A recent study has given us an intriguing new lead in understanding Long COVID and its effects on the cholinergic system – the network that governs brain function, muscle movement, and immune responses. Think of the cholinergic system as a phone line between the brain and body. When SARS-CoV-2 binds to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, it’s…
The Missing Piece in Understanding PANDAS and PANS?
What If Everything We Thought About PANDAS Was Wrong? For years, scientists have debated how infections can trigger autoimmune diseases and neuroimmune disorders. The most widely accepted theory has been molecular mimicry, the idea that certain bacteria and viruses resemble human cells so closely that the immune system gets confused and attacks the wrong target.…
Should You Stop Supplements?
If your child has PANDAS or PANS, you are probably familiar with long-term or prophylactic antibiotics. They can be an essential part of managing symptoms and preventing recurring infections. But here is the problem. Antibiotics do not just target the bad bacteria. They also wreak havoc on gut health, disrupt the immune system, and deplete…
Beat Mycoplasma: Winter Tips for PANDAS and PANS
If you’re living with PANDAS or PANS in your household, you already know that infections can bring much more than just coughs and sniffles. Mycoplasma pneumoniae, which is currently spreading through schools, can be particularly tricky. While it’s known as “walking pneumonia” because of its mild respiratory symptoms, for children with PANDAS or PANS, it…
The Collagen Conundrum
If you’re the parent of a child on the autism spectrum or managing conditions like PANDAS or PANS, you’ve probably tried various approaches to support their health—special diets, supplements, and everything in between. One supplement that’s been gaining attention is collagen. Now, you may have heard that collagen is great for joints, skin, and…
Is Your Child Stuck in Survival Mode? How Stress and Adrenal Health Hold the Key to Healing
Adrenal Health and Children with Complex Needs: How Stress Impacts Healing It’s a few weeks into the school term, and if your child has complex needs—whether it’s autism, PANDAS, or PANS—you may have noticed a spike in symptoms. Maybe they’re more anxious, their OCD has worsened, or they’re simply more irritable. It’s easy to assume…
Flare-Free Back to School: Top Tips
I hope you’ve all had a restful summer and are ready for the new school term. For children with PANDAS, PANS, and those on the autism spectrum, the return to school can bring a mix of excitement and anxiety. The shift in routine, increased social interactions, and exposure to various environmental factors can be…
Glucose and Autism: Discovering the Link to Speech Seizures Sleep and More
Recently Thinking Autism shared an excellent blog about the link between brain glucose levels and speech delays, seizures, and other challenging symptoms seen in some children on the autism spectrum. I want to ensure this message reaches all our followers, simplifying the concepts and exploring actionable steps to support our children effectively. You can read…
Puberty Survival Guide: Navigating the Maze with PANS, PANDAS, and Autism
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…
Do Fish Oils Make Your Child’s Symptoms Worse?
I want to share a personal story that might resonate with many of you. My daughter developed PANDAS symptoms after contracting scarlet fever, and our journey to help her has been both challenging and enlightening. Like many of you, we turned to both medical and natural solutions to help our child and to control inflammation…
