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…
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…
Can’t Eat Won’t Eat
Written by Stella Chadwick for the Summer 2021 edition of the Autism Eye Magazine Feeding issues amongst children with autism are far too common. The challenges tend to be eating a limited food selection, showing anxiety or tantrums when presented with new foods, and/or having ritualistic eating behaviours, such as not wanting different types of…
DIETARY ROUTES TO LOWER ANXIETY
Featured article in the Autism Eye magazine. Written by Stella Chadwick. Anxiety is the most common symptom experienced by a vast percentage of children and adults with autism. Anxiety disorders can manifest as persistent, excessive worry about everyday things, or anxiety and fear in social situations. There can also be irrational fear of things and…
KRYPTOPYRROLURIA, COULD IT BE KPU?
Kryptopyrroluria (KPU) is thought to be one of the most under-recognized conditions in the UK. Some estimates suggest the incidence of KPU to be as high as 80% in autism and between 40% and 70% in those with learning difficulties, ADHD, depression and bipolar disorders. What is KPU (HPU)? KPU, also known as HPU, (Haemopyrroluria),…
