Understanding Autism, PANS, and PANDAS: 5 Steps

In recent years, an increasing number of families are facing the challenges of raising children diagnosed with Autism and related conditions such as PANS and PANDAS. While psychological support is the norm, these children also require metabolic support—a crucial aspect of care that is often overlooked. In today’s toxic world, children with Autism and PANS frequently carry a heavier burden of toxins than their bodies can handle, compromising their overall health and well-being. Addressing this hidden toxicity is key to supporting their journey.

What Are Autism, PANS and PANDAS?

Autism

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that impacts communication, behaviour, and social interactions. Children with ASD often live in a constant state of stress, navigating a world that feels overwhelming and unpredictable.

PANS

PANS (Paediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) is a condition marked by the sudden onset of severe psychiatric symptoms in children, such as anxiety, mood swings and obsessive-compulsive behaviour (1).

PANDAS

PANDAS (Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) presents similarly to PANS but is triggered specifically by a streptococcal infection (strep throat). This infection causes an immune response that leads to neuropsychiatric symptoms.

Every person has a toxic bucket. If this overflows it can cause acute neuroinflammation, which disrupts a child’s normal neurological functioning. Alarmingly, even children with Autism can develop PANS or PANDAS, further complicating their health.

5 Holistic Healing Steps for Autism, PANS and PANDAS

To support a child with autism, PANS, or PANDAS, consider the following 5 steps:

1. Detoxify the Home Environment: Remove mould, chemicals, and toxins.
2. Follow a Detoxification Program: Consider a program like the 7 Steps Detoxification Program to gradually eliminate parasites and other toxins from the body.
3. Introduce Healing Foods and Supplements: Start with products like Tesseract AuRx and Algonot NeuroProtek Low Phenol Liquid to support the gut and the brain.
4. Behavioural Support: Work with a specialist to implement behavioural modification techniques.
5. Parental Support: Parents should seek emotional and physical support during this process, as behaviour may worsen before it improves.

Remove Parasites and Other Toxic Waste

Research shows that children with Autism and related conditions often store heavy metals, petrochemicals, and other toxic substances in their body tissues, sometimes in alarming amounts (3). These toxins can contribute to a range of physical and mental symptoms, making it essential to eliminate them from the body (4).

Hulda Clark notes in her book, “Lead accumulation is always seen in children with autism. This may originate from the mother, who passes it to the child through the placenta.”

Additionally, the parasite Toxoplasmosis has been linked to contributing symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

The Role of Diet in Autism, PANS and PANDAS

Autism is often approached from a behavioural perspective, but what about metabolic health? There is no doubt that a proper diet plays a crucial role in managing any chronic degenerative disorder. Food should be nourishing and healing, yet much of today’s food is a burden on the body, filled with chemicals that hinder health.

Children with autism frequently face digestive challenges, such as constipation or diarrhoea. There is also a strong link between food allergies and parasitic infections. Many of these children show significant improvements when gluten and dairy are removed from their diet.

Within this group, patients with neurological conditions almost always pass a large number of parasites. In addition to parasitic infections, we often find upstream triggers like environmental toxins. These factors can cause the immune system to mistakenly attack healthy brain tissue, leading to inflammation and neurological symptoms (5).

Holistic healing offers hope for children with autism, PANS, and PANDAS by addressing environmental toxins, supporting metabolic health, and managing parasitic infections. With patience, dedication, and a tailored approach, many children can move to a state of calm, free from anxiety, rage, and other distressing symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between PANS and PANDAS?

PANS is marked by the sudden onset of severe psychiatric symptoms in children, such as anxiety, mood swings and obsessive-compulsive behaviour. PANDAS presents similarly but is triggered specifically by a streptococcal infection (strep throat), which causes an immune response that leads to neuropsychiatric symptoms. Even children with autism can develop PANS or PANDAS, further complicating their health.

How can you support PANS and PANDAS naturally?

Consider five steps: detoxify the home environment by removing mould, chemicals and toxins; follow a detoxification program to gradually eliminate parasites and other toxins; introduce healing foods and supplements that support the gut and the brain; work with a specialist on behavioural support; and, as a parent, seek emotional and physical support, as behaviour may worsen before it improves.

What diet helps with PANS, PANDAS and autism?

Food should be nourishing and healing, yet much of today’s food is a burden on the body, filled with chemicals that hinder health. Children with autism frequently face digestive challenges, such as constipation or diarrhoea, and there is a strong link between food allergies and parasitic infections. Many of these children show significant improvements when gluten and dairy are removed from their diet.

Does my child with autism have parasites?

Yes, virtually every child or adult we’ve worked with who has autism, PANS, PANDAS, or similar neurological challenges has had parasitic infections. Within this group, patients with neurological conditions almost always pass a large number of parasites. The parasite Toxoplasmosis has also been linked to contributing symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Read more about the types of parasites and their symptoms.

Are vaccinations safe for children?

Muscle testing on many children has frequently revealed that vaccination-related damage is a common concern for those with autism. Even in older children, the effects of vaccinations given during infancy can still manifest. Deciding whether to vaccinate requires careful consideration, as in many cases, the risks may outweigh the benefits, potentially posing a serious threat to a child’s long-term health and well-being.

References

1. Five Youth with Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome of Differing Etiologies
2. PANDAS: Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infection
3. Mental and behavioral effects of parasitic infections: a review
4. PANDAS/PANS in childhood: Controversies and evidence
5. Parasitic diseases of the central nervous system: lessons for clinicians and policy makers