Understanding PANS/PANDAS: A Comprehensive Overview and Holistic Approaches to Treatment

Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) and Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) are complex and often misunderstood conditions that can have a profound impact on the mental and physical health of children. These disorders are characterized by a sudden onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms, including obsessive-compulsive behaviors, tics, anxiety, and mood disturbances. PANS and PANDAS are particularly relevant in the context of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), who may be more susceptible to these conditions.

Autism Comorbidiites, PANS and PANDASWellness SpeaksAugust 19, 2024pans, pandas, supplements for autism

Managing Comorbidities in Autism Through Diet and Nutrition

While the core characteristics of autism include challenges in social communication and repetitive behaviors, it is important to recognize that many individuals with autism also experience a range of comorbid conditions. These comorbidities can significantly impact quality of life and include obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety, sleep disorders, and gastrointestinal (GI) issues such as reflux, constipation, celiac disease, eosinophilic esophagitis (EOE), and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).

Understanding Low Muscle Tone in Children with Autism and ADHD: The Role of Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Amino Acid Depletion

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often experience a range of challenges, including motor difficulties such as low muscle tone. Low muscle tone, also known as hypotonia, can affect a child's posture, coordination, and overall physical development. In recent years, researchers have explored the connection between low muscle tone in these neurodevelopmental disorders and underlying factors such as mitochondrial dysfunction and amino acid depletion.

Nurturing Neurological Sensitivities: Exploring Sensory Dysregulation in Autism and Beyond

Sensory processing plays a pivotal role in a child's development, influencing their responses to various stimuli. For some children, particularly those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurological conditions, sensory dysregulation can pose significant challenges. In this article, we will delve into the definition of sensory dysregulation, its manifestations, potential causes, and explore the intricate relationship between sensory dysregulation and pain, sound sensitivity, tactile issues, taste preferences, and picky eating.

Autism ComorbidiitesWellness SpeaksDecember 4, 2023sensory processing disorder

Understanding Nutrient Absorption Challenges in Children with Autism and ADHD

Autism and ADHD can present challenges in nutrient absorption, leading to potential deficiencies. There can be many reasons behind this issue and it is essential to get to the root cause and explore factors such as digestive enzyme insufficiency, gut dysbiosis, constipation, gut inflammation, and nutrient-depleted foods.

What is the Biomedical Approach to Autism?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects individuals worldwide. Research suggests that a multidimensional approach focusing on biomedical and epigenetic factors can offer valuable insights and potential therapeutic interventions. A few of the key elements of the biomedical and epigenetic approach to autism, include the roles of MTHFR, nutrition and nutrient deficiencies (particularly vitamin D and B12), gut dysbiosis, and the brain-gut connection.

Functional Testing, Autism ComorbidiitesWellness SpeaksJuly 10, 2023autism biomedical

Unraveling the Puzzle: Potential Causes of Anxiety in Children

Anxiety is a complex condition that affects people of all ages, including children and is a common comorbid condition that affects children with autism and ADHD. It can manifest in various ways and may be triggered by a combination of genetic, environmental, and physiological factors. As I have mentioned in several other articles, the root of many of these factors begins in the gut. When our digestive health is out of whack, the rest of our bodies will be too. If we are not able to digest properly, we will not be able to absorb nutrients and many functions in the body will not work optimally. Also, if there are food sensitivities then those can lead to improper digestion, improper absorption and create inflammation leading to many symptoms.

Impact of Diet on Gut Microbiome and How it Affects Autism & ADHD

The human microbiome, consisting of trillions of microorganisms inhabiting our bodies, plays a crucial role in most aspects of our health. Recent research has shown that the microbiome's composition can be influenced by diet, leading to both positive and negative effects. In children, an imbalanced microbiome has been associated with conditions such as autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Healing Eczema

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition that affects millions of children worldwide. It is characterized by dry, itchy, and inflamed skin that can be uncomfortable and even painful for children. There are many strategies that parents can use to help manage their child's symptoms and reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups. Let’s look at five strategies to help with eczema in children: elimination diet, anti-inflammatory foods, exercise, coconut oil, and red light therapy.

One important nutrient that can help with constipation relief and promote restful sleep

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience gastrointestinal issues, such as constipation and irregular bowel movements, and sleep problems, such as difficulty falling asleep and waking up frequently during the night. Magnesium supplementation can be a useful tool for parents to alleviate these symptoms and improve their child's quality of life.

Food Sensitivity or Food Allergy? What is the Difference?

Having an unpleasant reaction to something you've eaten is a common experience. But if you have a sensitivity to a particular food, you may find you experience these symptoms frequently along with additional side effects.

The Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in ADHD

How Omega-3-s can improve brain health and help alleviate symptoms in ADHD

What the MTHFR?!

Testing for an MTHFR mutation is a bit of a hot topic in the Functional Medicine community lately. With a fairly simple blood draw or saliva sample, your primary care physician can easily test for the C677T or A1298C mutation.