Episode 21: Functional Medicine and Autism

Chris sits down with Dr. Sam Shay—a neurodiverse clinician, functional medicine expert, and stand-up comic—who brings over 25 years of experience to the table. Dr. Sam shares his groundbreaking Neuroharmony Model, designed to help
neurodiverse adults and families create balance in an often overwhelming world.
Together, they discuss the relationship between physiology and psychology, the importance of frameworks in personalized health plans, and practical strategies for burned-out parents, autistic adults, and anyone seeking better sleep, nutrition, and resilience. Dr. Sam offers both hope and a roadmap to real change.

Links:
Autism Learning Lab: https://www.autismlearninglab.com/
Email: chris@autismlearninglab.com

Dr. Sam Shay: https://drsamshay.com/

Quotes:
[4:12 - 4:20] Dr. Shay “If the parents are burnt out or unwell, then they can’t be of support to their child.”
[6:38 - 6:49] Dr. Shay “Functional medicine is the best of Western medicine lab diagnostics with the best of natural medicines, lifestyle, diet, nutrition, and interventions.”

[15:00 -15:10] Dr. Shay “I’m proud to call myself Asperger’s or an Aspie, because it was Asperger’s syndrome that brought the Nazis down. And I can prove it with three names: Oppenheimer, Einstein, and Turing.”

[21:39 - 21:47] Dr. Shay “The goal here is not perfection but to make a client feel that they are on track.”

[28:39 - 28:47]Dr. Shay “There’s no such thing as a panacea, but consistent, super high-quality sleep is a close second.”