Co-hosts Erin Stein and Dr. Gillian Goddard tackle one of the wilder phenomena in science: The Placebo Effect. It’s real, but why and how? What’s happening in our brains and bodies when we take a medication (or a fake one)? How does it relate to things like positive thinking or mindfulness? Join us for a discussion of one of the most basic yet fascinating building blocks of medical science.

We take a moment to remind you that while this is a medical discussion, it is not providing a diagnosis or treatment or any medical advice. The only way to get a diagnosis, treatment or medical advice for your particular condition is through a discussion with your doctor.

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Visit www.thesavvypatient.com/podcast for episode transcripts.

Watch full podcast episodes @TheSavvyPatient on Youtube.com.

Get your copy of The Hormone Loop by Dr. Gillian Goddard wherever books are sold.

This episode was produced and edited by Erin Stein. Music: “All We Live For (instrumental)” by Wolfclub licensed through Audiio.com. Intro and outro edited, and video created, by Ian Mayer. The Savvy Patient logo by Amanda Spielman.

In this episode of The Savvy Patient, cohosts Erin Stein and Dr. Gillian Goddard welcome their very first guest: Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Stephanie Mueller. With nearly 20 years of experience in the field, Stephanie helps break down autism spectrum disorder (ASD), clearing up common misconceptions and explaining how diagnostic criteria have evolved over time to significantly expand access to vital insurance coverage and care. Stephanie outlines the core diagnostic markers and the push within the field to distinguish profound autism for individuals requiring lifelong care. We tackle persistent myths—reaffirming that vaccines do not cause autism—and offer guidance for parents on seeking care. Plus, we discuss how teens and adults may receive a later diagnosis as life changes affect coping skills. Stephanie introduces the core modalities of support (Occupational, Physical, Speech, and Behavioral Therapies). Then we delve into modern Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA, discussing historical criticisms of ABA, and how it should look for families. Plus, Stephanie gives us real-life examples of how ABA’s core concepts—like positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, and functional communication—offer powerful, practical strategies that every parent can use to encourage positive behaviors in everyday family life.

Resources and References: You can find Stephanie Mueller on Instagram @stephanie_mueller_BCBA or reach her at stephaniemuellerbcba@gmail.com. For an overview on the elements of Autism Spectrum Disorder we discussed: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7082249/ 2020. Hodges, H., Fealko C, Soares N. Autism spectrum disorder: definition, epidemiology, causes, and clinical evaluation. Translational Pediatrics. DOI:10.21037/tp.2019.09.09. For more on Applied Behavior Analysis, both its effectiveness and a critical look at its history: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11487924/ 2024. The Effectiveness of Applied Behavior Analysis Program Training on Enhancing Autistic Children's Emotional-Social Skills. By Du G, Guo Y, Xu W, in BMC Psychology. DOI: 10.1186/s40359-024-02045-5. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9114057/ 2022. Concerns About ABA-Based Intervention: An Evaluation and Recommendations. By Leaf JB, Cihon JH, Leaf R, McEachin J, Liu N, Russell N, Unumb L, Shapiro S, Khosrowshahi D., in Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05200-8. Rain Man is a 1988 feature film in which a main character represents as an autistic savant and was reportedly based on real-life people the writer had met.

We take a moment to remind you that while this is a medical discussion, it is not providing a diagnosis or treatment or any medical advice. The only way to get a diagnosis, treatment or medical advice for your particular condition is through a discussion with your doctor. Please subscribe savvypatient.substack.com Visit www.thesavvypatient.com/podcast for episode transcripts. Watch full podcast episodes @TheSavvyPatient on Youtube.com. Get your copy of The Hormone Loop by Dr. Gillian Goddard wherever books are sold. This episode was produced and edited by Erin Stein. Music: “All We Live For (instrumental)” by Wolfclub licensed through Audiio.com. Intro and outro edited, and video created, by Ian Mayer. The Savvy Patient logo by Amanda Spielman.

Your period is over. Congratulations! But cohosts Erin Stein and Dr. Gillian Goddard have news for you: hormonal health care isn’t over! Let us introduce health during your second act, and life after menopause. We cover what happens to your hormones, why vaginal estrogen may still matter, when to think about bone density, thyroid and blood sugar testing, and why you should keep up with cancer and cardiovascular screening. We also make the case for things that may be just as important as any lab test: using your brain, learning new things, making friends, and staying socially connected. Because menopause is not the end of the road, it’s just a new turn!

We take a moment to remind you that while this is a medical discussion, it is not providing a diagnosis or treatment or any medical advice. The only way to get a diagnosis, treatment or medical advice for your particular condition is through a discussion with your doctor. Erin mentions the novel The Thursday Night Murder Club, and by that she meant The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman.

Please subscribe savvypatient.substack.com Visit www.thesavvypatient.com/podcast for episode transcripts. Watch full podcast episodes @TheSavvyPatient on Youtube.com. Get your copy of The Hormone Loop by Dr. Gillian Goddard wherever books are sold. This episode was produced and edited by Erin Stein. Music: “All We Live For (instrumental)” by Wolfclub licensed through Audiio.com. Intro and outro edited, and video created, by Ian Mayer. The Savvy Patient logo by Amanda Spielman.