Hey, What's Up! It's Tommy.

Happy Friday, and welcome back to Spectrum in Camouflage. Today I’m joined again by Dr. Matt Hamilton from Maximum Potential, and we’re keeping this one practical and real. We’ve talked before about deeper neurology and chiropractic care, especially with sensory challenges, autism, and complex cases. This time we zoom out and talk about what “healthy living” actually looks like for busy families, especially during winter in Ohio when everyone feels trapped inside and sickness seems to be everywhere.

Dr. Matt breaks down a core idea that kept coming up all episode: health is built by choices you repeat, not luck. We talk about stress, sleep, food, movement, community, and how the nervous system connects to immune function, digestion, hormones, and resilience. He shares what his family does, what he teaches other parents, and why he thinks symptoms like fever and congestion are often the body doing exactly what it was designed to do.

We also get into real dad-life moments, like how noise can trigger your brain when you’re already overstimulated, and why parents need their own “reset” time so we can show up better for our kids.

• Health is something you build over months and years, it usually does not show up overnight.
• Your nervous system influences immune function, digestion, and hormones, stress can throw all of that off.
• You need a “happy place” to reset, something that helps you release stress. Dr. Matt mentioned things like church community, nature, hunting, surfing, and simple walks.
• Parents tend to put themselves last, but when we are running on empty, the whole family feels it.
• Dr. Matt and his wife did Dry January, and they also cut out sugary drinks for their kids during the month. He said they noticed changes in behavior and emotions.
• Symptoms are not always the enemy. Dr. Matt used a camping example, you boil water to kill what is in it, and he compared that to why fevers happen.
• He explains ear and sinus issues like “plumbing”, fluid needs to move. When it is stagnant, problems build.
• He warns about chasing quick fixes, especially when it stops the body from doing what it is trying to do.
• His “core three” supplements for many people in Northeast Ohio are omega-3s, vitamin D, and probiotics.
• He says vitamin C can be less useful if you keep eating sugar, and he shared a caution about using immune boosters like elderberry when you are not actually fighting something.
• Dr. Matt also talks about measuring progress. He likes scans and objective data so the nervous system is not treated like a mystery.

• Dr. Matt Hamilton, Maximum Potential Chiropractic, Email: info@mpchiro.com
• PX Network (to find a neurologically focused pediatric and family chiropractor)
• Dr. Tony’s free webinar (early March, mentioned in the episode)
• 1st Phorm (mentioned as a supplement company that promotes whole foods first)

If you got something out of this episode, do me a favor and share it with another parent who feels worn down right now. Also, take one small step this week that supports your health. Something simple, something realistic, something you can repeat.

Visit spectrumincamouflage.com
Email me anytime: tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com

• We’re on TikTok: tiktok.com/@spectrum_in_camouflage
• Join our Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/4002769846662357
• See us on Instagram: instagram.com/spectrum_in_camouflage

Together, we can create a community to support autistic kids and their families. If you have questions or ideas or want to share your journey, email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com.

Let’s learn, grow, and make a difference, one step, one piece of the puzzle, one child at a time.

Hey, What's Up! It's Tommy.

In this episode, I’m sitting down with my new close friend, Zack Ponder from The UnSpecial Podcast. Zack is one of those guys you meet online and instantly think, man, I get him. He has a heart for profoundly affected families, even though he did not come into this space as a special needs parent. He came into it through calling, compassion, and a real desire to make sure families feel seen and supported.

We get real fast. We talk about faith, contentment in hardship, and how easy it is to chase comfort when life gets brutal. Zack shares pieces of his family’s cancer journey, including how he and his wife have spent extended time in Mexico for treatment, how he’s been traveling back and forth from Idaho, and what it is like doing all of that while raising four little kids. That part hit hard.

We also talk about mental health, the dark “what if” thoughts that can creep in, and why these conversations can genuinely be life-saving. We cover sobriety, accountability, the pressure of being visible online, and the idea that you have to fill your own cup if you want to help other people.

This one is honest, hopeful, and packed with the kind of perspective that makes you want to keep moving forward, even if you are tired.

• Philippians 4:13 is not about hype, it’s about contentment when life is hard.
• “Shut up and serve” is a simple phrase, but it can pull you out of the victim spiral.
• Sharing your story can help someone stay alive, even if you never find out about it.
• Being public about purpose adds accountability, it forces you to live what you say.
• You can’t pour into everyone else if your own mental strength is empty.
• One day equals day one, that mindset can change everything, especially with sobriety.
• Hope is powerful, and sometimes hope is the first step before anything else changes.
• Healing takes time, consistency, and commitment, not quick fixes.
• Dads need other dads, and conversations like this create community for the ones who feel alone.
• Faith does not remove pain, but it gives you something solid to stand on inside the pain.

• The UnSpecial Podcast (search on your podcast app)
• https://www.unspecialllc.com/
• Zack Ponder on Instagram: @zack.ponder

If you’re a dad carrying a heavy load, or you’re a parent trying to stay strong through autism, medical battles, or just the pressure of daily life, I hope this episode reminds you that you are not alone. Keep moving. Keep showing up. Help the one in front of you.

Visit spectrumincamouflage.com for more episodes and updates.Follow Us!

• We’re on TikTok : tiktok.com/@spectrum_in_camouflage
• Join our Facebook Group : facebook.com/groups/4002769846662357
• See us on Instagram : instagram.com/spectrum_in_camouflage

Together, we can create a community to support autistic kids and their families. If you have questions or ideas or want to share your journey, email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com.

Let’s learn, grow, and make a difference, one step, one piece of the puzzle, one child at a time.

Hey, What's Up! It's Tommy.

On today’s episode of Spectrum in Camouflage, my wife Kaylee joins me and we talk about two sides of this life at the same time. The wins that are giving us real hope right now, and the heavy current events that have shaken the autism community.

We start with what’s been going well. Wyatt has been more regulated lately, we’ve seen encouraging “soft signs” of progress, and our home has felt calmer. We also talk about what’s helped, including chiropractic-based nervous system care at Maximum Potential, paying attention to screen time, and pushing ourselves to get outside even when winter in Ohio is brutal.

Then we shift into the harder part. We talk about the real fear many autism parents carry, what happens when families feel isolated and unsupported, and why stories of caregiver despair and tragic outcomes should not be ignored or brushed aside. Kaylee shares the deep weight of “who will care for my child when I’m gone,” and we both talk about why community, support, and showing up for one another matters so much.

We also share what’s helped us stay grounded: staying in the moment, guarding the stories we tell ourselves, leaning on faith, and keeping our marriage strong. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, we want you to hear this clearly, you are not alone.

• Small progress is still progress. The “soft signs” matter, like Wyatt signing more, shaking his head “no,” and negotiating in simple ways.
• Nervous system regulation is a real focus for our family. We share how scans and regular adjustments at Maximum Potential have been part of Wyatt’s routine.
• Screen time can change everything. Too much can push dysregulation, and a hard reset can lead to a calmer day.
• Winter affects mental health more than people admit. Getting outside, even for a short time, can break the cycle and help everyone.
• Date night doesn’t have to be fancy. A walk, yard work, or sitting together without interruptions still counts.
• Many autism families are carrying heavy fear and isolation. We need more awareness, more support, and more people willing to show up.
• Faith and mental strength matter. Peace, perspective, and staying present can keep you from spiraling into the future.
• Be relentless in love. If you want to support a special needs family, don’t wait for them to call, take the uncomfortable step and check in.

If this episode hit home for you, please share it with another parent, friend, church group, or anyone who needs hope and perspective. Sharing the show helps it reach the people who need it most. Visit spectrumincamouflage.com for more.

Email me anytime at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com.

• We’re on TikTok: tiktok.com/@spectrum_in_camouflage
• Join our Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/4002769846662357
• See us on Instagram: instagram.com/spectrum_in_camouflage

Together, we can create a community to support autistic kids and their families. If you have questions or ideas or want to share your journey, email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com.

Let’s learn, grow, and make a difference, one step, one piece of the puzzle, one child at a time.