Episode 22 — Autism Regression, Hope & Empowering Parents
Welcome to the Autism Spa Podcast, brought to you by the Autism Innovation Lab — where stories, science, and solutions meet.
In this episode, host Shahriar Afshar, Founder of Autism Spa and the Autism Innovation Lab, speaks with Taiba Bajar, Founder of Autism Brain Empowerment, autism author, TEDx speaker, and parent advocate joining from London. Taiba shares her deeply personal journey into the autism ecosystem following her son’s sudden developmental regression at 20 months old during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. After watching her son lose language, sleep, eating skills, and emotional regulation—despite developing typically before—Taiba encountered a medical system that offered limited explanations and little hope. Refusing to accept dismissal or a purely genetic narrative, she applied her background in dentistry and clinical research to investigate environmental and biological factors that can influence autism symptom severity. Her exploration led her to study gut health, toxins, blood biomarkers, oxytocin, methylation, supplements, cerebellar development, and emotional intelligence—work that ultimately helped her son make meaningful progress. Taiba walks through her “7-Step Autism Action Plan,” the foundation of her book Unlock Autism, and explains why empowering parents with education and practical tools at home can be just as impactful as formal therapies. Together, Shahriar and Taiba discuss autism regression, parental intuition, medical gaslighting, the importance of hope, and why no one understands a child better than their family.
About Taiba Bajar:
Taiba Bajar is the Founder of Autism Brain Empowerment, an autism educator, TEDx speaker, and author of Unlock Autism. With a professional background in dentistry and clinical research, Taiba combines scientific literacy with lived parenting experience to guide families through a strengths-based, environment-focused approach to autism support. Her work centers on giving power back to parents by helping them understand biological, emotional, and environmental factors that may influence autism symptoms, while fostering resilience, hope, and informed decision-making.
📞 Contact Taiba Bajar:
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taibabajar
📞 Contact Autism Brain Empowerment:
🌐 https://autismbrainempowerment.com
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/autism-brain-empowerment
About Autism Spa:
Autism Spa is a service of The Afshar Group, a public service advisory firm. We engage experts, innovators, and advocates reimagining autism housing, business, technology, and community life.
🌐 Learn more:
Autism Spa → https://autismspa.com
Autism Innovation Lab → https://autisminnovationlab.com
Afshar Group → https://afshargroup.com
🎙️ Hosted by Shahriar Afshar
📧 Contact: info@autisminnovationlab.com | info@autismspa.com
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