Dr. Suzanne Goh

Dr. Suzanne Goh Dr. Suzanne Goh is a board-certified pediatric behavioral neurologist, a neuroscience researcher, and author.

She has dedicated her career to researching and developing therapies for neurological conditions that impact childhood brain development.

02/26/2026

Comment “INFLAMMATION” and I’ll send you the links to Episode 9!

In this clip from Episode 9 of Magnificent Minds, I discuss inflammation during pregnancy and what the research actually shows.

First, this is not about blame. Understanding maternal inflammation is not about guilt. It’s about understanding how the prenatal environment can influence the developing brain.

Large studies have found that significant inflammation during pregnancy, such as serious infection or immune activation, is associated with a higher likelihood of autism. This tells us that immune health and brain development are closely connected, and that supporting maternal health truly matters.

The goal is not guilt. The goal is knowledge and action.

The full episode of Magnificent Minds is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Comment “INFLAMMATION” and I’ll send you the links to the episode.

Does inflammation cause autism? Let's unpack what's really going on. Inflammation is often talked about in autism, but r...
02/24/2026

Does inflammation cause autism? Let's unpack what's really going on. Inflammation is often talked about in autism, but rarely explained with clarity or care. This post breaks down what research actually shows about the immune system, brain development, and learning, without fear or oversimplification. Understanding how biology influences regulation and development helps families move toward more informed, personalized support. When we look at the whole child, behavior starts to make more sense and care becomes more effective. I speak more on this topic in Episode 8 of the Magnificent Minds Podcast, "ADHD vs Autism: How to Tell the Difference."

02/24/2026

Comment “INFLAMMATION” and I’ll send you the links to Episode 9!

In this clip from Episode 9 of Magnificent Minds, I explore one of the most important areas of autism research today: the gut brain immune connection.

Inside the digestive tract live trillions of microbes that help regulate the immune system, produce neurotransmitters, and influence inflammation. In autism, research consistently shows differences in the gut microbiome. Because about 70 percent of the immune system resides in the gut, imbalances there can activate immune pathways that affect the brain.

This does not mean the gut microbiome causes autism. But it does mean gut health and immune health are deeply intertwined with brain function.

When we support digestive health and reduce inflammation, many children become more regulated, more attentive, sleep better, and engage more fully in learning.

The full episode of Magnificent Minds is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Comment “INFLAMMATION” and I’ll send you the links to the episode.

Autism often co-occurs with other developmental, emotional, and neurological differences that shape how a child experien...
02/21/2026

Autism often co-occurs with other developmental, emotional, and neurological differences that shape how a child experiences the world. This reference guide highlights some of the most common co-occurring conditions and why understanding the full picture matters. When we recognize these overlapping needs, we can move beyond labels and toward more personalized, supportive care that honors each child’s unique strengths and challenges. Save this guide for future reference or share it with someone who may find it helpful!

02/19/2026

Comment “DIFFERENCE” and I’ll send you the links to Episode 8!

In this clip from Episode 8 of Magnificent Minds, I share three powerful supports: sleep, nutrition, and movement.

Sleep is a major regulator of attention, emotion, and behavior. When a child is sleep deprived, challenges often intensify.

Nutrition provides the steady fuel the brain needs to regulate well. And movement boosts the brain chemicals that support attention, mood, and sensory regulation.

This is not about perfection. It is about lowering stress on the nervous system so the brain is more available for learning and connection.

The full episode of Magnificent Minds is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Comment “DIFFERENCE” and I’ll send you the links to the full episode!

New research from Yale is giving us better insight into the biology of autistic brains. In a recent study Yale researche...
02/17/2026

New research from Yale is giving us better insight into the biology of autistic brains. In a recent study Yale researchers used brain imaging to study autistic adults and found a reduction in mGluR5 receptors, which play a key role in glutamate processing and neural excitation-inhibition balance. What does this mean in plain language? Well, glutamate is an important neurochemical that regulates neuroplasticity and learning. Altered glutamate signaling can help explain features of autism, like sensory processing, social, and communication differences. Findings like this help us understand autism at a neurobiological level and move us closer to a "brain signature" for autism rather than relying only on behavioral characteristics. This is how we get to more personalized and effective support for autistic individuals!

TIME IS BRAIN! Early childhood is a uniquely powerful window for brain development, which is why timing matters so much ...
02/15/2026

TIME IS BRAIN! Early childhood is a uniquely powerful window for brain development, which is why timing matters so much in autism support. Acting early does not mean rushing or making fear-based decisions. It means moving with clarity, intention, and the right guidance. When families understand what supports to seek and when, they can use this critical period to build strong foundations for learning, regulation, and communication. If you're interested in learning more about the biology behind early intervention, I go into depth on this topic in episode 7 of the Magnificent Minds Podcast, "The Top 10 Most asked Questions About Early Intervention." It's available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube! Head to the link in my bio to check it out.

02/13/2026

Comment “DIFFERENCE” and I’ll send you the links to Episode 8!

In this clip from Episode 8, I explain how ADHD is often shaped by impulsivity and novelty seeking, while autism is more often driven by a need for predictability and nervous system safety. You can also see these differences in sensory processing and play, even though there can be overlap.

Clinically, I often summarize it this way: ADHD is largely about regulation and control, while autism is more about connection and interpretation. And when a child has both, understanding these distinctions helps us support them more effectively.

The full episode of Magnificent Minds is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Comment “DIFFERENCE” and I’ll send you the links to the full episode!

Choosing an ABA program is a BIG decision, and asking the right questions can make all the difference. This checklist is...
02/11/2026

Choosing an ABA program is a BIG decision, and asking the right questions can make all the difference. This checklist is meant to help you look beyond promises and spot whether a program truly understands the brain behind your child’s behavior. Sensory needs, motor planning, communication style, and flexibility all matter when it comes to real learning and long-term progress. I go into more detail about ABA programs in episode 6 of the Magnificent Minds podcast, "10 Things to Look for in an ABA Program." This episode is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube! Head to the link in my bio to check it out.

02/10/2026

Comment “DIFFERENCE” and I’ll send you the links to the new episode!

In this clip from Episode 8 of Magnificent Minds, I explain why autism and ADHD can look so similar, especially in early childhood.

At the brain level, both involve differences in regulatory circuits and brain chemistry that affect attention, motivation, emotional regulation, and learning. This leads to overlapping challenges like transitions, big emotions, impulsivity, sensory differences, and attention, which is why diagnosis can feel confusing and many children have both.

Understanding the shared biology helps us move away from labels alone and toward supports that actually match how a child’s brain works.

Episode 8 of Magnificent Minds is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Comment “DIFFERENCE” and I’ll send you the links to the full episode.

As a parent or caregiver of an autistic child, you might hope neurotypical peers will naturally help your autistic toddl...
02/07/2026

As a parent or caregiver of an autistic child, you might hope neurotypical peers will naturally help your autistic toddler learn social skills, but early childhood environments can be overwhelming before regulation skills are in place. Loud, unpredictable play and limited structure can put a young nervous system into survival mode, making learning and connection harder. Thoughtfully supported, structured peer interactions often create safer, more positive social experiences first, helping confidence grow over time. Our Cortica Jumpstart early intervention program is uniquely designed to support young autistic children during the most crucial window of brain development. I speak more on this topic in episode 7 of the Magnificent Minds Podcast, "The Top 10 Most asked Questions About Early Intervention." It's available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube! Head to the link in my bio to check it out -- I'd love to know what you think.

02/06/2026

Comment “EARLY” and I’ll send you the links to Episode 7!
Parents often ask me whether they should choose a school district early intervention preschool or a center based, ABA and developmental therapies program.

In this clip from Episode 7 of Magnificent Minds, I explain why this decision can feel so emotionally loaded and what really differentiates these options. Even high quality school programs are not the same as a developmentally informed, ABA based therapeutic model with rigorous data tracking and medical oversight.

During the early years, children change rapidly. Effective intervention has to adapt just as quickly. When we combine responsive ABA, integrated developmental therapies, and medically informed care that supports sleep, gut health, pain, and overall biology, we create an environment where learning can truly take hold.

Comment "EARLY" for the links to the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

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