Is it Autism or PANS? The Key Differences.

Many parents are told that sudden behavioral regressions or intense motor tics are just a part of their child's autism diagnosis, but there is often a much deeper story.In this episode of Unraveling the Brain, Dr. Josh Madsen is joined by Greer McGuinness to discuss the significant crossover between Autism and PANS/PANDAS. They explore how underlying infections like strep, COVID, and Epstein-Barr can trigger an autoimmune response that inflames the brain and causes massive shifts in behavior, mood, and coordination. By moving beyond the surface level labels and looking at the immune system’s role in brain health, parents can find the actual mechanisms driving their child’s struggles. Whether you are dealing with sudden OCD, extreme hyperactivity, or a stall in developmental progress, this conversation reveals the clinical insights needed to address brain inflammation and help your child find balance again.Timestamps00:00 - Introduction: The Autism and PANS/PANDAS Connection01:04 - Defining PANS vs. PANDAS: Strep vs. Other Viral Triggers02:39 - When Infections Look Like Psychiatric Disorders04:59 - Neural Zoomer Plus: Why Dr. Josh Prefers It Over Other Tests06:21 - Dopamine Receptors: The Science Behind Hyperactivity and Impulse Control07:35 - The "Energizer Bunny" Child: Understanding Extreme Stimming09:16 - The First 3 Years: How the Early Immune System is Trained10:16 - Why "Never Getting Sick" is a Red Flag for Autoimmunity13:17 - Environmental Triggers: The Role of Mold and Heavy Metals18:10 - Why Standard Lab Results Often Come Back "Normal"24:45 - The Bio-Medical Foundation: Gut Health, Detox, and Nutrition31:20 - Individualized Care: Why Every Child Needs a Different Roadmap37:34 - The Rabbit Holes: Focusing on the Right Root Causes39:41 - Functional Lab Testing vs. Traditional Pediatric Labs41:29 - The Crisis of Underserved Kids in the US Medical System42:11 - Closing Thoughts: Finding Practitioners Who ListenBook an intensive at infinity - https://infinityneuromotor.com/watchFollow Greer McGuinness!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biomedicalhealingforkids?igsh=NG11MDhqNzd4NzloWebsite: https://www.biomedicalhealingforkids.com/about-me#earlyintervention #ChildDevelopment #AutismAwareness #BrainDevelopment #Neuroscience #ParentingTips #DevelopmentalDelays #PediatricCareDisclaimer:The information in this video is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your physician or a qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions about a medical condition or your child’s development. Individual results may vary, and the strategies discussed may not be appropriate for every child. Please consult a healthcare professional before making decisions related to your child’s health or development.Listen to Our Podcast:• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unraveling-the-brain-with-dr-josh-madsen/id1764135609• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3LmNMX3J7hr4Eyo5kl7fSe?si=7101a504932f4318Additional Courses and Resources:• For Parents - https://www.limitlessfoundation.co/courses/category/parents• For Doctors - https://www.limitlessfoundation.co/courses/category/healthcare-providers• Read Our Blogs: https://www.drjoshmadsen.com/Follow Us on Social Media:• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.joshmadsen/• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/infinityiaSpread Awareness:• Share this video with new parents or caregivers to help spread awareness.• Subscribe for more insights on child development and early intervention strategies.• Leave a comment with your questions or share your experiences related to this topic!📌 Watch on Youtube | https://www.youtube.com/@DrJoshMadsen📌 Follow us on Instagram: @drjoshmadsen📌 Follow us on Facebook: Infinity Functional Neurology📧 For inquiries, contact us at mediateam@iowainfinity