even when they eat plenty ✅ Simple whole-food swaps for picky eaters (crunchy snacks included) ✅ How to read labels, and why GFCF junk food is still junk food ✅ How to build a plate around protein and healthy fats ✅ What’s behind the “all-carb kid,” and when to see a specialist ✅ The “add, don’t take away” approach for kids with restricted diets If this video changed how you think about where your money is going, share it with a parent who’s been pouring time and money into therapies and wondering why it’s not clicking. Subscribe for more practical help on autism, nutrition, and building the foundation first. 💬 Have questions? Drop them in the comments below! 👍 Found this helpful? Please like and subscribe for more evidence-based strategies for parents and professionals. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly videos on supporting children with complex autism and whole-body apraxia! IMPORTANT RESOURCES: 🔗 Helpful Resources & Links: https://www.drdanajohnson.com https://www.spellerstampa.com https://www.spelleratlanta.com X: https://x.com/drdanajohnson https://www.youtube.com/@DrDanaJohnson⁩ 🔗 Spellers Method: www.spellers.com 🎬 Spellers Documentary: • SPELLERS THE MOVIE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8h1rcLyznK0&t=2210s 📍 Find a Spellers Center: www.spellerstampa.com  or www.spellersatlanta.com 📚 Learn About Whole-Body Apraxia: www.drdanajohnson.com Disclaimer: The information provided on this channel is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. I am a licensed occupational therapist, not a medical doctor. The content shared reflects my professional experience, clinical insights, and personal opinions, and should not be interpreted as a substitute for individualized medical, diagnostic, or therapeutic advice. Always consult your physician, licensed healthcare provider, or qualified specialist for guidance specific to your child’s needs. Use of this content is at your own discretion and risk. Viewing or interacting with this channel does not create a therapist-client relationship.

4. 

   5 Oct 2026

   Episode 7: Nadia Elkhatib "Hard Today or Hard Tomorrow"

   Nadia Elkhatib is a mother, systems thinker, and the creator and host of Biohacking Autism. For more than twenty years, she has worked through health, sleep, behavior, and anxiety challenges alongside her son, Jimmy, who has autism. Before turning her focus to health, Nadia earned a master's degree in Computer Science and built a career in Silicon Valley technology. She now brings that same analytical, data-driven mindset to autism care. Through expert conversations, she helps families understand complex science, separate evidence from personal experience, and come to their practitioners with better questions instead of looking for quick fixes. Nadia lives in Silicon Valley with her husband, their two sons, and their Labradoodle, Daisy. You can learn more about her and her work here: https://biohackautism.com/ Her podcast, Biohacking Autism, is available on all major podcast platforms, including YouTube. 💬 Have questions? Drop them in the comments below! 👍 Found this helpful? Please like and subscribe for more evidence-based strategies for parents and professionals. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly videos on supporting children with complex autism and whole-body apraxia! I MPORTANT RESOURCES: 🔗 Helpful Resources & Links: https://www.drdanajohnson.com https://www.spellerstampa.com https://www.spelleratlanta.com X: https://x.com/drdanajohnson https://www.youtube.com/@DrDanaJohnson 🔗 Spellers Method: www.spellers.com 🎬 Spellers Documentary: • SPELLERS THE MOVIE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8h1rcLyznK0&t=2210s 📍 Find a Spellers Center: www.spellerstampa.com www.spellersatlanta.com 📚 Learn About Whole-Body Apraxia: www.drdanajohnson.com Disclaimer: The information provided on this channel is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. I am a licensed occupational therapist, not a medical doctor. The content shared reflects my professional experience, clinical insights, and personal opinions, and should not be interpreted as a substitute for individualized medical, diagnostic, or therapeutic advice. Always consult your physician, licensed healthcare provider, or qualified specialist for guidance specific to your child’s needs. Use of this content is at your own discretion and risk. Viewing or interacting with this channel does not create a therapist-client relationship.

5. 

   28 Sept 2026

   Episode 6: Chris (autismdad_memes) & Jess Elsing "When Everything Changed"

   Chris and Jess are parents to two children, Marissa and Logan. Their daughter, Marissa, was diagnosed with autism at just 2 years old, beginning a journey of learning, healing, and advocating for their family. Along the way, they have explored biomedical interventions, discovered the power of spelling, and taken a deep dive into apraxia. These experiences have transformed not only Marissa’s life, but the quality of life for their entire family. Their journey continues to be one of hope, growth, connection, and discovering what is possible when you never stop believing in your child. You can follow Chris on IG: https://www.instagram.com/autismdad_memes/ 💬 Have questions? Drop them in the comments below! 👍 Found this helpful? Please like and subscribe for more evidence-based strategies for parents and professionals. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly videos on supporting children with complex autism and whole-body apraxia! I MPORTANT RESOURCES: 🔗 Helpful Resources & Links: https://www.drdanajohnson.com https://www.spellerstampa.com https://www.spelleratlanta.com X: https://x.com/drdanajohnson https://www.youtube.com/@DrDanaJohnson 🔗 Spellers Method: www.spellers.com 🎬 Spellers Documentary: • SPELLERS THE MOVIE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8h1rcLyznK0&t=2210s 📍 Find a Spellers Center: www.spellerstampa.com www.spellersatlanta.com 📚 Learn About Whole-Body Apraxia: www.drdanajohnson.com Disclaimer: The information provided on this channel is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. I am a licensed occupational therapist, not a medical doctor. The content shared reflects my professional experience, clinical insights, and personal opinions, and should not be interpreted as a substitute for individualized medical, diagnostic, or therapeutic advice. Always consult your physician, licensed healthcare provider, or qualified specialist for guidance specific to your child’s needs. Use of this content is at your own discretion and risk. Viewing or interacting with this channel does not create a therapist-client relationship.

6. 

   22 Sept 2026

   Episode 5: Dr. Brian Hooker "From Regression to Relativity"

   My guest is Dr. Brian Hooker — a scientist, a father to Steve, and Chief Scientific Officer at Children's Health Defense. Steve regressed into autism as a toddler, a moment that completely reshaped Brian's career and sent him deep into research on environmental and health factors in autism. Steve is now 28 and thriving. In this episode, Brian shares the journey — the science, the setbacks, the breakthroughs — and the one thing he'd tell a family who just received the diagnosis. 🎧 Brian S. Hooker, PhD, is Chief Scientific Officer for Children’s Health Defense and has been involved in the organization since 2016.  He is also Emeritus Professor of Biology at Simpson University in Redding California.  He retired as full professor from the university in May, 2023 and served on their faculty for 14 years. He has been active in biotechnology and epidemiology research over the last 36 years after receiving his PhD in Biochemical Engineering from Washington State University in 1990. Dr. Hooker is the co-inventor for five patents for novel genetic regulatory elements in plants and yeast and has authored over 100 research papers, published in internationally recognized, peer reviewed journals.  His diverse research interests over his career have included environmental restoration and bioremediation, plant and fungal molecular biology towards the production of plant-made pharmaceutical proteins, the elucidation of microbial protein interactomes for energy relevant bacteria, the etiology of autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders and the epidemiology of vaccines and vaccine injury In 2013 and 2014, he worked with the CDC Whistleblower, Dr. William Thompson, to expose fraud and corruption within vaccine safety research in the CDC which led to the 2016 movie Vaxxed: From Cover-up to Catastrophe. Dr. Hooker coauthored with Robert F. Kennedy, Jr, the NY Times Best Seller, Vax-Unvax: Let the Science Speak. IMPORTANT RESOURCES: 🔗 Helpful Resources & Links: https://www.drdanajohnson.com https://www.spellerstampa.com https://www.spelleratlanta.com X: https://x.com/drdanajohnson Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrDanaJohnson⁩ 🔗 Spellers Method: www.spellers.com 🎬 Spellers Documentary: • SPELLERS THE MOVIE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8h1rcLyznK0&t=2210s 📍 Find a Spellers Center: www.spellerstampa.com or www.spellersatlanta.com 📚 Learn About Whole-Body Apraxia: www.drdanajohnson.com Disclaimer: The information provided on this channel is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. I am a licensed occupational therapist, not a medical doctor. The content shared reflects my professional experience, clinical insights, and personal opinions, and should not be interpreted as a substitute for individualized medical, diagnostic, or therapeutic advice. Always consult your physician, licensed healthcare provider, or qualified specialist for guidance specific to your child’s needs. Use of this content is at your own discretion and risk. Viewing or interacting with this channel does not create a therapist-client relationship.

7. 

   14 Sept 2026

   Episode 4: Olivia Rojo and "Praying Through Autism"

   Olivia Rojo, is the mom and advocate behind (@prayingthroughautism). She's a praying mom, former inclusion teacher, and a mom to two beautiful girls—one who is a nonspeaking with profound autism. She also passionate about staying strong and regulated herself, because caring for her nervous system helps her be a better support for her daughter. Working out with CENTR has also become a big part of self-regulation and self-care. After her daughters first regression into nonspeaking autism—and having three nonspeaking girls who regressed in her family—she believed for years that autism had to be genetic. She later learned it wasn’t. Years later, her daughter experienced a second major regression that was repeatedly dismissed as “just autism.” This time, she trusted her gut, kept searching, and discovered PANS/PANDAS and other underlying medical conditions. Guided by her faith, she now advocates for profound autism families, investigating regression, and looking beyond the diagnosis to improve children’s health and quality of life. You can find her here: IG: https://www.instagram.com/praying_through_autism/ IMPORTANT RESOURCES: 🔗 Helpful Resources & Links: https://www.drdanajohnson.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/drdanajohnson/ X: https://x.com/drdanajohnson FB: https://www.facebook.com/dana.johnson.5832 https://www.youtube.com/@DrDanaJohnson⁩ 🔗 Spellers Method: www.spellers.com 🎬 Spellers Documentary: • SPELLERS THE MOVIE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8h1rcLyznK0&t=2210s 📍 Find a Spellers Center: www.spellerstampa.com or www.spellersatlanta.com 📚 Learn About Whole-Body Apraxia: www.drdanajohnson.com Disclaimer: The information provided on this channel is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. I am a licensed occupational therapist, not a medical doctor. The content shared reflects my professional experience, clinical insights, and personal opinions, and should not be interpreted as a substitute for individualized medical, diagnostic, or therapeutic advice. Always consult your physician, licensed healthcare provider, or qualified specialist for guidance specific to your child’s needs. Use of this content is at your own discretion and risk. Viewing or interacting with this channel does not create a therapist-client relationship.

8. 

   14 Sept 2026

   Episode 3: Betsy Hicks-Russ and "Overcoming Doubt"

   Betsy Hicks-Russ is the Executive Director of Autism Odyssey, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting caregivers throughout their journey with education, resources, connection, and encouragement. She is also a co-host and producer of The Telepathy Tapes: Now What? podcast, where she explores autism, communication, caregiving, consciousness, health, and the evolving ways we understand nonspeakers. Betsy is the creator behind BetsyOnTheGo, where she has built a widely recognized social media presence informed by more than three decades of experience raising her nonspeaking autistic son, Joe, who communicates using a letterboard. Her work reflects a deep commitment to presuming competence and expanding the understanding of spelling as a meaningful means of communication. Beyond her own platforms, Betsy helps others find and share their stories through social media content creation and podcast production. A longtime advocate for healthier eating and an active lifestyle, she is especially passionate about the role nourishing food, movement, time outdoors, and connection can play in supporting greater well-being for individuals and families. You can follow her on IG: Betsyonthego Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@TheTelepathyTapes/podcasts Links from the show: Breathing to support regulation @injoylife_33 IMPORTANT RESOURCES: 🔗 Helpful Resources & Links: https://www.drdanajohnson.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/drdanajohnson/ X: https://x.com/drdanajohnson FB: https://www.facebook.com/dana.johnson.5832 https://www.youtube.com/@DrDanaJohnson⁩ 🔗 Spellers Method: www.spellers.com 🎬 Spellers Documentary: • SPELLERS THE MOVIE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8h1rcLyznK0&t=2210s 📍 Find a Spellers Center: www.spellerstampa.com or www.spellersatlanta.com 📚 Learn About Whole-Body Apraxia: www.drdanajohnson.com Disclaimer: The information provided on this channel is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. I am a licensed occupational therapist, not a medical doctor. The content shared reflects my professional experience, clinical insights, and personal opinions, and should not be interpreted as a substitute for individualized medical, diagnostic, or therapeutic advice. Always consult your physician, licensed healthcare provider, or qualified specialist for guidance specific to your child’s needs. Use of this content is at your own discretion and risk. Viewing or interacting with this channel does not create a therapist-client relationship.

9. 

   31 Aug 2026

   Episode 2: Tyler Hudson and "The Missing Lyrics"

   Tyler Hudson is a husband, father of three, musician, and advocate for families living at the deep end of the spectrum. From Texas, now living in Tasmania, Tyler speaks openly about grief, disability, and the responsibility we owe future generations. You can follow him here: IG: https://www.instagram.com/tylerhudsonmusic/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tylerghudson You can purchase his book, "The Missing Lyrics" on AMAZON IMPORTANT RESOURCES: 🔗 Helpful Resources & Links: https://www.drdanajohnson.com https://www.spellerstampa.com https://www.spelleratlanta.com X: https://x.com/drdanajohnson https://www.youtube.com/@DrDanaJohnson⁩ 🔗 Spellers Method: www.spellers.com 🎬 Spellers Documentary: • SPELLERS THE MOVIE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8h1rcLyznK0&t=2210s 📍 Find a Spellers Center: www.spellerstampa.com or www.spellersatlanta.com 📚 Learn About Whole-Body Apraxia: www.drdanajohnson.com Disclaimer: The information provided on this channel is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. I am a licensed occupational therapist, not a medical doctor. The content shared reflects my professional experience, clinical insights, and personal opinions, and should not be interpreted as a substitute for individualized medical, diagnostic, or therapeutic advice. Always consult your physician, licensed healthcare provider, or qualified specialist for guidance specific to your child’s needs. Use of this content is at your own discretion and risk. Viewing or interacting with this channel does not create a therapist-client relationship.

10. 

    23 Aug 2026

    Episode 1: Sarah Kernion and "The Next Loving, Responsible Thing"

    Sarah Kernion is the founder of INCHSTONES, a writer, podcast host, special education consultant, and mother of three, including two children with profound, non-speaking autism. Through INCHSTONES, Sarah brings lived experience and hard-earned clarity to conversations about profound autism, disability, caregiving, communication, and special education. Her work centers the voices and realities of families often overlooked, while helping parents recognize that their instincts, observations, and experiences matter. Sarah believes progress is not always measured in milestones. Sometimes, the smallest inchstones carry the greatest meaning—and noticing them can transform how we understand our children, ourselves, and what truly matters.Links:www.Inchstones.co (not .com)www.inchstonespodcast.comwww.Inchstones.substack.com IMPORTANT RESOURCES: 🔗 Helpful Resources & Links: https://www.drdanajohnson.com https://www.spellerstampa.com https://www.spelleratlanta.com X: https://x.com/drdanajohnson https://www.youtube.com/@DrDanaJohnson⁩ 🔗 Spellers Method: www.spellers.com 🎬 Spellers Documentary: • SPELLERS THE MOVIE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8h1rcLyznK0&t=2210s 📍 Find a Spellers Center: www.spellerstampa.com or www.spellersatlanta.com 📚 Learn About Whole-Body Apraxia: www.drdanajohnson.com Disclaimer: The information provided on this channel is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. I am a licensed occupational therapist, not a medical doctor. The content shared reflects my professional experience, clinical insights, and personal opinions, and should not be interpreted as a substitute for individualized medical, diagnostic, or therapeutic advice. Always consult your physician, licensed healthcare provider, or qualified specialist for guidance specific to your child’s needs. Use of this content is at your own discretion and risk. Viewing or interacting with this channel does not create a therapist-client relationship.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

5 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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