Naturally Recovering Autism with Karen Thomas

California Approves Independent Vaccine Guidelines Law As Multi State Alliances Emerge [Podcast Episode #230]

California Passes Law Allowing State to Set Its Own Vaccine Guidance

In a landmark move, California has passed a new law (AB 144, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom on September 17, 2025) that gives the state authority to establish its own vaccine schedules and related policies — rather than being bound by federal guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

Here’s a breakdown of what the law does, why it was enacted, and how it fits into a broader trend among U.S. states.

Key Provisions of the Law

Some of the main changes under AB 144:

• It establishes a baseline for vaccine coverage based on the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations as of January 1, 2025.
• It authorizes the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to modify or supplement those baseline recommendations, using guidance from independent medical organizations (like the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, etc.).
• It requires that state-regulated insurance plans (including Medi-Cal) cover vaccines that the state health department endorses under its guidance — meaning no copays for many Californians under those plans for state-recommended vaccines.
• It gives CA authority to act more independently of federal advisory bodies when those are perceived by state leadership to be compromised or less trustworthy.
  
  

  Why This Law Was Enacted

  Several reasons motivated the push for this law:

  1. Concerns over federal changes: The law reflects growing concern in California (and some other states) that recent shifts at the federal level — including reconstitution of advisory panels, changes in vaccine eligibility criteria, and what state officials view as politicization of public health — have undermined trust in the CDC’s recommendations...

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Benefits Of A Late Autism Diagnosis: Self-Understanding and Support At Any Age [Podcast Episode #229]

Instead of just focusing on the controversy or risks of misdiagnosis, you can pivot toward the benefits of finally having clarity through a late diagnosis, and then be empowered with actionable, natural strategies that align with what we do at Naturally Recovering Autism.

The Benefits of a Late Autism Diagnosis

1. Clarity & Self-Understanding

• Many people spend years confused about why social situations, sensory environments, or certain tasks feel harder for them than for others. A diagnosis provides a framework — “Oh, that’s why.”

   

• This self-knowledge can reduce self-blame, shame, and anxiety.

  2. Access to Resources & Support

• Even later in life, a diagnosis can open doors to support groups, therapies, accommodations in work or school, and tools for managing sensory overload or executive function.
• Parents of children diagnosed later can finally advocate more effectively for educational resources.

   

  3. Direction for Healing & Growth

• Instead of trying random approaches, families (or adults themselves) can pursue strategies that actually match the needs of an autistic brain and body.

   

• You can move from “what’s wrong with me?” to “here’s how my brain works, and here’s what helps.”

Natural & Supportive Approaches for Autism 

Once someone receives a diagnosis — whether at 5, 15, or 55 — the question becomes: What can I do now?

Here are some natural interventions:

1. Nutritional & Gut Health Support

• The gut-brain connection is well-documented. Late-diagnosed individuals may realize their digestive issues, food sensitivities, or chronic inflammation have been compounding their challenges.
• Approaches: gluten/dairy-free diets, probiotics, gut-healing protocols, anti-inflammatory nutrition. Get my free food guide at autismcheatsheet.com...

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https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/229

Banned Pesticide Found in Popular Children’s Cereals [Podcast Episode #228]

Pesticide used on oats known to harm development, fetal growth and harming reproductive health later in life.

Asheville, N.C. – Aug. 25, 2025 – A new investigation by Moms Across America has found disturbing levels of a banned pesticide, chlormequat, in some of the most popular children’s cereals sold in the United States.

Given this disturbing finding, Moms Across America is calling on the administration to revise the recently leaked draft of MAHA Commission strategy report, which falls short in calling for increased policy enforcement to reduce exposure of harmful pesticides to our children and American families.

The findings raise serious concerns about food safety, particularly for children, and call into question the effectiveness of regulatory oversight by the Food and Drug Administration.

Chlormequat, which has been linked to infertility, cancer, and developmental harm, was detected in 11 out of 14 cereal samples tested. The highest level—134.16 parts per billion—was found in General Mills’ Honey Nut Cheerios. It is not permitted for use on food crops in the U.S., and it was illegal for any imported grains to contain detectable levels of it until 2018.

Key findings include...

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Wearable Phototherapy Patch For Autism: Stem Cell Activation Explained [Podcast Episode 225]

I’m excited to share a non-invasive, easy-to-use technology that is showing tremendous promise for children with autism, as well as many other health conditions. This could really help your child now.

This wearable patch is a form of light therapy that activates our own dormant stem cells in the body. Stem cells are how our bodies heal. 

This one-of-a-kind breakthrough patch technology uses the body’s own light to activate its own stem cells, promoting better cellular health-benefits that can help children thrive by:

• supporting natural healing, 
• resetting genes, 
• Improving function of the immune system, 
• balancing inflammation, and the immune response.

The X39 patch is FDA compliant as a general wellness product, and backed by over 80 double-blind studies...

 

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https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/225

Interview with Isaac Eliaz, M.D., M.S., L.Ac. on Heavy Metal Detoxification [Podcast Episode #227]

Dr. Isaac Eliaz brief biography:

Dr. Eliaz has been a pioneer in the field of integrative medicine since the early 1980’s, with a specific focus on immune health, detoxification and mind-body medicine. He also has experience creating clinical protocols that have shown success in addressing the symptoms of autism and those on the autism spectrum have. He is a respected clinician, researcher, author and educator, he has been teaching continuing education to health care providers for over 25 years. As part of his commitment to the advancement of integrative medicine, Dr. Eliaz is directly involved in ongoing research and has published a number of peer reviewed studies demonstrating the effectiveness of specific integrative therapies for immune enhancement, heavy metal toxicity and cancer prevention and treatment…

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https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/227

How to Get a Vaccine Exemption for Your Child: A State By State Guide for Parents [Podcast Episode #226]

This guide will cover how to get a vaccine exemption in each of the 50 United States.

Parents who choose vaccination exemption for their children do so because they believe that children get too many shots altogether, and they have valid concerns about serious side effects, such as autism. Ultimately, it is a parent’s choice to make the right decision for their child’s individual needs. 

Types of Exemptions: 

Medical Exemptions:
These are granted when a child has a medical contraindication to a vaccine, such as allergies to vaccine components or a history of adverse reactions. 

Non-medical Exemptions:
These include: 

• Religious Exemptions: Allowing exemptions based on religious beliefs that prohibit vaccination. 
• Philosophical or Personal Belief Exemptions: Allowing exemptions based on personal or moral convictions against vaccination. 

State Variations: 

• • Medical Exemptions:
    All states and the District of Columbia allow medical exemptions for children unable to receive vaccines due to medical reasons. Typically, a medical exemption must be written by an MD or doctor of osteopathy (DO). 
  • Religious Exemptions:
  • This exemption is based on the First Amendment, the right to freely hold and exercise religious beliefs. Most states allow religious exemptions, with only a few (like California, New York, and West Virginia) not allowing any non-medical exemptions...

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https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/226

Podcast Interview with Dr. Sherri Tenpenny on Vaccinations [Podcast Episode #224]

Dr. Sherri Tenpenny, is a board-certified osteopathic medical doctor from Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Tenpenny is an internationally known expert on the problems associated with vaccines. Her book, Saying No To Vaccines”  is a guide written to help adults and parents refute the most common reasons to vaccinate. Please listen to this very informative interview.

As the “Voice of Reason about Alternative medicine”, Dr. Tenpenny is an outspoken advocate for free choice in healthcare, including the right to refuse vaccination. She has done hundreds of radio, TV and print interviews, and she is a returning speaker to the Cal Jam...

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Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Autism [Podcast Episode #223]

Mitochondria give cells over 90% of their energy. Without proper energy cells cannot carry out their functions.

Mitochondrial Dysfunction vs Mitochondrial Disease

Mitochondrial dysfunction simply means that the mitochondria are not working correctly. Mitochondrial disease is the term used when the primary cause of mitochondrial dysfunction resides in the mitochondria. Mitochondrial disease is generally genetic. It can be inherited from either or both parents. A special type of mitochondrial disease is caused by mutations on the mitochondrial DNA, and is inherited only from the mother. When the primary cause of mitochondrial dysfunction resides outside the mitochondria, mitochondrial dysfunction is called “secondary” (to something else).

Symptoms of Mitochondrial Dysfunction

Cellular energy is necessary for the function of all cells, but is particularly critical for nerve and muscle. Both nerve and muscle are important in GI function, thus cyclic vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, poor GI mobility, and other digestive disorders are common. Additional potential complications of mitochondrial dysfunction include chronic fatigue, neuropathic pain, depression, autistic regression, seizures, hypoglycemia, visual and hearing difficulty, depression, anxiety, panic disorder, intellectual disability, and dysautonomia.

Mitochondrial Triggers

Mitochondrial dysfunction can be genetic, but even then, disease is often triggered by the environment. Viral infections are among the most common triggers of mitochondrial dysfunction. Additional potential triggers are other infections (e.g. lyme bacteria), vaccinations, toxins, anesthesia, and any other significant stressor. In order situations, mitochondrial dysfunction can be acquired. In fact, stroke and heart attack involve mitochondrial dysfunction, whereas cells are receiving insufficient oxygen for required energy metabolism. Many environmental toxins can poison mitochondria as well, including some pesticides...

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https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/223

Natural Allergy Desensitization [Podcast Episode #222]

Podcast Interview on Natural Allergy Elimination with Paula Vetter

Your child may have obvious allergies to certain pollen’s or foods, but there are many other unknown possibilities, as well. Natural allergy elimination can desensitize the body from all kinds of issues that are affecting his immune system, his brain, and much more. These compounds are in foods and chemicals found in everyday life.

By getting rid of allergies the immune system is freed up to work where it is needed. During a session for natural allergy elimination the practitioner is able to detect which meridians pathways of the body are being affected such as anatomy, physiology, brain, and circulatory systems. Acupressure points are stimulated which opens a gateway to the immune system, and tells it to recognize the product as normal, a correct way to respond.

Paula Vetter RN, MSN, FNP-C is a board certified Holistic Family Nurse Practitioner, Certified Herbalist, Reiki Master/Teacher, Certified EFT Practitioner, Certified CIRS Practitioner and Personal Wellness Coach...

 

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Fasting Risks For Autism and What To Do Instead [Podcast Episode #221]

While intermittent fasting may have beneficial effects on various autoimmune diseases, fasting is not right for everyone.

Intermittent fasting can be detrimental for people with autoimmune issues because it can potentially exacerbate their condition by putting additional stress on the immune system, which is already dysregulated in autoimmune diseases, potentially leading to increased inflammation and flare-ups due to the body’s tendency to attack its own tissues during fasting periods. 

Why intermittent fasting may not be right for someone with autism:

Immune system disruption:
Fasting can cause fluctuations in immune cell activity, potentially leading to an overactive immune response in individuals with autoimmune diseases where the body is already attacking its own tissues. PANS is an autoimmune attack on the brain and it is very common in children with autism. You will see a sudden onset of OCD, clinginess, and fearfulness.

Increased inflammation:
While some research suggests intermittent fasting might reduce inflammation in healthy individuals, in autoimmune conditions, it could trigger increased inflammatory markers due to the body’s altered immune response. 

Stress on the body:
The stress of fasting can further exacerbate autoimmune symptoms. If your immune system is fragile and you’re constantly having flare-ups, you might want to avoid fasting until your body is stronger.

What to do instead:

Focus on a balanced, healthy diet with controlled portion sizes, regular exercise, and mindful eating habits to achieve similar health benefits, prioritizing nutrient-dense foods and limiting processed options; essentially, managing your overall calorie intake without strict fasting windows.

Ketogenic Diets are popular for this reason. A ketogenic diet primarily consists of high-fats, moderate-proteins, and very-low-carbohydrates. The dietary macronutrients are divided into approximately 55% to 60% fat, 30% to 35% protein and 5% to 10%carbohydrates.

In our episode Healthy Carbs, Candida Control, and What You Can Do To Soothe Autism Symptoms [Podcast Episode #210] we discussed how low-carb diets can be potentially sleep disruptive and anxiety provoking if candida overgrowth is still strong and candida is eating up all of the glucose our brain needs. This is very common in sleep disorders. 

I discuss this in detail in my podcast episode # 133, How To Improve Sleep Tied To Candida Induced Hypoglycemia. ...

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https://naturallyrecoveringautism.com/221