Understanding the Impact of Hormones on Symptoms in Children on the Autism Spectrum and those with PANDAS and PANS Navigating the complexities of raising a child on the autism spectrum, or affected by PANDAS (Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections), or PANS (Paediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) can often feel overwhelming. I understand…
Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA): Natural Solutions
What is Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) represents a complex and often challenging behavioural profile observed within the autism spectrum, and often with children with ADHD, PANDAS and PANS. Unlike typical avoidance behaviours, PDA manifests as an intense and pervasive need to resist or avoid demands, leading to profound difficulties in everyday…
Extreme Picky Eating or Eosinophilic Oesophagitis?
Embarking on the journey of understanding extreme picky eating in children, it is crucial to acknowledge the complexity often hidden beneath seemingly typical behaviours. It is easy to dismiss picky eating as a mere behavioural issue or attribute it solely to sensory challenges. Among some practitioners, the go-to explanation might be deficiencies in zinc or…
Top 10 Power Breakfasts for Children: Fuelled by Animal-Based Nutrition
In the grand adventure of parenting, we’re all in pursuit of excellence, especially when dealing with the unique challenges of autism, PANDAS, and PANS. This edition is our spotlight on a game-changer – breakfast. Not just any breakfast, but the kind that’s like rocket fuel for our little ones. Our mission? Unpacking a treasure trove…
ARFID In Children With Autism PANS And PANDAS
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a type of eating disorder characterized by a persistent failure to meet appropriate nutritional and/or energy needs. Individuals with ARFID may fear certain foods or strongly dislike certain textures and may also experience weight loss or nutritional deficiencies. It is more common in children with autism, PANS, and…
Kicking The Sugar Habit
Sugar is vital for life – it is an essential fuel source for all of the cells of our body. As such, it occurs naturally in all carbohydrate-containing foods, including vegetables, fruits, grains and dairy products. Consumption of sugar in these forms, as part of a healthy, balanced diet, is not problematic for most people.…
Serotonin – The Happiness Molecule
What is serotonin? Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, a signalling molecule that allows communication within the central nervous system and throughout the body via the peripheral nervous system. It is probably most widely known as a mood regulator – our in-built ‘happy’ molecule. But serotonin also plays a role in learning, memory formation, regulating body temperature,…
Mighty Iron
Iron: a vital nutrient with many functions Iron is best known as an essential component of haemoglobin – the molecule in red blood cells that is responsible for transporting oxygen around the body. However, iron also plays a role in many other metabolic processes, including growth and development, cellular respiration and DNA repair and…
Natural Solutions For Your ADHD Child
Article written by Stella Chadwick for the Autism Eye Magazine for the Autumn 2021 edition Over the past two decades, more than 10,000 papers have been published on ADHD and the conclusion is that there is no single cause for this condition. When supporting a child or adult with ADHD it is imperative to consider…
Food and Mood
Article written by Stella Chadwick for the Spring 2021 issue of the Autism Eye Magazine Can certain fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices cause negative behavioural issues for our children? Many of us know, or have figured out through personal experience, that food colouring, additives and flavourings can impact our children’s behaviour and mood. But…
