As a mom navigating the ups and downs of raising a child with autism, I’ve learned that understanding the root causes of behaviors like aggression is essential. One thing that has been especially challenging is determining if aggression is due to PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) or PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal infections).
After much trial and error, I’ve come to realize that the journey to understanding my child’s aggression, especially when dealing with the challenges of autism, is not linear. For us, a major turning point was realizing that my child’s behaviors were linked to something deeper, like mold exposure and its impact on his neurological health. But more on that in a bit.
What Are PANS and PANDAS?
PANS and PANDAS are disorders that result in sudden and severe psychiatric symptoms in children, often linked to infections or environmental toxins. PANDAS is typically triggered by a strep infection, while PANS can be triggered by various infections or environmental factors, including mold.
For children with autism, these disorders can be incredibly hard to diagnose because the symptoms may overlap with typical autism behaviors. Aggression, mood swings, and sensory overload can be amplified by PANS/PANDAS triggers, making them even more challenging to manage.
Lithium Orotate for Aggression
One key treatment that has made a significant difference for my child has been lithium orotate. Lithium, typically known for treating mood disorders, has been shown to support the nervous system and help regulate aggressive behavior. Lithium orotate is a more bioavailable and gentle form of lithium, making it an excellent option for children who struggle with aggression.
Since starting lithium orotate, I’ve noticed a huge improvement in my child’s demeanor. He’s more regulated and has even started using words I didn’t know he knew! He’s been engaging more and even typing away on his iPad, making a list of things he wants this summer. These small victories mean the world to me as a mom, knowing that we’re on the right track.
Herbs That Can Help with PANDAS Flare-ups
Another piece of the puzzle has been herbal remedies for managing PANDAS flare-ups, especially in the context of mold-related mycotoxins. When my child was exposed to mold in our previous home, which was not visible to the naked eye, it turned on a switch to PANS. We had no idea what was happening at first, and it felt like an emotional rollercoaster—constant flaring, aggression, and behaviors that seemed out of nowhere.
Herbs like Andrographis, Echinacea, and Elderberry can help reduce inflammation and support the immune system during a PANDAS flare. These natural remedies work synergistically with other treatments and can be powerful allies in managing symptoms.
Mold and Mycotoxins: The Hidden Culprit
We discovered the mold issue in our home after my child started flaring horribly, even with minor illnesses like a cold in the family. He would flare with teething, sinus problems, or just small environmental triggers. The more we dug into his symptoms, the more we realized that mold exposure was a significant factor. If your child is experiencing unexplained flare-ups, I encourage you to work with your practitioner to check for mycotoxins—toxic substances released by mold. These can wreak havoc on the body and especially the nervous system, causing neuropsychiatric symptoms.
A Holistic Approach: Yeast, Liver, and Detoxification
Managing mold exposure is a multifaceted process. We’re currently treating the mold issue with itraconazole, an antifungal medication, which is helping to address the mold-induced inflammation. However, mold can also trigger yeast overgrowth in the body, leading to further imbalances. This is a catch-22, as treating mold exposure can sometimes exacerbate yeast overgrowth, which is why we also focus on supporting liver health.
To do this, we use a supplement called LiverSauce, which helps detoxify the liver and support its natural detox pathways. We also make sure to incorporate glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that aids in detoxification. This combination is crucial for helping my child’s body eliminate the toxins that mold exposure can leave behind.
And of course, we use a binder to mop up any lingering toxins and ensure they are safely eliminated from the body. This is especially important when supporting the gut and immune system after mold exposure and other environmental triggers.
Finally, we’re ensuring that my child gets plenty of good quality magnesium, which helps support bowel movements and relaxes the muscles. Magnesium is also known for its calming effects on the nervous system, making it an essential part of our regimen for managing aggression and irritability.
A Journey of Healing: My Story
The path to healing has been long and challenging, but seeing the positive changes in my child has been incredibly rewarding. Since we started this journey, his aggression has been much more manageable. He’s less affected by the small things that used to send him into a meltdown, and his communication skills have improved as well.
If your child is experiencing aggression or sudden changes in behavior, I strongly encourage you to explore the possibility of PANS/PANDAS with your healthcare practitioner. While it can be overwhelming, understanding the root cause of these behaviors can help guide you toward a treatment plan that supports your child’s health and wellbeing. Don’t hesitate to explore options like lithium orotate, herbal remedies, and mold testing to get a clearer picture of what might be affecting your child.
This journey is not easy, but I’m hopeful that with the right treatments, my child and others like him can find the peace and stability they deserve. If you’re on a similar path, I’m here for you, and I truly believe that with the right support, your child can thrive.
Final Thought:
If your child has experienced unexplained flare-ups or aggressive behavior, please have your practitioner check for mycotoxins or environmental toxins. It could be the missing link that’s causing so many of the issues. Together, we can support our children in living their best lives, with love, patience, and holistic healing.
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