Brain Power with Dr. Eko
Brain Power with Dr. Eko is a podcast dedicated to sharing practical strategies for addressing the 4 pillars of health: Brain, Gut, Emotional and Environmental health for both parents and children.
Autism Beyond the Diagnosis: Co-Occurring Conditions and Whole-Child Care | Denise Fulton
Many children with autism experience challenges that go beyond the diagnosis itself, yet co-occurring conditions are often overlooked.
In this episode of BrainPower with Dr. Eko, Dr. Eko is joined by Denise Fulton, Chief Operating Officer at the Autism Research Institute, for an important discussion on autism, whole-child care, and why identifying co-occurring conditions can significantly impact long-term outcomes.
Together they discuss:
• Common co-occurring conditions in autism
• Why behaviors can sometimes signal underlying medical concerns
• The importance of a multidisciplinary approach
• A personal family journey and lessons learned
• Supporting children b...
How Communication Devices Help Kids and Adults Speak | Cambri McCoy
What is AAC, and how can communication devices help children and adults who struggle with speech?
In this episode of Brain Power with Dr. Eko, Dr. Eko speaks with Cambri McCoy, a doctor of physical therapy and Solutions Consultant with Tobii Dynavox, about how augmentative and alternative communication, also known as AAC, helps individuals express their needs, thoughts, and emotions more effectively. They discuss who can benefit from AAC, including children with autism, apraxia, and other communication challenges, and they address common myths around speech devices, including the fear that AAC will delay talking.
<...How ABA Supports Teens, Adults, and Individuals Beyond Autism | Naomi Noel, BCBA, LBA
In this episode, we explore how Applied Behavior Analysis can support older children, teens, adults, and individuals who are not considered traditional learners, including those without an autism diagnosis. We discuss how ABA can be used across the lifespan to strengthen daily living skills, communication, behavior support, and independence, while challenging common misconceptions about who can benefit from these services.
Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform and check out the video version on our YouTube channel!
CONNECT WITH ME!
If you want to s...
Autism Parenting, Burnout & Finding Peace as a Parent | Joké Durojaiye
What does an autism diagnosis really mean for your child, and what should you do next?
In this powerful episode, Dr. Eko sits down with Joké Durojaiye, mother of a child with the autism spectrum, certified life coach, and author of Unmute Yourself.
This conversation moves beyond the diagnosis to address what parents truly face: uncertainty, advocacy, daily care, and long-term planning.
Joké shares her lived experience navigating autism, including early signs, diagnosis challenges, therapy decisions, school advocacy, and raising a child with both autism and medical complexity.
This episode offers cl...
Understanding the Root Causes of Autism Meltdowns and How to Respond Effectively | Dr. Jalelah Abdul-Raheem
Autism meltdowns are often misunderstood as behavior problems, when in reality they are neurological responses to overwhelm. In this live session, Dr. Eko is joined by Dr. Jalelah Abdul-Raheem, Certified Nurse Educator and Board-Certified Cognitive Specialist, who also brings lived experience as a parent of a child with autism.
This discussion focuses on understanding the root causes of meltdowns and how to respond with clarity and structure.
In this session, you will learn:
What a meltdown is and how it differs from a tantrum
The underlying neurological and sensory causes
Common...
After the Diagnosis: Next Steps Every Autism & ADHD Parent Should Know | Indy Wilburn
Receiving an autism or ADHD diagnosis for your child can bring both clarity and many new questions. What happens next? Where should families begin? What services and supports should they be looking for?
In this live session, Dr. Hokehe Eko, integrative pediatrician and founder of Glow Pediatrics, is joined by Indy Nelson, Glow Pathways Coordinator, to discuss the essential next steps families should take after a diagnosis.
Together, they will walk through how parents can move from uncertainty to a clear plan of action for their child’s development and support.
In this se...
Loving Your Child as Designed | Parenting by the Book Ep 3
Too often, parents are taught to view their children through fear, pressure, and deficiency. But God’s design is never careless. The very area that has caused you the most concern may be the place where His intentionality is most deeply seen.
This episode is a call to shift your perspective. Your child is not a problem to solve before they are worthy of love. Your child is already worthy because they were created by God with purpose, dignity, and value.
If this message resonated with you and you’d like deeper guidance, you can conn...
Questions Parents of Children with Autism & ADHD Are Afraid to Ask (But Should) | Parenting by the Book Ep. 2
Parents are asking these questions every day quietly, in frustration, or after another hard moment at home.
In this video, Dr. Eko breaks down the real questions parents of children with autism and ADHD are asking right now from screen time and picky eating to meltdowns, communication, sleep, and behavior that doesn’t make sense on the surface.
This is not about labels. It is about understanding what is actually happening beneath your child’s behavior so you can respond with clarity, not confusion.
If this message resonated with you and you’d like d...
God's Love in Dark Seasons | Parenting by the Book Ep 1
Some parenting days feel more than hard, they feel spiritually exhausting. When the house is loud, patience is thin, and your child’s needs keep piling up, it is easy to wonder if God still sees you.
In this episode, Dr. Hokehe Eko, shares a powerful reminder from 1 John 4:7–19: God’s love does not depend on your performance. Your hardest parenting days do not reduce His love for you.
We discuss faith-based parenting for families navigating ADHD and autism, how to hold boundaries with love, and practical ways to reset when overwhelm sets in.
Parent-Led ABA for Autism & ADHD: Proven Home Strategies That Actually Work | Dr. Amara
Dr. Eko and Dr. Amara discuss how Parent-Led ABA can be effectively used in real home environments for children with Autism and ADHD.
This episode explores why communication often breaks down, how behavior is shaped by environment and reinforcement, and how structured parent-led strategies can reduce meltdowns while increasing functional communication.
We cover:
• Communication development using evidence-based ABA principles
• Reducing behavioral escalation without relying only on therapy hours
• Creating consistency between home routines and professional recommendations
• Building parent confidence in daily support and intervention
• Why parents are often the most...
Parenting Burnout: How to Reclaim Your Energy and Peace Without Guilt | Dr. Tolulope Olabintan
Parenting is beautiful, but it can also leave you running on empty.
In this episode, Dr. Eko and Dr. Tolulope Olabintan had an honest conversation about what it really looks like to care for yourself while caring for everyone else.
No unrealistic routines. No guilt trips. Just practical, compassionate strategies to help you manage stress, rest better, set healthy boundaries, and rediscover who you are beyond the parenting role.
Because you cannot pour from an empty cup, and your family needs you well.
Listen to the full episode on your...
Beyond Autism diagnosis: A child’s journey from angry outbursts to calm using Integrative Medicine, with Chi Boakye
In this conversation, Dr. Hokehe Eko is joined by Chi Boakye to discuss a powerful journey beyond an autism diagnosis. The discussion explores how a child once struggling with frequent anger, emotional dysregulation, and intense outbursts experienced significant behavioral and emotional improvement through an integrative medicine approach.
Together, they examine how factors such as gut health, nutrition, metabolic imbalance, inflammation, and environmental exposures can influence brain function and behavior in children with autism. The session highlights how looking beyond the diagnosis and addressing underlying biological contributors can support calmer behavior, improved regulation, and stronger parent–child connection.
How Holistic Care Changed My Sons Life, with DeeDee
Description:
What happens when a parent is told to “wait and see,” but knows there has to be more? In this powerful episode, Dr. Hokehe Eko sits down with Deedee, a mom with a nursing background who became the practitioner she could not find for her own child.
Together, they discuss a root-cause approach to autism support and what “testing, not guessing” can look like for families seeking answers.
In this episode, we cover:
Why tantrums, constipation, picky eating, speech delay, and frequent infections may signal deeper issues How functional testing can uncover...ADHD and Autism Beyond Medication: A Holistic Pediatric Path - hosted by Dr Stanley Ekiyor
In this invited conversation, Dr. Hokehe Eko, board-certified pediatrician and founder of Glow Pediatrics, shares a clinical, integrative perspective on autism and ADHD that moves beyond medication-first approaches. She discusses how gut health, immune balance, nutrition, and environmental factors shape behavior and regulation, and offers practical frameworks for supporting neurodivergent children with clarity and compassion.
Guest: Dr. Hokehe Eko, MD
Host: Dr. Stanley Ekiyor
Original Platform: Unstitching ADHD – Urban Education Talks
Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform and check out the video ver...
Helping Neurodiverse Learners Thrive In School And At Home
Helping Neurodiverse Learners Thrive In School And At Home is a special live session featuring Dr. Stanley Ekiyor, created for parents, educators, and caregivers who support neurodivergent children and teens.
In this powerful conversation, Dr. Ekiyor shares practical, actionable strategies for strengthening executive functioning skills, reducing academic stress, improving parent–school collaboration, and creating supportive environments where children feel understood, confident, and empowered.
This session is designed to equip you with clear tools and insights to help neurodivergent learners thrive not just get by both in school and at home.
Listen to th...
Can a Child Have Both ADHD and Autism? Signs, Treatment & Real Parent Insights
Ever wondered why your child's ADHD medication seems to help focus but doesn't stop the meltdowns? The answer might lie in the surprising overlap between ADHD and autism that many families discover only after years of incomplete treatment.
Through Ethan's story, we explore how 30-80% of children with autism also meet criteria for ADHD, while 20-50% of children with ADHD simultaneously qualify for autism spectrum disorder. This significant overlap creates unique challenges that medication alone cannot address. When stimulants improve attention but sensory triggers, social struggles, and rigid routines persist, it signals the need for a more...
When the meds stop working… what then?
Listen to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform and check out the video version on our YouTube channel!
CONNECT WITH ME!
If you want to schedule an ADHD/Autism appointment for your child, you may contact Glow Pediatrics:
🌐 Website: www.glowpediatrics.com
📱 Instagram: @drhokeheeko / @glowpediatrics
📧 dreko@glowpediatrics.com
👍 Facebook: Dr.HokeheEko / glowpediatrics
💼 LinkedIn: hokeheeffiongmd
Gut-Brain Connection: Nurturing Mental Health from the Inside Out With Dr Maria
Our gut microbiome significantly impacts brain health, cognition, and emotional well-being for both children and adults through what functional medicine physician Dr. Maria describes as our internal "GI Joes."
• Eating diverse plant foods (aim for 30 different types weekly) supports healthy gut bacteria and brain function
• Adequate sleep, especially hours before midnight, allows microbiome restoration and cognitive recovery
• Fermented foods should be consumed daily as a separate essential food category
• Judicious use of antibiotics prevents killing beneficial gut bacteria that can't fully regenerate
• Start with small, sustainable changes rather than attempting complete lifestyle overhauls
• Outd...
Fatherhood, Autism, and Acceptance: Lessons from 26 Years of Love with Eric Williams
Eric D. Williams is the Founder of Project Elijah Empowering Autism. PEEA is a nonprofit organization established in 2004 based out of West Philadelphia and named after his son Elijah (now 26 years old) who at the age of 3 was diagnosed with autism.
PEEA hosts free year-round education and recreation programs for families living with autism/unique abilities who reside in under-resourced communities.
Mr. Williams launched the autistic person area street sign initiative on January 23, 2024 for Philadelphia residents. Currently, there 150 signs have been installed.
With 21 years of leading an autism foundation & 26 years of being a p...
S2|E4 Overmedicated & Overwhelmed? How Parents Can Heal Naturally, with Dr. Ruth Odoi
Welcome to Brain Power with Dr. Eko, where each week we explore ways to boost brain health through mind, body, emotional, and environmental well-being.
In this episode, Dr. Eko welcomes Dr. Ruth Odoi, a board-certified internal medicine physician and founder of Oasis Women's Functional Medicine. Together, they dive into the challenges many mothers face chronic stress, fatigue, and the health risks that come with them. Dr. Ruth shares how functional medicine helps women regain their energy, break free from chronic medications, and take charge of their health.
...
S2|E3 Mold Exposure and Maternal Health: Insights and Empowerment, with Dr. Brandy Cummings
Battling through a haze of vertigo, anxiety, and depression, Dr. Brandy Cummings discovered the hidden culprit of her chronic health struggles: mold exposure. In this episode of Brain Power with Dr. Eko, Dr. Cummings shares her personal journey from illness to recovery, offering hope and guidance to other mothers facing similar challenges. Her story underscores the necessity of identifying root causes over merely addressing symptoms and has driven her to dedicate her career to supporting women with chronic illnesses. Learn from her wealth of expertise in clinical nutrition and environmental health as she provides actionable insights into improving quality...
S2|E2 How to Strengthen Family Communication and Trust, with Dr. Maiysha Clairborne.
Exploring the transformative power of communication, this episode unveils strategies for building deeper connections with children.
Dr. Maiysha Clairborne shares insights on inherited communication styles, the importance of conscious parenting, and ways to listen actively to foster emotional intelligence.
In this episode you’ll find:
• Importance of communication in parenting
• Understanding inherited communication styles
• Engaging in peer conversations for growth
• Conscious vs. traditional parenting methods
• Teaching resilience through effective communication
• Modeling honesty about emotions
• Active listening as a fundamental tool
• Connecting through shared activities and play
• Intentional time management...
S2|E1 Empowering Families to Travel and Thrive, with US Air Force Veteran Dina Farmer
Discover the transformative journey of Ms. Dina Farmer, a US Air Force veteran who turned life's challenges into a mission to empower families with special needs. Driven by her own experiences as a military spouse and the mother of two children with autism, Dina shares invaluable insights into how travel can become a powerful tool for self-care and development. She sheds light on the unique hurdles faced by military families, from frequent relocations to career disruptions, and how these experiences fueled her passion for creating Spectrum Getaways. This initiative is not just about travel—it's about crafting accessible adventures th...
EP. 40 | Empowering Families to Overcome Fear and Celebrate Success, with Dr. Dannette Taylor
How do you maintain hope and resilience when faced with the challenges of raising a child with disabilities? Together with Dr. Dannette Taylor, a dedicated advocate and coach for parents in similar situations, we unravel the emotional journey that comes with diagnoses like ADHD and autism. Dr. Taylor opens up about her personal experiences and stresses the transformative power of focusing on a child's strengths and potential. Her roadmap guides parents in turning obstacles into achievable goals, illustrating how a positive mindset and recognition of small victories can pave the way for unique family success stories.
We...
EP. 39 | Let's Talk About ADHD: Top Questions Parents Ask
Listen in and get answers to the top ADHD questions parents ask! Plus, don't miss our discussion on how lifestyle choices can impact your child's ability to thrive.
Could understanding the early signs of ADHD change the way you see your child’s behavior? Join me as we tackle the most common ADHD questions parents ask, unraveling the complex world of ADHD. We’ll explore how symptoms present differently in boys and girls—while boys may show hyperactivity and impulsivity, girls often display more subtle signs like inattentiveness, making them more likely to be underdiagnosed.
W...
EP. 38 | Redefining Fatherhood in the Autism Journey, with Jamiel Owens
What if redefining fatherhood could transform how we understand and support our children with autism? This episode features the inspiring Mr. Jamiel Owens, a dedicated advocate for fathers within the autism community. Jamiel shares his remarkable journey from facing personal challenges at a young age to his current role as Family Relations Coordinator at the Center for Autism Research at CHOP. With passion and insight, he highlights the crucial, yet often overlooked, role fathers play in supporting children on the autism spectrum. Our conversation uncovers his mission to empower and inspire other fathers through his radio show and various...
EP. 37 | The Power of Laughter and Breath for Health, with Dr. Chhaya Makhija.
Unlock the secrets to a healthier life as we sit down with the pioneering Dr. Chhaya Makhija, founder of Unified Endocrine and Diabetes Care. Dr. Makhija reveals her groundbreaking methods that merge traditional medicine with lifestyle enhancements, such as laughter yoga, and breathwork. Learn how a good laugh and focused breathing can transform your health by boosting endorphins, balancing stress hormones, and grounding you in the present moment. This episode promises to deliver actionable insights into holistic well-being, anchored in both ancient practices and modern science.
Join Dr. Eko and Dr. Makhija as they explore the profound...
EP. 36 | Tips for Boosting Family Health and Happiness, with Dr. Tolulope Olabintan
Looking to transform your family's health habits without feeling overwhelmed? Get ready to be inspired by Dr. Tolulope Olabintan, a family physician, CEO, co-founder, and mom, as she shares her expert strategies for fostering a culture of health in your household. Learn how to seamlessly incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables into your daily routines, make exercise a fun and integral part of your family's life, and synchronize sleep schedules for optimal well-being. Dr. Tolulope delivers practical, actionable tips that will make healthy living second nature for both kids and adults.
Discover the secrets to integrating wellness into...
EP. 35 | Transforming Family Sleep: Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown's New Book
Ever wondered how a good night's sleep can transform your family's life? Join us for an enlightening episode featuring Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown, a board-certified sleep physician who specializes in sleep for children and their parents. Dr. Funke shares her personal journey into sleep medicine, sparked by her own experiences and the positive changes it brought to her family's well-being. We also get an exclusive look at her upcoming book, "Beyond Tired: A Sleep Physician's Guide to Solving Your Child Sleep Problems for Good," which is packed with practical, science-backed strategies for tackling children's sleep challenges. This conversation promises to...
EP. 34 | Understanding ADHD and Autism Comorbidities in Children, with Dr. Marie Dona
Unlock a deeper understanding of ADHD and autism comorbidities in children and teens with insights from our special guest, Dr. Marie Dona. In this episode of Brain Power, Dr. Dona shares groundbreaking statistics and underscores the urgency of early diagnosis and treatment to prevent additional mental health issues like depression and anxiety. You'll learn why children who act out may not be doing so on purpose and how a compassionate, informed approach can make all the difference. We promise you’ll gain a new perspective on these complex conditions, helping you to better support the young ones in your li...
EP. 33 | Boosting Family Health Through Simple Activities, with Dr. Sara Ionescu
What if you could turn everyday moments into opportunities for your family's well-being? Join us as Dr. Sara Ionescu, a dedicated family medicine physician and mom of five, reveals her strategies for seamlessly integrating physical activity into busy family routines. Learn how to foster a love for movement in your children, manage screen time effectively, and harness the power of outdoor activities to boost mood and mental clarity. Dr. Ionescu's insights on the benefits of making exercise a natural part of play will inspire you to embrace a healthier lifestyle for yourself and your loved ones.
Discover...
EP. 32 | The Impact of Parental Love on Child Development, with Dr. Ebere Azumah
Curious about how loving your child can shape their entire future? Join us for a heartwarming conversation with Dr. Ebere Azumah, CEO of Love Your Menses and an esteemed OBGYN. Dr. Azumah shares invaluable insights on understanding our children's actions as signals for attention and the profound impact a nurturing environment can have on their self-esteem and development. Learn how your actions and words can become the powerful inner voice of your child and why creating a supportive community is crucial for their well-being.
We also delve into the importance of teaching self-love and wellness, particularly during...
EP. 31 | The Connection Between The Airway and ADD/ADHD, with Dr. Ruan.
Unlock the secrets behind your child's hyperactivity or inattention as we welcome Dr. Ruan, CEO of the Texas Center for Lifestyle Medicine, on this eye-opening episode of Brain Power with Dr. Eko. Could chronic mouth breathing or sleep apnea be masquerading as ADHD in your adolescent? Dr. Ruan sheds light on the skull-brain connection, revealing how sleep disorders might be at the root of behaviors often misdiagnosed as ADHD or ADD. He guides us through the "five whys" approach, encouraging parents to look beyond the symptoms and address the underlying causes that affect their child's brain function and overall...
EP. 30 | The Cost of Late Intervention
Could you be missing crucial developmental milestones for your child simply because intervention came too late? Join us in today's heartfelt episode where we share an emotionally charged story of a mother's six-year struggle to get her child evaluated for developmental delays. We underscore the profound impact of early intervention during the critical period from birth to age five, and why timely access to speech, occupational, or physical therapy can make all the difference. Listen as we stress the importance of proactive parental advocacy during pediatric visits and highlight the emotional costs for children who do not receive the...
EP. 29 | Discover Glow Pediatrics: Our Mission and Services.
Can early intervention in ADHD and autism truly revolutionize a child's development? In this episode, I passionately discuss the critical importance of timely evaluations and the comprehensive process my practice implements to support families. From filling out forms and submitting videos to engaging in virtual appointments, I unveil the detailed journey toward diagnosis. Following a diagnosis, what happens next? I break down the subsequent steps, including referrals to occupational therapy, speech therapy, and ABA therapy, and I address the frustrating reality of waitlists. To bridge these gaps, Glow Pediatrics is launching the Glow Circle, a support initiative designed to...
EP. 28 | Screen Time and ADHD in Children: Balancing Technology and Health.
Are screens turning our kids’ lives upside down? Join me for an eye-opening conversation that explores the hard-hitting realities of screen time and its impact on ADHD symptoms in children. You'll discover why instant digital rewards can worsen hyperactivity and attention issues, as well as practical steps for setting boundaries around screen use. I also delve into the American Academy of Pediatrics' guidelines and share strategies for balancing screen time in a world where digital learning is on the rise.
This episode is packed with actionable advice for parents striving to create healthier routines for their children. Fr...
EP. 27 | Mastering Your Mind: Parenting and Emotional Challenges with Dr. Samara Potter.
Can changing a single word in your vocabulary transform your stress levels and parenting experience? Join us as we welcome Dr. Samara Potter, a pediatric oncologist and certified life coach, to discuss the profound impact of negative self-talk on parents, especially those caring for children with cancer. Dr. Potter offers transformative advice on shifting from "should" to "can" or "want to," empowering parents to reclaim control and alleviate stress.
Dive deep into the emotional landscape of parenting a child with severe illness. We explore the delicate balance between feeling emotions fully and fostering a positive mindset. Dr...
EP. 26 | Empowering Foster Youth Through Entrepreneurship with Erica Myers
Ever wondered how resilience born from hardship can be transformed into entrepreneurial success? Erica Myers, the dynamic founder of Fosterpreneur, joins us to share her inspiring mission of guiding young adults who have experienced foster care toward starting their own businesses. Erica delves deep into how her trauma-informed, holistic approach not only supports these budding entrepreneurs in their business ventures but also ensures their overall well-being. By focusing on resilience and adaptability developed through challenging life experiences, she reveals how these intrinsic qualities can be powerful assets in the entrepreneurial realm.
In our conversation, we also stress...
EP. 25 | The Power of Plant-Based Nutrition: A Journey to Health and Balance with Dr. Amanda Adkins
Discover the transformative power of a plant-based lifestyle with Dr. Amanda Adkins, a double board-certified lifestyle and internal medicine doctor whose personal health journey will leave you inspired. After struggling with her weight as a teenager, Dr. Adkins made the life-changing decision to embrace a healthier way of living, eventually becoming a staunch advocate for plant-based nutrition. She shares her story of overcoming nearly 200 pounds to become a passionate supporter of sustainable lifestyle changes, particularly for Christian women battling weight and medication dependency. Dr. Adkins’ insights into exercise, nutrition, and personal commitment offer a compelling guide to achieving a ba...
EP. 24 | Navigating Learning Disabilities: Strategies for Supporting Children and Their Families.
Navigating the educational landscape for children with learning disabilities can be a labyrinth of confusion and frustration for parents and educators alike. That's where the expertise of educational therapist Dr. Bibi Pirayesh comes in, guiding us through the complexities with a mix of professional insight and compassionate advocacy. In an enlightening conversation, she reveals the nuanced challenges these children face and how a tailored, understanding approach is key to their success. We unravel the importance of individual attention and dig into the strategies for building a bridge between families and the often daunting school system, while also advocating for...
