For decades, serotonin has been celebrated as the “feel-good” molecule, praised as the key to managing anxiety, OCD, and sensory sensitivities. Treatments like SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, a class of medications designed to increase serotonin levels in the brain), tryptophan supplements, and serotonin-rich diets have been built on this understanding, offering what feels…
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…
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…
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…
12 Easy Ways to Avoid Microplastics
As a parent myself, I’ve always been deeply aware of the toxic burden on our bodies. And with the exponential increase in childhood illnesses, allergies, neurodevelopmental delays, and autoimmune conditions, it’s apparent that our children are the canaries in the coal mine. Recent research has revealed that microplastics are not only pervasive but…
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…
Navigating MCAS in Autism PANS and PANDAS
As parents, navigating the complex landscape of your child’s health can be challenging, especially when conditions like Autism, PANDAS (Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections), and PANS (Paediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) are in the picture. One aspect that often intersects with these conditions is Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). Understanding MCAS and…
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…
Microbiome-Brain Roadmap: Autism PANDAS and PANS
Navigating the Microbiome-Brain Connection: A Roadmap for Families with Children Facing Symptoms of Autism, PANDAS, and PANS In the realm of children’s health, few journeys are as intricate and challenging as those families navigate when dealing with conditions symptoms of autism, PANDAS (Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections), and PANS (Paediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric…
Top Health Tips If You Are Living With Mould
Article published in the Autism Eye Magazine, written by Stella Chadwick Mould is a common type of fungus that grows in damp environments, and it can be found in many homes, schools, and other buildings. According to the National House Building Council (NHBC) Foundation in 2018, it is estimated that up to one-third of UK…