Mold, Mitochondria, and Miracles: Kelly’s Story of Autism Recovery episode artwork

EPISODE · Feb 9, 2026 · 1H 12M

Mold, Mitochondria, and Miracles: Kelly’s Story of Autism Recovery

from The UNspecial Podcast · host UNspecial LLC

In this special podcast episode, the host is joined by Kelly Carlson, an autism mother known as I am Kelly Leanne on Instagram. Together, they discuss how mold exposure has significantly impacted Kelly's life and her son’s health, leading to his autism diagnosis. Kelly shares the traumatic experiences of her pregnancy, her son's premature birth, NICU stay, and subsequent health challenges. They explore the connection between mold and autism, detailing Kelly's process of discovering mold in her home and the steps she has taken towards healing her son, including various therapies and lifestyle changes. Kelly's story sheds light on the struggles and resilience of parents caring for autistic children, the importance of environmental factors in health, and the need for greater awareness and support for affected families.00:00 - Introduction00:45 - Introduction of Kelly Carlson02:00 - Topic introduction: Mold and Autism04:00 - Kelly's Background and Pregnancy Challenges08:00 - NICU Experience and Early Symptoms11:00 - Initial Signs of Autism and Early Intervention16:00 - Discovery of Mold in the Home24:00 - Health Symptoms Related to Mold Exposure28:00 - Testing for Mold and Mycotoxins32:00 - Relocating and Temporary Housing Challenges38:00 - Positive Changes Since Moving Out42:00 - Dealing with Financial Strain46:00 - Emotional and Mental Coping Strategies51:00 - Societal Perceptions and Judgment56:00 - Advocacy and Awareness60:00 - Importance of Self-CareVisit our website: www.unspecialllc.com#specialeducation #specialed #podcast #unspecial #specialneedsjourney #specialneedskids #interview #truth #emotional👉 For more personal content, check us our on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unspecialllc/👉 If you haven't yet, make sure you read Special Dayz, a book about Zack's special education journey: https://www.amazon.com/Special-Dayz-Finding-God-Education/dp/B0FB2MXLGG/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=3FXJ0P30N2DSA&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.XD98iO1ekOJzKB8AjmbMFT5SvQFaevPs3HnMM5a3sRuQA01jFDzyydaDbLlghmOjd66qy3Kyoanyq4Mrlx8dRoYT8BxFDVDqvjTeeh3Ok7I4yNgCX9b6hqfC0ck8nkszhVxwj7KWnIe2uhbCFL-k4LpHDv2DB36pjedqblmGD4s_olQEymMD_6OJ-6-ZAMoAA4P5uhrsmwLiuQtw3BLWQQ.2Kj7exdzRcLqdAPom-W4FlvFJYd4rmKLl39yIWSe7Ls&dib_tag=se&keywords=special+dayz&qid=1751127945&sprefix=special+dayz%2Caps%2C214&sr=8-1

In this special podcast episode, the host is joined by Kelly Carlson, an autism mother known as I am Kelly Leanne on Instagram. Together, they discuss how mold exposure has significantly impacted Kelly's life and her son’s health, leading to his autism diagnosis. Kelly shares the traumatic experiences of her pregnancy, her son's premature birth, NICU stay, and subsequent health challenges. They explore the connection between mold and autism, detailing Kelly's process of discovering mold in her home and the steps she has taken towards healing her son, including various therapies and lifestyle changes. Kelly's story sheds light on the struggles and resilience of parents caring for autistic children, the importance of environmental factors in health, and the need for greater awareness and support for affected families.00:00 - Introduction00:45 - Introduction of Kelly Carlson02:00 - Topic introduction: Mold and Autism04:00 - Kelly's Background and Pregnancy Challenges08:00 - NICU Experience and Early Symptoms11:00 - Initial Signs of Autism and Early Intervention16:00 - Discovery of Mold in the Home24:00 - Health Symptoms Related to Mold Exposure28:00 - Testing for Mold and Mycotoxins32:00 - Relocating and Temporary Housing Challenges38:00 - Positive Changes Since Moving Out42:00 - Dealing with Financial Strain46:00 - Emotional and Mental Coping Strategies51:00 - Societal Perceptions and Judgment56:00 - Advocacy and Awareness60:00 - Importance of Self-CareVisit our website: www.unspecialllc.com#specialeducation #specialed #podcast #unspecial #specialneedsjourney #specialneedskids #interview #truth #emotional👉 For more personal content, check us our on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unspecialllc/👉 If you haven't yet, make sure you read Special Dayz, a book about Zack's special education journey: https://www.amazon.com/Special-Dayz-Finding-God-Education/dp/B0FB2MXLGG/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=3FXJ0P30N2DSA&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.XD98iO1ekOJzKB8AjmbMFT5SvQFaevPs3HnMM5a3sRuQA01jFDzyydaDbLlghmOjd66qy3Kyoanyq4Mrlx8dRoYT8BxFDVDqvjTeeh3Ok7I4yNgCX9b6hqfC0ck8nkszhVxwj7KWnIe2uhbCFL-k4LpHDv2DB36pjedqblmGD4s_olQEymMD_6OJ-6-ZAMoAA4P5uhrsmwLiuQtw3BLWQQ.2Kj7exdzRcLqdAPom-W4FlvFJYd4rmKLl39yIWSe7Ls&dib_tag=se&keywords=special+dayz&qid=1751127945&sprefix=special+dayz%2Caps%2C214&sr=8-1

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Mold, Mitochondria, and Miracles: Kelly’s Story of Autism Recovery

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This episode is 1 hour and 12 minutes long.

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This episode was published on February 9, 2026.

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In this special podcast episode, the host is joined by Kelly Carlson, an autism mother known as I am Kelly Leanne on Instagram. Together, they discuss how mold exposure has significantly impacted Kelly's life and her son’s health, leading to his...

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