Total Load Theory (Featuring: Patricia S. Lemer)

Total Load Theory (Featuring: Patricia S. Lemer)

Author: Functional Forum January 7, 2026 Duration: 38:26

This week on the podcast, we welcome Patti Lemer who last year gave me the opportunity to do something I've never done before, write the foreword to her new book. Patti is an OG in the autism space and a true pioneer in understanding the environmental drivers impacting children's health.

The book is Total Load Theory. Many people know Patti from her earlier work, Outsmarting Autism, which drew from decades of hands-on experience working with kids on the spectrum. Long before environmental illness entered mainstream conversation, Patti was already mapping the terrain, looking at toxic burden, immune stress, and the cumulative impact of modern life on developing nervous systems.

As the cultural conversation shifted and the term "Outsmarting Autism" began to feel limiting, Patti revisited the work with fresh eyes. The result is Total Load Theory – a reframing grounded in functional medicine's understanding of total allostatic load: the combined environmental, biochemical, infectious, emotional, and physiological burdens our children are carrying.


Hosted by the Functional Forum, Evolution of Medicine Podcast sits at the intersection of health, fitness, and alternative approaches to well-being. It’s a space for conversations that go beyond conventional treatment, exploring the ideas and practitioners actively reshaping how we think about care. Each episode features in-depth discussions with clinicians, researchers, and thought leaders who are redefining the patient journey. You’ll hear practical insights into functional medicine, preventative strategies, and the nuanced connections between lifestyle, nutrition, and long-term health. This podcast digs into the real-world application of these evolving principles, offering listeners a forward-looking perspective on what it means to truly support the body's innate capacity for healing. Tune in for a thoughtful exploration of the systems, science, and stories driving this shift, providing a valuable resource for both healthcare professionals and anyone invested in taking a more active role in their own wellness. The dialogue here is dedicated to understanding the full spectrum of what modern medicine can become.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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