Demystifying PANS/PANDAS Podcast

The biggest driver of brain symptoms might be what’s happening in the gut. In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, we are joined by Dr. James Adams to talk about microbial metabolites, hidden yeast and bacterial issues in autism, a new urine-based metabolite test, and why microbiota transplant therapy may improve mood, sleep, and behavior by restoring microbial balance.- - - - -About the Guest:Dr. James Adams is a professor at Arizona State University and a leader in its autism research program, with decades of work focused on identifying biological contributors to autism and advancing evidence-based interventions. His path into the field began after his daughter was diagnosed with severe autism and intellectual disability, motivating his pursuit of research aimed at understanding root causes rather than managing symptoms alone.His research explores gut dysbiosis, yeast and bacterial overgrowth, microbial metabolites, and microbiota transplant therapy, with ongoing efforts to develop practical diagnostic tools and refine treatment approaches through clinical studies.- - - - -Social Handles:Website: http://www.adamsautismresearch.com/- - - - -Nancy O’Hara, MD, MPH, FAAP, FMAPSWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- - - - -PODCASTThank you for listening.Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.comhttps://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

What if the behaviors everyone sees aren't choices at all, but signs of a brain under siege? In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Dr. Nancy O'Hara speaks with ten-year-old Aiden and his mother about living through PANS, the loss of control it brings, and what helped them finally find clarity, compassion, and a path forward.- - - - -About the Guest:Aiden is a ten-year-old living with PANS who courageously shares his personal experience to raise awareness and understanding. After years of misdiagnosis, Aiden is now participating in a research study involving IVIG therapy and continues to navigate recovery with insight far beyond his years.Outside of his health journey, Aiden is the founder of Bottle Caps Are Cool, a business creating NFC-enabled bottle cap charms, with a portion of proceeds supporting people experiencing homelessness. He is passionate about helping others, spreading awareness, and reminding adults that behavior is not always a choice.Website: https://www.bottlecapsarecool.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556882294755Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tap_caps/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aiden-newman-852a4340/ - - - - -Nancy O’Hara, MD, MPH, FAAP, FMAPSWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- - - - -PODCASTThank you for listening.Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.comhttps://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

What if healing didn't start with another treatment, but with the space your family walks into every day? In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Dr. Nancy O'Hara speaks with designer and author Stephen Saint-Onge about how home environments influence stress, regulation, sensory overwhelm, and emotional recovery for both parents and children.- - - - -About the Guest:Stephen Saint-Onge is an internationally recognized designer, author, and speaker featured on Oprah, NBC, CNN, BBC, and in publications such as Better Homes and Gardens and House Beautiful. He is the author of No Place Like Home, focused on practical, attainable design for real families.With over two decades of experience, Stephen now helps families understand how their environments influence stress, energy, and well-being. Through coaching, media, and his podcast, Driven By Design Studio, he empowers people to create calmer, more supportive spaces using simple, accessible design changes.- - - - -Social Handles:Website: https://www.saint-onge.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephensaintonge/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephensaintonge/- - - - -Nancy O’Hara, MD, MPH, FAAP, FMAPSWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- - - - -PODCASTThank you for listening.Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.comhttps://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

The most powerful tool in pediatric care may not be a test or a treatment… but presence. In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Dr. Larry Rosen shares how curiosity, listening, and relationship-centered care change outcomes for children with complex neuroimmune conditions, including PANS/PANDAS.- - - - -About the Guest:Dr. Lawrence Rosen is an integrative pediatrician and founder of the Whole Child Center, where he has supported children and families through relationship-centered care. He is a co-author of Treatment Alternatives for Children and has been a leading voice in integrating mind-body medicine into primary pediatric practice.He serves as an associate professor of pediatrics at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, where he teaches humanism and mindfulness in medicine. Dr. Rosen is a founding member and former chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Integrative Medicine and a recipient of the AAP Pioneer in Integrative Medicine Award.- - - - -Lawrence Rosen, MDWebsite: https://wholechildcenter.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlarryrosen/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrence-rosen-3747b41b8/- - - - -Nancy O’Hara, MD, MPH, FAAP, FMAPSWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- - - - -PODCASTThank you for listening.Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

What if one of the most commonly used childhood medications carries risks that medicine has failed to fully confront? In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, I speak with Dr. William Parker about decades of research connecting acetaminophen exposure, susceptibility, and neurodevelopment, and why timing, metabolism, and immune stress matter more than most studies acknowledge.One overlooked moment may explain far more about autism risk than decades of debate. On this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, I speak with Dr. William Parker about why acetaminophen exposure around the time of birth has emerged as a consistent trigger in susceptible children, and how metabolism, oxidative stress, and timing intersect in ways mainstream research often fails to address.We explore toxicology data, animal studies, cord blood findings, regressive autism patterns, and why adjusting out susceptibility leads to misleading conclusions. The conversation also examines fever suppression, immune stress, and how broader immune tolerance research helps explain why certain children are more vulnerable than others.Dr. William Parker is a biochemist and immunologist with nearly three decades of research experience in microbiology, neurodevelopment, and immune function. His work has focused on how environmental exposures interact with susceptibility to shape long-term health outcomes.He is widely known for his research on acetaminophen and neurodevelopment, the role of oxidative stress in autism spectrum disorder, and the function of the human appendix as a reservoir for beneficial gut bacteria. His work has been published in multiple peer-reviewed journals and continues to influence conversations around immune tolerance, inflammation, and pediatric care.Dr. William Parker Website: preventautism.orgNancy O’Hara, MD, MPH, FAAP, FMAPSWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PODCASTThank you for listening.Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, I talk with TruDOSE leaders Tapley Holland and Elena Herning about how precision-dosed platelet therapy works to modulate immune dysfunction, calm neuroinflammation, and support healing in children and adults with complex conditions like autism and PANS/PANDAS.When healing finally starts working, it doesn’t always look comfortable at first. In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Tapley Holland and Elena Herning join us to explore TruDOSE, an IV therapy using a patient’s own platelets, precisely dosed and retested to stimulate repair and immune balance rather than suppress symptoms.They explain why the body doesn’t recognize diagnoses, only dysfunction, and how TruDOSE works systemically to modulate inflammation, immune signaling, and repair pathways. The conversation also dives into emerging research, early microbiome findings, real-world outcomes in autism and PANS/PANDAS, and why understanding why a therapy doesn’t work is just as important as celebrating when it does.Tapley Holland and Elena Herning are the leaders behind TruDOSE, a precision-based IV platelet therapy focused on immune modulation and systemic repair. Their work centers on using a patient’s own platelets, carefully tested and retested for dose accuracy, to support healing across complex inflammatory, neurological, and immune-driven conditions.Together, they are advancing TruDOSE through provider education and multiple IRB-backed research initiatives, including studies in autism, PANS/PANDAS, microbiome health, sports medicine, women’s health, and more, driven by a mission to better understand why therapies work, and sometimes don’t.Tapley Holland and Elena HerningWebsite: https://trudose.comNancy O’Hara, MD, MPH, FAAP, FMAPSWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PODCASTThank you for listening.Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

What if the fastest way to change a child’s diet is to stop trying to take foods away? In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, I talk to Dr. Joshua Green on integrative care for complex illness, how he helps kids with restrictive eating by focusing on 'adding' first, and why a membership-based practice can restore time, trust, and better outcomes.What if families aren’t failing treatment, but medicine is failing to meet them where they are? In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, I sit down with naturopathic physician Dr. Joshua Green to explore why integrative, individualized care is often essential for complex chronic illness.He shares how his personal experiences shaped his approach to medicine, why lifestyle and nutrition changes must be realistic to work, and how he helps children with restrictive eating by focusing on small, achievable additions rather than rigid rules. He also explains why he transitioned to a membership-based practice, allowing more time, deeper listening, and coordinated care, and why he believes this model could help restore both patient trust and physician fulfillment.Dr. Joshua Green is a naturopathic physician providing integrative primary and specialty care for patients with chronic complex illness, including tick-borne disease and mold-related conditions. He completed his undergraduate training at Bastyr University with a focus on whole foods nutrition and has a naturopathic medical degree. He is a member of the Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs (MAPS), the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS), and is ILADEF-trained, and is passionate about accessible care, operating a membership-based practice designed to give patients more time, coordination, and individualized attention.Dr. Joshua GreenWebsite: https://vermontnaturalfamilymedicine.com/MAPS: https://www.medmaps.org/clinician-directory/vt/burlington/joshua-green/Nancy O’Hara, MD, MPH, FAAP, FMAPSWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PODCASTThank you for listening.Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

Why does neuroinflammation look different as children grow? In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, pediatric neurologist Dr. John Gaitanis explains the continuum of neuroinflammation, why regression represents loss of brain function, and how energy metabolism, immune activation, and the cell danger response shape symptoms across childhood and adolescence.Regression isn’t loss without cause. It’s the brain conserving energy under inflammatory pressure. In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Dr. John Gaitanis reframes autism regression, PANS/PANDAS, and chronic fatigue as points along a continuum of neuroinflammation rather than separate diagnoses.He explains how repeated inflammatory and infectious stressors can lock the brain into a low-energy survival state known as the cell danger response, disrupting development, behavior, and learning. We also explore cerebral folate deficiency, mitochondrial stress, autonomic dysfunction, and why true recovery takes time, physiologic regulation, and individualized care, not symptom suppression alone.Dr. John Gaitanis is a pediatric neurologist who cares for children and adolescents with complex neuroimmune and neuroinflammatory conditions, including developmental regression, PANS/PANDAS, seizures, chronic fatigue, and dysautonomia. By following patients over decades, he has developed a clinical perspective that connects these diagnoses along a single continuum rather than treating them as isolated disorders.In this conversation, Dr. Gaitanis shares how concepts like cerebral folate deficiency, mitochondrial energy demand, autonomic imbalance, and the cell danger response help explain why symptoms change with age, and why restoring physiologic balance is essential for recovery.Dr. John GaitanisWebsite: brainfoundation.org/brain-investigators/brain-pi-john-gaitanis/MAPS: medmaps.org/faculty/john-gaitanis/Nancy O’Hara, MD, MPH, FAAP, FMAPSWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PODCASTThank you for listening.Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

Lyme disease: what if everything you know about it was only a fraction of the truth? In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Dr. Tom Moorcroft joins us to break down misdiagnosis, co-infections, persistence, testing pitfalls, immune dysregulation, and the mindset shifts that helped him recover after eight years of undiagnosed illness.Most people think Lyme disease is simple—until they get it. In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Dr. Tom Moorcroft joins us to share his eight-year journey of misdiagnosis, brain fog, joint pain, and debilitating fatigue that no doctor could explain. He walks through how Lyme, Babesia, Bartonella, and other co-infections overlap, why conventional treatment often falls short, and how immune suppression, total toxic load, and persistent forms of Borrelia complicate diagnosis and healing.We dive deep into testing accuracy, the limitations of standard labs, the power of herbal protocols, and why slow-growing organisms require a fundamentally different treatment strategy. We also explore the emotional side of chronic illness, offering hope and direction to anyone navigating long-term symptoms.Dr. Tom Moorcroft is one of the nation’s leading experts in Lyme disease, tick-borne co-infections, and complex chronic illness. With almost two decades of frontline clinical experience, he blends osteopathic medicine, advanced infectious-disease training, and root-cause functional approaches to help patients recover from conditions often dismissed or misunderstood by conventional medicine.He is the founder of the Lyme Disease Practitioner Certification and Mentorship Program and host of The Lyme Insider Podcast, where he trains clinicians to diagnose and treat Lyme disease, Babesia, Bartonella, mold illness, and infection-triggered autoimmune conditions like PANS/PANDAS. Dr. Moorcroft is also a sought-after educator and a fellow of both the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society and the Medical Academy of Pediatrics Special Needs.Dr. Tom MoorcroftWebsite: tommoorcroft.comSpotify: open.spotify.com/show/4MF1vvgVernzmORc6JdkG4?si=a33a63c4b4cf4778Linktree: https://linktr.ee/tommoorcroftNancy O’Hara, MD, MPH, FAAP, FMAPSWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PODCASTThank you for listening.Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

This is the mistake most protocols make with complex kids… In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Dr. James Neuenschwander, also known as Dr. Neu, joins us to talk about root-cause biochemistry, why there’s no one-size protocol for autism or PANS/PANDAS, and how patterns like immune dysfunction, gut issues, methylation problems, and the cell danger response can drive chronic illness.Why complex illness refuses to follow a checklist. In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Dr. James Neuenschwander shares how he left surgical residency after seeing his own family experience improve with herbs, homeopathy, dietary changes, and detox-focused approaches—sparking a decades-long commitment to treating illness at its source rather than chasing symptoms.He unpacks why MAPS teaches biochemistry that applies beyond pediatrics, and why labels like PANS, PANDAS, autism, ADD, chronic fatigue, and even long COVID can share underlying processes like inflammation, immune dysfunction, mitochondrial stress, gut dysbiosis, and nutrient issues. Dr. Neu explains the cell danger response as a short-term protective shift that becomes destructive when it’s chronically activated—and emphasizes the core message for both parents and practitioners: keep learning, keep investigating root drivers, and don’t give up. Tune in to hear how patterns reveal what protocols miss.Dr. James Neuenschwander, also known as Dr. Neu, is an integrative physician and the president and director of the Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs (MAPS). He leads BioEnergy Medical Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he sees chronically ill children and adults with complex immune, gut, and neuroinflammatory presentations.After training in conventional medicine, he shifted toward root-cause care centered on biochemistry—focusing on identifying what’s driving symptoms rather than treating diagnostic labels. Through MAPS, he helps train practitioners to understand key pathways and apply science-based, individualized strategies to complex chronic illness.James Neuenschwander, MDWebsite: bioenergymedicalcenter.com/provider/james-neuenschwander-mdInstagram: instagram.com/theneumdMAPS: medmaps.org/faculty/james-neuenschwander/Nancy O’Hara, MD, MPH, FAAP, FMAPSWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

What if you did everything right in pregnancy… and your child still developed autism and PANS/PANDAS? In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, functional clinical nutritionist Inna Topiler joins us to talk about autoimmunity, preconception health, hidden triggers, flares, and the deep emotional work of parenting a neurologically sensitive child.What happens when you spend years restoring your own health, and still face your child’s autism diagnosis? In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, functional clinical nutritionist Inna Topiler joins us to share her path from chronically sick child to practitioner, and then to a mom navigating her son’s autism spectrum disorder. She opens up about decades of infections, heavy metals, gut issues, and thyroid autoimmunity, and the grief of realizing that even with all her preparation, her son needed a different kind of support.We explore how parental autoimmunity, thyroid health, environmental triggers, and even subtle trauma shape a child’s nervous and immune systems. Tune in to this honest, validating conversation for any parent who feels they did everything right and is still searching for answers.Inna Topiler is a functional clinical nutritionist specializing in Hashimoto’s and hypothyroidism—expertise shaped by her own long battle with infections, gut issues, heavy metals, and autoimmune thyroid disease. Her search for answers led her from Wall Street to a master’s degree and two decades of training in functional nutrition. For 21 years, she has helped clients address autoimmunity, hormone imbalances, digestive issues, and toxic overload through a root-cause, whole-body approach.As a mom to a son with autism and PANS/PANDAS and a neurotypical daughter, Inna brings a rare dual perspective as both practitioner and parent. She’s passionate about blending conventional and functional tools, optimizing thyroid health, and creating cleaner, healthier homes. She is the creator of Thyrolove, a targeted multi-nutrient formula for Hashimoto’s and hypothyroidism, and shares her podcast, programs, and resources at InnaTopiler.com and Thyrolove.com.Inna Topiler, CNS, MSWebsites: innatopiler.com; thyrolove.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/inna-topiler-mooney-cns-ms-9a85b27Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/3RQT9bHpyPTWgVbObDvxHF?si=97abed9e34d9454eInstagram: instagram.com/innatopilerFacebook: facebook.com/InnaTopilerYouTube: youtube.com/@innatopilerofficialTiktok: tiktok.com/@innatopilerNancy O’Hara, MD, MPH, FAAP, FMAPSWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

What happens when a ten-year-old wakes up as a completely different child, hearing voices, gripped by terror, and no one can explain why? In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Isabel Witkos shares her story of years of misdiagnosis, trauma, self-harm, and suicidality, and how she rebuilt her life through therapy, community, and a stubborn kind of hope.She went to bed a typical ten-year-old and woke up terrified of her own mind. In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Isabel Witkos joins us to talk about what PANDAS feels like from the inside. She describes going to bed as a typical ten-year-old and waking up overwhelmed by fear, intrusive thoughts, and symptoms no one could explain. Her family faced months of confusion, misdiagnoses, and missed school before learning about PANDAS. Even then, her recovery was long and complicated. She shares the grief of losing normal childhood experiences, the isolation of feeling misunderstood, and the struggle of living for years with a brain and body that no longer felt safe.Izzy also opens up about the emotional side of her journey, including trauma, self-harm, and moments when she had to choose to keep going. Today, after years of hard work, she talks about finding calm, gratitude, and a desire for a peaceful life. Her story reminds families that this season is not the whole story and that recovery is possible.Isabel Witkos is a young adult who spent a full decade living inside PANDAS. She was diagnosed at age ten after an overnight change that left her hearing voices, battling tics, intrusive thoughts, severe anxiety, and long stretches out of school. Her case was complex, with multiple triggers and layers of medical and emotional trauma, including self-harm and a suicide attempt in college.Today, she speaks openly about the loneliness, grief, and identity loss that often go unseen in PANDAS. Through years of treatment, intensive therapy, and the steady presence of her family and friends, she’s learned that she is far more than her diagnosis, and now uses her story to offer validation, hope, and a vision of true healing to other families walking the same road.Nancy O’Hara, MD, MPH, FAAP, FMAPSWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

What if your child’s sudden tics, rages, anxiety, or personality changes were signs of the immune system attacking the brain after an infection? In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Dr. Craig Shimasaki reveals how a simple blood test can uncover hidden immune reactions, explain the most confusing symptoms, and point families toward real answers and real healing.If your child changed overnight, this conversation may explain why and what to do next. In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Dr. Craig Shimasaki joins us to talk about how a simple infection can confuse the immune system and cause it to accidentally target the brain, leading to the sudden tics, rages, anxiety, and behavior shifts so many families experience. Tune in as we explore why these immune reactions are easily accepted when they affect the joints or thyroid, yet are dismissed as ‘behavioral’ when they affect the brain. Dr. Shimasaki also highlights the powerful role of gut health, microbiome diversity, and everyday exposures in shaping the immune system. His message is simple: when families understand the root cause, and when clinicians treat what the immune system is actually doing, kids and adults can improve in ways once thought impossible.Dr. Craig Shimasaki is a molecular biologist, entrepreneur, and long-time leader in turning scientific discoveries into real-world medical breakthroughs. With more than three decades of experience in molecular biology, infectious disease, and immune-triggered brain disorders, he co-founded Moleculera Biosciences, a precision medicine company helping families uncover the immune root causes behind sudden neurologic, psychiatric, and behavioral symptoms. Today, he teaches biotechnology entrepreneurship and works with scientists and clinicians around the world to bring urgently needed medical innovations to patients. Dr. Shimasaki has become a leading voice in understanding how infections can trigger autoimmune reactions in the brain, and how identifying these reactions can change the trajectory of a child’s life.Craig Shimasaki, PhD, MBAWebsite: moleculera.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/craig-shimasaki-45b4a618Nancy O’Hara, MD, MPH, FAAP, FMAPSWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

Leaky skin. Leaky gut. Leaky brain. The connection is real, and it’s impacting our kids. In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Dr. Sheila Kilbane joins us to connect the dots between eczema, atopic issues, histamine, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Join us as we break down the surprising overlap between leaky skin, leaky gut, and a leaky blood-brain barrier in kids with chronic inflammatory issues and offer practical, doable steps to support healing.----What if your child’s eczema, gut issues, and rages were all connected? In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Dr. Sheila Kilbane joins us to explore a big question on so many parents’ minds: How are my child’s skin issues, gut issues, and brain symptoms all connected? She breaks down her ‘inside out and outside in’ approach to eczema in simple, practical terms, while also asking why the fire started in the first place. We also look at the major triggers in a child’s ‘inflammation bucket’ and show how things like allergy season or a dust-mite–filled mattress can be the hidden reason tics, rages, or anxiety explode.Dr. Kilbane also dives into when it actually helps to use medications or antihistamines at the beginning, and how to slowly layer in kid-friendly tools like smoothies, better snacks, and more plants in the diet without stressing the whole family. Tune in to hear real stories of kids whose eczema, ear infections, and behavior improved when a few key foods were removed, why giant food panels are unreliable, and how simple patterns and parent observations can guide your next steps.----Dr. Sheila Kilbane is a board-certified pediatrician and integrative medicine physician who helps families get to the root of chronic childhood illnesses, from eczema and allergies to gut issues, asthma, and behavioral symptoms. After years in a busy conventional practice watching kids return again and again without lasting improvement, she set out to create a better model of care, one that listens deeply, looks for patterns, and uses both nutrition and medicine to support healing from the inside out.Today, she runs a private practice and is the creator of the Healthy Kids, Happy Moms Program, a seven-step process designed to reduce inflammation and restore children’s health naturally and sustainably. A sought-after speaker and author, her mission is to transform pediatric healthcare and help one million kids get off medications they may not need while giving parents the clarity, confidence, and tools they deserve.----Sheila Kilbane, MDWebsite: sheilakilbane.comInstagram: instagram.com/sheilakilbanemdFacebook: facebook.com/sheilakilbanemdLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sheilakilbaneTwitter: x.com/sheilakilbanemd----Nancy O’Hara, MD, MPH, FAAP, FMAPSWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

From toxins to trauma, diet to infections—modern kids face more than we realize. In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Beth Lambert and Dr. Heather Tallman Ruhm of the Documenting Hope Project join us to talk about why children’s chronic conditions like autism are driven by a ‘total load’ of modern-life stressors. Uncover how their groundbreaking research empowers parents to identify these invisible stressors and kickstart lasting change.----Modern life is heavy on kids’ systems. This episode shows how to lift the weight. In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Dr. Heather Ruhm and Beth Lambert from Documenting Hope join us to talk about the ‘total load’ theory: the idea that the modern world overwhelms children’s systems through diet, toxins, infections, and environmental exposures. We unpack a study that tracks thousands of data points to reveal the hidden web of factors contributing to chronic conditions like autism and PANS/PANDAS.This conversation reminds families that progress begins with awareness: by tracking symptoms, noticing small wins, and reducing total load, parents can unlock new levels of resilience and hope for their child and the entire household.----Beth Lambert is a former healthcare consultant and teacher who has spent over a decade studying the environmental and lifestyle factors driving chronic illness in children. As the Founder and Executive Director of Epidemic Answers and the Documenting Hope Project, she leads groundbreaking initiatives that combine research, education, and storytelling to inspire healing and transformation. She is the author of A Compromised Generation: The Epidemic of Chronic Illness in America’s Children and co-author of Brain Under Attack: A Resource for Parents and Caregivers of Children with PANS, PANDAS, and Autoimmune Encephalitis. Beth holds degrees from Williams College and Fairfield University, and she studied at Oxford University.Dr. Heather Tallman Ruhm is a Board-Certified Family Physician dedicated to whole-person, integrative care. Blending her background in medicine with expertise in functional, bioregulatory, and energy medicine, she helps patients harness their innate healing capacity and self-regulation. A graduate of the University of New Mexico School of Medicine, she also holds a Master’s in Public Policy from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. Dr. Tallman Ruhm has practiced across the United States, taught college-level courses in pathology and wellness, and co-authored peer-reviewed research on autism recovery. Based in Southern New Hampshire, she continues to teach, speak, and practice part-time while finding joy in yoga, skiing, hiking, and gardening.----Website: documentinghope.comInstagram: instagram.com/documentinghopeFacebook: facebook.com/DocumentingHopeYouTube: youtube.com/channel/UC_ZHXwyx8jIhJbUD2GXCTnwLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/documentinghope/Twitter: x.com/DocumentingHope----Nancy O’Hara, MD, MPH, FAAP, FMAPSWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

What if the fastest way to calm the brain starts in the gut? In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Dr. Sabine Hazan reveals surprising links between gut microbes and the brain—showing how tiny shifts in bifidobacteria can influence cognition, behavior, and recovery. She also unpacks the truth about fecal transplant, what makes a ‘good’ donor, why environment and product quality can undo progress, and how to verify real microbiome healing instead of guessing.----Fecal transplants, fake probiotics, and the fight for real gut healing. In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Dr. Sabine Hazan joins us to share her groundbreaking work linking the gut to the brain and immune system. She explains how changes in the microbiome can influence conditions like autism and why restoring balance in the gut often leads to measurable improvements in health and behavior.Dr. Hazan breaks down why fecal transplant is both science and art, from choosing the right donor to ensuring true engraftment and a supportive environment. She also exposes how many probiotic and yogurt labels fail to match their claims, urging families to test and verify quality. Her message is clear: when we protect the gut, we open the door to lasting healing and scientific discovery.----Dr. Sabine Hazan is a trailblazer in gastroenterology, internal medicine, and hepatology, known for redefining how we understand the microbiome. As the first woman accepted into the University of Florida’s Clinical Gastroenterology Fellowship, she went on to lead over 300 clinical trials through her company, Ventura Clinical Trials, and now serves as founder and CEO of Progenabiome, a genetic sequencing lab conducting more than 35 microbiome studies.Her team was the first in the world to detect SARS-CoV-2 in patient stool samples by whole genome sequencing, linking gut health to susceptibility to COVID. As Series Editor on the microbiome for Practical Gastroenterology and a frequent speaker at global conferences, she continues to push the boundaries of microbiome science—most recently pioneering familial fecal transplants that offer new hope for children with autism.----Sabine Hazan, MDWebsite: progenabiome.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/dr.sabinehazan----Nancy O’Hara, MD, MPH, FAAP, FMAPSWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

What if your child’s symptoms trace back to your home’s air and dust? In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Meredith Pleiter, an environmental health coach, joins us to reveal the eight non-negotiables for successful mold remediation. He also shares practical, budget-friendly steps families can take now to protect their kids from mold.----What if your home is quietly keeping your child sick—even after mold remediation? Here’s why that test might be lying to you. In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Meredith Pleiter joins us to lay out eight non-negotiables to protect your home from mold. She explains why new houses can still be moldy, why visible mold is only the tip of the iceberg, and why the inspector you choose determines everything.We talk about fine-particle cleaning that removes spores, fragments, and mycotoxins from dust, how to choose an effective vacuum, when to fog, and why wet-wiping beats dry dusting. Meredith also covers simple wins for tight budgets—from self-draining dehumidifiers to vents, rugs, cars, and high-dust surfaces. Her message is hopeful and human: use your village, learn your home, and remember that food heals, environment matters, and you are not alone.----Nancy O’Hara, MD, MPH, FAAP, FMAPSWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

At ReligenDX, we are revolutionizing diagnostic testing by equipping healthcare professionals with cutting-edge tools for early detection, targeted interventions, and improved patient outcomes. Our innovative solutions, including the Folate Receptor Antibody Test (FRAT) for PANS, PANDAS, and Autism, provide critical insights into neurological and immune-related conditions. With a commitment to scientific excellence and personalized medicine, ReligenDX empowers clinicians to make informed decisions and optimize treatment for every patient.Website: ⁠fratnow.com⁠ or ⁠religendx.com----Normal folate test results may not tell you what the brain actually needs. In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Dr. Richard Frye, a child neurologist, joins us to explain cerebral folate deficiency, why many kids show brain-level need despite normal blood tests, and how targeted folinic acid, dairy elimination, and mitochondrial support can unlock language, calm tics, and steady behavior.----Think your child’s folate levels are fine? Here’s why that test might be lying to you. In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Dr. Richard Frye shares the fascinating story behind cerebral folate deficiency, how antibodies can block folate from entering the brain, and why so many kids with autism improve with folinic acid (leucovorin). He explains how symptoms shift with age and why some children need more folate, not less.Dr. Frye then reveals surprising connections: how dairy proteins can block receptors, why certain brands of leucovorin work better, and why ‘normal’ folate tests often mislead. He connects mitochondrial overdrive, nutrient gaps, and prenatal stress, showing parents and practitioners how a step-by-step plan helps children regain focus, energy, and progress.----Dr. Richard Frye is a Child Neurologist with expertise in neurodevelopmental and neurometabolic disorders. He received an MD and PhD in Physiology and Biophysics from Georgetown University. He completed a residency in Pediatrics at the University of Miami, Residency in Child Neurology and Fellowship in Behavioral Neurology and Learning Disabilities at Harvard University/Children’s Hospital Boston and Fellowship in Psychology at Boston University. He also received a Masters in Biomedical Science and Biostatistics from Drexel University. He holds board certifications in Pediatrics, and in Neurology with Special Competence in Child Neurology. He has authored over 300 publications and book chapters and serves on several editorial boards.Dr. Frye is a national leader in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) research. He is President and Chief Scientific Officer of the Autism Discovery and Treatment Foundation, Chief Medical Officer of the Neurological Health Foundation, Director of Research and Neurologist at the Rossignol Medical Center and Principal Investigator at the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center.He has lead several clinical studies on children with ASD, including studies focusing on defining the clinical, behavioral, cognitive, genetic and metabolic characteristics of children with ASD and mitochondrial disease and several clinical trials demonstrating the efficacy of safe and novel treatments that target underlying physiological abnormalities in children with ASD, including studies on leucovorin, cobalamin and tetrahydrobiopterin and has an ongoing multicenter controlled clinical trial on leucovorin, neuroimmune modulators and photobiomodulation.----Nancy O’Hara, MD, MPH, FAAP, FMAPSWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

School closures, masking, and fear left scars. Here's how to rebuild resilience. In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Dr. Elizabeth Mumper joins us to unpack what COVID taught us about children’s health—what worked, what harmed, and how to do better next time. She connects school closures, masking, and fear with developmental and mental health fallout, then ties the virus to neuroinflammation, viral reactivation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and practical ways families can restore resilience.----Did the lockdowns do more damage to our kids than the virus? In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Dr. Elizabeth Mumper reveals how fear-driven lockdowns and masking policies may have harmed kids more than helped, disrupting emotional growth, learning, and safety nets. She contrasts this with other countries’ child-centered models and exposes how misclassified hospital data exaggerated children’s risk, fueling unnecessary fear.Dr. Mumper then connects the dots between the virus and PANS/PANDAS, exploring how spike proteins, viral reactivation, and mitochondrial stress can ignite brain inflammation and mood shifts. From the gut-brain connection to the power of vitamins, oxygen, and parental intuition, she lays out a hopeful roadmap: support the mitochondria, question the narrative, and trust your instincts to protect your child’s future.----Dr. Elizabeth Mumper is the President and CEO of The Rimland Center, where she mentors clinicians dedicated to helping children with neurodevelopmental challenges. She leads two pediatric practices—Advocates for Children, a general pediatrics practice, and Advocates for Families, which focuses on children with autism and related disorders.A magna cum laude graduate of Bridgewater College, Dr. Mumper earned her medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia and completed her pediatric residency at the University of Massachusetts and the University of Virginia, where she later served as Chief Resident. Her decades-long career includes roles as Director of Pediatric Education for the Lynchburg Family Practice Residency Program, clinical faculty at UVA, and Medical Director of the Autism Research Institute. She currently teaches for MAPS (Medical Academy for Pediatric Special Needs) and Intersect for Kids and serves on the Medical Advisory Board for TACA (Talk About Curing Autism).Widely recognized for her contributions to pediatric medicine, she has received numerous awards, including Miracle Maker of Central Virginia, Woman of the Year in Health and Sciences, and multiple Inspiring Change Awards from the MINDD Foundation. A respected author and international lecturer, she continues to advance functional and integrative approaches to pediatric care, inspiring clinicians and families across the globe.----Elizabeth Mumper, MD, IFMCP, FMAPSLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-mumper-b143022a----Nancy O’Hara, MD, MPH, FAAP, FMAPSWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

Before you treat, see the brain. This is why it matters. In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Dr. Eboni Cornish explains how brain scans can help us see and calm the brain inflammation that's messing with mood, sleep, and thinking. She details common root causes (vector-borne infections, mold/biotoxins, strep), the often-missed basics, and practical limbic system retraining tools that make treatment tolerable.-----This scan shows what lab tests often miss—and what to do next. In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Dr. Eboni Cornish joins us to explain how brain scans can reveal inflammation and guide the next steps, from addressing hidden infections and toxins to designing the right therapies. She also describes her two-week intensive program that helps families reset with daily support and clear direction.She highlights common but overlooked issues—hormones, thyroid, sleep apnea, and gut health—that can stall recovery. She shows how calming an overwhelmed nervous system with limbic retraining makes treatments safer and more effective. Most importantly, she reminds families that there’s hope and real answers beyond standard testing.-----Dr. Eboni Cornish is an integrative and functional medicine physician known for helping patients of all ages uncover and heal the root causes of complex chronic illness. She specializes in autoimmune disease, tick-borne disease, environmental toxicity, gut and neurological imbalances, and uses an evidence-based, whole-body approach to restore health.At Amen Clinics, Dr. Cornish co-developed the Neuroinflammatory Intensive Program, a two-week immersive reset that combines advanced brain imaging, targeted therapies, and close medical support to help patients with persistent neurological and inflammatory conditions.Dr. Cornish earned both her undergraduate and medical degrees from Brown University and completed her family medicine residency at Georgetown University. A Howard Hughes Medical Fellow, she conducted research at the NIH with Dr. Francis Collins and now serves as Treasurer of the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society and is a Fellow of the Institute of Functional Medicine. Recognized as Northern Virginia’s Top Doctor, she’s widely respected for her patient-centered care and dedication to educating clinicians in functional and integrative medicine.-----Eboni Cornish, MDWebsite: https://www.amenclinics.com/team/eboni-cornish-md/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.ebonicornish/-----Nancy O’Hara, MD, MPH, FAAP, FMAPSWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

Supporting the nervous system beats punishing behavior. Here’s how. In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Eileen Devine explains Brain First Parenting: a shift from behavior control to supporting a child’s brain and nervous system with empathy, accommodations, and co-regulation. She shows why parent healing and regulation are essential, why traditional behavior plans often fail kids with neuroimmune/neurobehavioral differences, and how families can build resilience day by day.-----It’s not bad behavior—it’s missing brain skills. In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Eileen Devine joins us to explain how what looks like refusal or defiance in kids is often a brain skills gap or a stressed nervous system. Traditional charts, punishments, and rewards usually fail these kids—and exhaust parents.Instead, she shows how to match expectations to your child’s real abilities, build in supports where skills lag, and use your own calm presence to help them regulate. She also talks about handling unpredictable ‘on/off’ days, the hidden trauma parents carry, and how to stop spiraling about the future. Tune in now to hear practical ways to work with schools, know when an environment isn’t safe, and add small daily habits that build endurance and hope over time.-----Eileen Devine is a parent coach, licensed clinical social worker, and mother to a teenager with neurobehavioral differences. After discovering the neurobehavioral model nearly a decade ago, she transformed her approach to parenting—and now helps other families do the same. She specializes in supporting parents of children with challenging behavioral symptoms, teaching a brain-first approach that builds connection, reduces overwhelm, and restores hope at home.-----Eileen Devine, LCSWWebsite: https://www.eileendevine.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eileen.devine_brain.first/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/EileenDevineBrainFirstParentingSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0yxGMOkvas1wAmojafUWZxLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eileen-devine-b05638180/-----Nancy O’Hara, MD, MPH, FAAP, FMAPSWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

When sudden mood swings or rage don’t respond to treatment, infections may be the culprit. In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Dr. Rosalie Greenberg, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, explains how hidden infections can inflame the brain and trigger psychiatric symptoms. She shares real stories, warning signs to watch for, and a practical three-step approach: treat the infection, calm the immune system, and ease symptoms so kids can get their childhood back.-----When parents say something’s wrong, they’re usually right. In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Dr. Rosalie Greenberg shares how many kids once labeled with psychiatric disorders—like bipolar or even schizophrenia—were actually battling hidden infections. She describes dramatic turnarounds, like a teen misdiagnosed with schizophrenia who improved once treated for Bartonella.Dr. Greenberg explains why some medications (like antidepressants) can backfire in vulnerable kids, and how to use them more safely by starting very low, increasing slowly, and always watching for family history of bipolar disorder. She also notes how ‘psychiatric herx’ reactions during treatment sometimes ease with simple anti-inflammatories. Her bottom line is simple but powerful: be a detective, listen to parents, and never ignore sudden changes in a child’s behavior.-----Dr. Rosalie Greenberg is a board-certified adult, child, and adolescent psychiatrist recognized for her expertise in complex childhood psychiatric disorders and pediatric psychopharmacology. She earned her MD from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, where she also completed her residency and fellowship, later serving as chief resident and a longtime faculty member.With over four decades of experience, she has authored books, research articles, and produced educational media addressing topics from adolescent suicide and pediatric bipolar disorder to the psychiatric impact of infections. Practicing in New Jersey, she was among the first to highlight the connection between tick-borne illnesses and psychiatric symptoms in children, often in cases where no tick bite was known. Today, her private practice in Summit, New Jersey, focuses on the psychiatric manifestations of infectious and immune-related diseases in youth, while she continues to lecture nationally and internationally on children’s mental health.-----Rosalie Greenberg, MDWebsite: https://www.rosaliegreenbergmd.com/-----Nancy O’Hara, MD, MPH, FAAP, FMAPSWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

Fake food, real damage—here’s how to protect your child’s gut and immune system. In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Dr. Michelle Perro joins us to share how ‘fake food’ and environmental toxins are disrupting our kids’ guts and immunity. We also explore practical steps you can start today—from choosing organic staples and cooking at home, to using bone broth, testing key minerals, gardening with kids, and even pushing for healthier school lunches.----In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Dr. Michelle Perro shares her journey from pediatric emergency medicine to integrative pediatrics after witnessing how homeopathy transformed her own son’s health. She connects the rise of ‘fake food’ with today’s explosion of autoimmunity and neurobehavioral challenges in children. At the heart of her message is the gut microbiome: when chemicals like glyphosate disrupt gut microbes, kids become more vulnerable to inflammation that impacts mood, sleep, learning, and immunity.Our conversation also turns practical, offering families clear, doable steps. Dr. Perro explains why going organic—especially with dairy, meat, and berries—makes a difference, and how cooking at home, packing lunches, and testing for zinc and magnesium levels can reveal and correct hidden deficiencies. She highlights simple solutions like bone broth, home or community gardening, breastfeeding, and vagal therapies, while also encouraging parents to push for healthier school meals. She ends with hope: even small changes, done consistently, can rebuild resilience and shift a child’s long-term health.----Dr. Michelle Perro is a pediatrician with over four decades of experience spanning emergency and integrative medicine. She has focused her career on the impact of genetically modified organisms, pesticides, and environmental toxicants on children’s health. She is the co-author of What’s Making Our Children Sick? and serves as executive director of GMO Science, a nonprofit dedicated to evidence-based education on food and health. She also sits on the Scientific Advisory Board for Biocidin Botanicals. A sought-after speaker on regenerative food, soil, and environmental justice, she continues to champion children’s health worldwide.----Michelle Perro, MD, DHomWebsite: https://gmoscience.org/X: https://x.com/GMOScienceFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GMOScienceInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichelleperro/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-perro-md-2593ba9/-----Nancy O’Hara, MD, MPH, FAAP, FMAPSWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

These moms turned heartbreak into hope—and created a movement that’s changing lives. In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Jennifer Vitelli and Cathy Witkos join us to share how the Look. Foundation is tackling PANS/PANDAS through the three pillars of support, education, and awareness. From over $400,000 in healing grants to nationwide school outreach, we outline practical ways families can find help, community, and hope.-----In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, we sit down with the co-founders of the Look. Foundation, Jennifer Vitelli and Cathy Witkos to trace their journeys from isolated parents to movement-builders. They outline their foundation’s three pillars—support, education, and awareness—and share what that looks like on the ground: over $400,000 in healing grants, regular group calls that connect families across the country, and practical resources that shorten the learning curve and end isolation.We also address common misconceptions and emphasize early detection: when kids experience abrupt behavioral changes, families and clinicians should look for medical triggers and document symptoms, while partnering with schools to connect the dots. The conversation highlights bold awareness campaigns and a long-term strategy to make access equitable, expand grants, and build a national infrastructure so no child with PANS/PANDAS is overlooked or left behind.-----Jennifer Vitelli serves as the executive director of the Look. Foundation, where she helps children and young adults affected by infection-triggered neuroinflammatory disorders like PANS/PANDAS. She has co-led and co-founded the Massachusetts Coalition for PANS/PANDAS Legislation, achieving key legislative wins. Jennifer was also a founding board member of the New England PANS/PANDAS Association.Cathy Witkos is the president of the Look. Foundation and has been a leading advocate in the PANS/PANDAS community. She is a mother of three (one child healing from PANS/PANDAS) and has helped build support networks and awareness from the ground up. Cathy was a founding board member of the New England PANS/PANDAS Association and has spearheaded efforts in community education, school and nurse outreach, public awareness, and financial grant support for families facing this often misunderstood illness.-----Website: https://www.lookfoundation.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LookFoundationInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/look.foundation/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/look-foundation-inc/-----Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

Could something as simple as your child’s breathing be affecting their behavior? In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Drs. Lynda and Krystle Dean-Duru join us to explain how our breathing patterns shape sleep, immunity, and behavior in our children. We also delve into various aspects, such as birth factors, breastfeeding, nasal hygiene, and chewing, all aimed at reducing inflammation and promoting healing.----In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, we explore the tight link between airway health, craniofacial development, and systemic inflammation in children. Drs. Lynda and Krystle Dean-Duru join us to trace patterns from birth to early feeding, showing how breastfeeding and chewing help the jaws widen, the palate lower, and the nose open for efficient nasal breathing. They emphasize that mouth breathing bypasses filtration and nitric oxide, strains the brain and body, and reinforces sympathetic overdrive that impairs sleep and healing.They also outline a practical integrative toolkit that includes nasal hygiene to support lip seal as well as whole foods and posture for growth. Their message is hopeful: start as early as infancy when possible, but it’s never too late to improve airway, sleep, and overall health.----Dr. Lynda Dean-Duru and Dr. Krystle Dean-Duru are a pioneering mother–daughter team transforming pediatric dentistry with an integrative, airway-centric approach. Together at Ashburn Children’s Dentistry, they combine laser-assisted therapies, myofunctional training, and growth-guidance appliances to optimize craniofacial development, sleep, and breathing from infancy through adolescence. Their shared mission is to empower families with early, preventative strategies that transform oral health, airway function, and overall health----Website: https://www.kidzsmile.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AshburnChildrensDentistry/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashburnchildrensdentistry/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashburn-childrens-dentistry-60a63537/?trk=public_profile_browsemapYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGrgxoVVrQRf6je6H_OkkDw----Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

At NutraMedix, our mission is to address complex health challenges by supporting medical professionals and their patients with the highest quality nutraceuticals, education, and service.With over 30 years of experience in the nutraceutical industry, we have earned a trusted reputation among healthcare practitioners worldwide.We take a holistic approach to every step of our process from sourcing and formulation to scientific validation and sustainability. Our goal is to provide products that support not only individual health but also economic, social, spiritual, and environmental well-being.By combining traditional wisdom with modern science, NutraMedix ensures that every product is crafted with the highest quality standards, offering practitioners safe, effective, and reliable solutions for patient care.We collaborate with healthcare professionals to create targeted solutions that support a wide range of health challenges. Our unique supplements, including our signature liquid extracts, are designed to optimize absorption and effectiveness. Many of our products have been used in clinical settings and are trusted by practitioners for their reliability and results. ----Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.nutramedix.com/pages/practitioners⁠⁠⁠15% Discount Code: AVEATALKS----Lyme disease wears many disguises. In kids, it can look like anxiety, depression, and even tics, symptoms also common for PANS/PANDAS. In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Dr. Jaquel Patterson joins us to unpack how infections, a leaky blood–brain barrier, hormones, sleep, and nutrients interact. She also unveils what lifestyle, botanicals, and targeted testing can do to support recovery.----What if your child’s tics were rooted in an infection no one’s testing for? In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Dr. Jaquel Patterson joins us to share her clinical journey from personal diagnosis to treating complex tick-borne illness. She explains how chronic inflammation weakens the blood–brain barrier, activates microglia, and disrupts brain regions to fuel anxiety, depression, cognitive symptoms, and tics in kids.Dr. Patterson talks about botanicals with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions, including stevia and cordyceps. She also discusses hormone considerations in adolescents and women, mold’s impact, and the need for individualized testing, realistic relapse planning, and steady advocacy toward full recovery. Watch the full episode to gain insights and discover practical strategies you can use today to protect brain health, calm inflammation, and support lasting recovery.----Dr. Jaquel Patterson is a naturopathic physician and bestselling author with almost a decade of clinical expertise. She is the founder of Fairfield Family Health, where she specializes in tick-borne infections, autoimmune conditions, integrative psychiatry, autism spectrum disorder, allergies, and environmental medicine. Inspired by her mother’s struggle with lupus and her own journey overcoming tick-borne infections, she blends professional expertise with personal experience to provide compassionate, root-cause care. She is the author of Women and Lyme: An Integrative Guide to Better Health and a frequent speaker and trainer for healthcare providers worldwide. A past president of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians and current treasurer of the American Academy of Environmental Medicine, her work has been featured in Forbes, USA Today, New York Magazine, CBS, NBC, and ABC.----Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

Could planning before pregnancy reduce your child’s risk of chronic illness? In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, functional medicine dietitian Vicki Kobliner joins us to talk about her Healthy Baby Roadmap program. Discover how preconception planning, critical nutrients like iodine and choline, and simple lifestyle steps can give your child the best start in life and help lower the risk of chronic illness.----In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, we welcome functional medicine dietitian Vicki Kobliner to explore how parents can give their children the best start in life through her program, Healthy Baby Roadmap. Vicki explains why preconception planning is critical, emphasizing the importance of nutrients like iodine, choline, and methyl folate, along with safe fish consumption and reducing environmental toxins. She also shares practical steps for gut health, lifestyle support, and navigating pregnancy tests and birth planning with confidence. This empowering conversation offers hope to parents who want to reduce their child’s risk of chronic illness through informed, proactive choices.----Vicki Kobliner is a registered dietitian and certified nutrition specialist with decades of experience in integrative and functional nutrition. She is the founder of Holcare Nutrition, where she specializes in supporting children and adults with complex chronic illnesses.Vicki partners with families to create personalized nutrition and lifestyle plans that address root causes and promote lasting healing. She is a frequent lecturer, educator, and advocate, dedicated to helping patients optimize their health through the power of nutrition, functional testing, and integrative care.----Website: https://holcarenutrition.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vkoblinerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/holcarenutrition/----Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

Bringing PANS/PANDAS into the spotlight: one mother’s mission for awareness and change. In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Gabriella True shares her journey as a mother of two children and her path to leading ASPIRE, a national nonprofit dedicated to PANS/PANDAS. She emphasizes the role of family and school support programs and the growing movement to bring these conditions into public consciousness.----In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Gabriella True joins us to share her powerful story as both a mother navigating these conditions with her children and as the President of ASPIRE, a leading nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness and supporting families. She recounts her children’s struggles, the challenges of delayed diagnoses, and the breakthrough moments that shaped her advocacy journey. Gabriella emphasizes how ASPIRE has become a lifeline, offering webinars, support groups, and vital educational resources for families and schools.The conversation highlights ASPIRE’s multifaceted approach, from empowering families with knowledge to training educators and advocating for policy change. Gabriella also addresses why PANS/PANDAS remains underrecognized, the role of stigma in delaying diagnoses, and the importance of creating community connections. Above all, she shares words of hope, encouraging families to find gratitude each day and reminding them that progress, though sometimes slow, is real and ongoing.----Gabriella True is a dedicated advocate, educator, and community leader supporting families impacted by PANS/PANDAS. As a mother of children affected by these complex disorders, she turned her personal journey into a mission to raise awareness, expand resources, and empower caregivers worldwide.She serves as the President of ASPIRE (Alliance to Solve PANS and Immune-Related Encephalopathies), where she leads initiatives to advance education, promote research, and connect families with vital support. Gabriella also collaborates with clinicians, researchers, and policymakers to ensure that patients and families receive the recognition, care, and compassion they deserve.----Website: https://aspire.care/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriella-true-581a9a9/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aspirepans/----Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

What if healing a child starts with healing the parent, too? In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Dr. Emily Gutierrez joins us to discuss how caregiver stress, genetics, and toxins intersect to shape a child’s healing journey. She reveals why supporting parents is as vital as treating the child and discusses integrative approaches—from nutrition to repurposed medications—that bring families hope and resilience.----In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Dr. Emily Gutierrez joins us to discuss the complexities of treating PANS/PANDAS. She explains how these immune-mediated conditions not only affect children but ripple across entire families, leaving parents with lasting trauma and stress. She emphasizes the importance of addressing caregiver stress, recognizing early signs, and understanding that parents’ emotional states can influence a child’s healing.Dr. Gutierrez also explores the interplay of genetics, environmental toxins, and immune function, highlighting how genomic testing can provide clarity for treatment decisions. She discusses integrative strategies such as anti-inflammatory diets, repurposed medications, antiviral herbs, and collaborative care approaches tailored to each child’s unique needs. She encourages families to embrace their children’s innate resilience, manage stress with mindful practices, and view the healing journey as a path of growth for both parents and children.----Dr. Emily Gutierrez is a recognized expert in pediatric functional medicine. She holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Johns Hopkins University and a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas at Austin. Her extensive credentials include board certification in functional medicine through the Institute for Functional Medicine, clinical nutrition, and primary mental health care, and she is a Fellow of the Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs Dr. Gutierrez is the founder of Neuronutrition Associates in Austin, Texas, one of the first pediatric-focused functional medicine clinics in the United States. She has treated children with complex neuroimmune conditions. She is also the Chief Scientific Formulator for Neuro Nutrients, developing science-based nutrient products tailored to support mental health and neurological resilience, and serves as adjunct faculty at Johns Hopkins University, where she has lectured on integrative medicine for almost a decade.Dr. Gutierrez has contributed the first chapter on functional and integrative medicine to a major pediatric primary care textbook and remains an active researcher, writer, and speaker dedicated to advancing root-cause approaches in pediatric neuropsychiatric care.----Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

When schools mislabel and systems misdiagnose, families are left to pick up the pieces. In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Sheilah Gauch shares her powerful personal and professional journey navigating PANS/PANDAS as a parent, clinical social worker, and school leader. She discusses the urgent need for integrative mental and medical approaches, systemic reform in education and diagnosis, and the overlooked trauma caregivers face.----In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Sheilah Gauch joins us to share her journey as a mother of two children diagnosed with PANS/PANDAS and as the clinical director of Dearborn Academy. Sheilah recounts the early misdiagnoses, the heartbreak of watching her children spiral, and the breakthrough that came when someone mentioned PANS/PANDAS. After seeing dramatic improvements with medical treatment, she began questioning the lack of awareness and integration between mental health and immune-driven illness in educational and therapeutic environments.Sheilah also dives into the neuroscience of anxiety, trauma, and caregiver stress, revealing how chronic caregiving trauma can distort decision-making and cause long-term harm if left unrecognized. She offers empowering insight into why mental health stigma persists, how professionals and families can improve differential diagnoses, and how therapeutic schools are pioneering trauma-informed, neuroscience-driven education. Her work in legislation and nonprofit advocacy is helping create systemic change, aiming to ensure no more families fall through the cracks.----Sheilah Gauch is a licensed independent clinical social worker, educator, and the Principal and Clinical Director of Dearborn Academy, a therapeutic day school for students with complex social, emotional, and learning needs. As a mother of two children diagnosed with PANS/PANDAS, she transformed her journey into professional advocacy, pushing for systemic change in schools, mental health care, and state policy.Sheilah co-founded the Massachusetts Coalition for PANS/PANDAS legislation, securing insurance coverage and establishing a permanent Department of Public Health Advisory Council. She also serves on the boards of the Alex Manfull Fund and the LOOK Foundation, working to expand research and caregiver support. Through her Psychology Today blog, The Whole Child, she bridges science, trauma-informed care, and lived experience to help families and professionals better understand immune-mediated psychiatric illness.----Website: https://dearbornacademy.org/----Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

The symptoms looked psychiatric. The cause was infectious. The consequences were irreversible. In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Nicole Bell shares her journey of losing her husband to a misdiagnosed tick-borne illness mistaken for early-onset Alzheimer’s. She reveals the systemic flaws in diagnostic testing, the overlooked connection between infections and psychiatric symptoms, and how she’s now leading efforts to revolutionize tick-borne disease detection.----In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Nicole Bell recounts the heartbreaking story of her husband’s decline from undiagnosed tick-borne infections that presented as psychiatric symptoms and were misdiagnosed as early-onset Alzheimer’s. Despite seeking answers through mainstream and integrative medicine, repeated false negatives and incomplete diagnostic tools left her without a clear path—until she uncovered the real root: chronic infections like Lyme, Bartonella, and Babesia. Nicole reflects on how this experience revealed systemic flaws in medicine, where symptom management too often replaces root-cause discovery, and how she turned her grief into advocacy by joining Galaxy Diagnostics.Nicole explains how they are now developing direct detection tools that go beyond traditional antibody tests—which often fail due to immune suppression. She breaks down how technologies like digital polymerase chain reaction and urine antigen testing are helping uncover stealth pathogens earlier and more accurately. We also discuss the emotional toll on caregivers, the power of community, and the importance of journaling and organizing information when navigating medical chaos. Nicole’s message is clear: demand better, trust your instincts, and never stop searching for the truth when it comes to complex, chronic illness.----Nicole Bell is an author, engineer, and CEO of Galaxy Diagnostics, a laboratory advancing diagnostic tools for tick-borne illnesses. After losing her husband to a tragic misdiagnosis, she turned her personal loss into purpose. Through her memoir What Lurks in the Woods, she brings awareness to the devastating consequences of undiagnosed infections, and as a leader in biotech, she’s pioneering innovative direct detection methods to uncover the root causes of chronic illness.With degrees from MIT and Duke, she combines her background in engineering and biomedical innovation with her mission to revolutionize the standard of care in tick-borne disease. She is a passionate advocate for better diagnostics, systemic change in healthcare, and the power of caregivers to demand answers and drive solutions.----Website: https://www.galaxydx.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicoledaniellebell/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicoledaniellebell/----Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

Hidden infections, sudden behavior changes—here’s what parents need to know now. In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Dr. Denis Bouboulis joins us to uncover how infections like Lyme and strep can trigger autoimmune encephalitis and PANS/PANDAS in children. He explains the stepwise approach to diagnosing hidden infections, rebalancing the immune system, and why intravenous immunoglobulin must be used wisely for true healing.----In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Dr. Denis Bouboulis joins us to share his decades of expertise treating children with autoimmune encephalitis and PANS/PANDAS. Dr. Bliss explains how seemingly unrelated infections can derail a child’s immune system, triggering a cascade of neuropsychiatric symptoms that are often overlooked by conventional medicine.He breaks down the power and limitations of treatments like intravenous immunoglobulin, stressing the importance of addressing underlying infections first, rebalancing the immune system, and monitoring each step. Dr. Bliss also reveals how environmental factors, including family carriers, pets, and allergies, can cause flares. His holistic, methodical approach offers real hope for families desperate to help their kids heal without skipping steps that could make things worse down the line.----Dr. Denis Bouboulis is a board-certified immunologist and allergist with over a decade of experience diagnosing and treating complex conditions like autoimmune encephalitis, tick-borne infections, PANS, and PANDAS. An early pioneer in the field, he has helped countless children and families uncover the hidden infections and immune dysfunctions that conventional medicine often misdiagnoses or overlooks.As founder and director of the Advanced Allergy Immunology and Asthma Center and Superior Associates Infusion Center, Dr. Bouboulis specializes in neuroimmunology and immune modulation therapies, including intravenous immunoglobulin. Known for his detective-level medical approach and compassionate care, he’s committed to educating families and clinicians on the crucial steps needed to help kids heal, while raising awareness about this often misunderstood autoimmune disease.----Website: https://www.advanced-allergy.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-denis-bouboulis/----Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

Lyme disease—could it be the missing link in your child’s mystery illness? In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Dr. Myriah Hinchey unpacks the misunderstood world of vector-borne diseases like Lyme and their connection to PANS/PANDAS. She shares her framework for restoring the immune system and using botanicals to help families heal.----In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Dr. Myriah Hinchey joins us to shed light on the hidden links between vector-borne diseases like Lyme and their role in triggering complex conditions like PANS and PANDAS. She breaks down Borrelia, Babesia, and Bartonella, explaining hallmark symptoms parents should watch for and why so many children with immune dysfunction struggle to tolerate typical treatments.Dr. Hinchey also shares her framework for healing: from balancing the immune system and rebuilding the gut, to breaking down biofilms and blasting the bugs. With a strong focus on herbs, botanicals, and restoring the body’s innate resilience, she makes this complex journey feel doable. Her wisdom, humor, and step-by-step strategies offer families real hope for long-term recovery.----Dr. Myriah Hinchey is a board-certified naturopathic physician with extensive experience treating complex, chronic infections such as Lyme disease and PANS/PANDAS. A passionate root-cause detective, she has dedicated her career to helping children and families unravel the layers of immune dysfunction that traditional medicine often overlooks.Dr. Hinchey co-founded LymeCore Botanicals, a trusted herbal and botanical company providing clean, potent formulas for practitioners and patients worldwide. She is also the creator of Lyme Bites, an educational platform and annual conference for clinicians seeking to deepen their knowledge of vector-borne illness and integrative treatment. Known for her innovative framework and her empowering, hopeful approach, she is committed to restoring immune function with a balance of science, nature, and practical wisdom.----⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/drmyriahhinchey/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/lymecore⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://shop.lymebytes.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://shop.lymecore.com/⁠⁠----Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

What happens when conventional treatments fall short? In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Peggy Chapman, a seasoned psychiatric nurse practitioner, dives deep into the complexities of treating children with PANS and PANDAS. She shares clinical insights on psychiatric medications, supplement interactions, diagnostic challenges, and how to compassionately navigate the chaos of neuroinflammation with both families and practitioners.----In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Peggy Chapman, a psychiatric nurse specialist, joins us to share her decades-long expertise treating children and young adults with complex neuropsychiatric symptoms. We explore the inflammatory roots of PANS/PANDAS and how cytokines disrupt dopamine and serotonin pathways, resulting in tics, rage, depression, and even memory loss. Peggy also breaks down the neurobiological impact of inflammation on the basal ganglia and why this changes everything about how psychiatric medications work—or don’t—in these patients.Our conversation also explores the pitfalls of supplement fatigue, the dangers of polypharmacy without guidance, and the emotional toll this condition takes on caregivers. Peggy emphasizes the need for individualized care, clinical curiosity, and community support. Through stories, humor, and clinical pearls, she paints a hopeful yet grounded path forward for families—and shares how she’s built her new PAN Center to train the next generation of informed practitioners.----Peggy Chapman is a board-certified clinical nurse specialist in child and adolescent psychiatric nursing with over four decades of experience in mental health care. She has worked across inpatient and outpatient psychiatry, psychopharmacology, and therapy for children, teens, and adults, building a reputation as a pioneering voice in treating PANS and PANDAS.Since treating her first PANDAS patient in 1999, she has become a passionate advocate, educator, and clinician in this emerging field. She co-led the Asperger's Association of New England parent support group for over a decade and currently serves as medical advisor for the New England PANS/PANDAS Association. In 2024, she founded the PAN Center in Massachusetts, a groundbreaking clinic dedicated to comprehensive care, professional training, and research support for PANS/PANDAS.Known for her blend of scientific rigor and deep compassion, Peggy is on a mission to mentor the next generation of practitioners while helping families navigate the maze of psychiatric medications, immune challenges, and complex neuroinflammation with clarity and confidence.----Website: https://panscenter.org/----Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Dr. James Greenblatt unpacks the critical role of functional psychiatry in treating complex neuropsychiatric disorders like anorexia, mood dysregulation, OCD, and ADHD. From addressing low cholesterol and vitamin deficiencies to using nutritional lithium, he shares practical and hopeful interventions for healing children by addressing root causes.----In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Dr. James Greenblatt joins us to explore functional psychiatry and its application in children with complex neuropsychiatric challenges. He explains how disorders like anorexia, OCD, and ADHD in the context of PANS/PANDAS are too often treated with medications alone. Instead, he champions a root-cause approach that includes careful nutritional assessments, family history, and metabolic factors. From incorporating cognitive behavioral therapy to evaluating vitamin and cholesterol levels, he emphasizes how addressing the whole child is key to dramatic improvements.Our conversation also delves into the profound impact of micronutrients like lithium orotate and folinic acid, and why dismissing diet, infections, and functional lab testing is costing kids their mental health. Whether you’re a parent or a practitioner, this episode provides actionable insights and a renewed sense of hope that healing is not only possible—it’s happening.----Dr. James Greenblatt is a board-certified child and adult psychiatrist and a pioneer in functional and integrative psychiatry. With over three decades of clinical experience, he has transformed the way practitioners and families understand and treat complex mental health conditions, including anorexia, depression, ADHD, OCD, and PANS/PANDAS.He is the founder of Psychiatry Redefined, a leading educational platform for clinicians seeking to learn functional psychiatry, and Mind Refined, a consumer-focused initiative offering courses and resources for families navigating psychiatric challenges. Dr. Greenblatt also serves as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Tufts and Dartmouth medical schools, and is the former Chief Medical Officer of Walden Behavioral Care, a national organization specializing in eating disorders.A prolific author of eight books, including the bestselling Finally Focused, a natural treatment plan for ADHD, Dr. Greenblatt has educated thousands of professionals on how nutritional imbalances, immune dysfunction, and overlooked lab markers can drive psychiatric symptoms. His evidence-informed, deeply compassionate approach is reshaping the future of mental health care—one individualized patient plan at a time.----Website: https://www.jamesgreenblattmd.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psychiatry_redefined/----Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

Could gut health be the missing link in PANS and PANDAS? In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Dr. Anju Usman-Singh joins us to dive into the critical role of gut health and biofilm-related infections in children with autism, ADHD, PANS, and PANDAS. She shares practical, science-based strategies for breaking down biofilms, improving motility, and supporting detox pathways to reduce neuroinflammation and behavioral symptoms.----In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Dr. Anju Usman-Singh joins us to unpack the often-overlooked but essential role of the gut in neuroimmune disorders. She explains how biofilms—sticky, protective layers harboring infections—can block the immune system from recognizing pathogens, distort lab results, and trap vital minerals like iron and calcium. Dr. Anju shares how breaking down these biofilms with gentle acids, enzymes, and targeted botanicals can dramatically improve symptoms, from recurring infections to behavioral outbursts.She also emphasizes that healing is a marathon, not a sprint. Addressing chronic infections, SIBO/SIFO, and detoxification must be approached with patience and personalization. Our conversation explores the gut-brain-immune triangle in children with PANS, PANDAS, autism, and more, highlighting the critical importance of diet, vagus nerve support, motility, and stress management. Whether you’re a parent or practitioner, these insights are both scientifically grounded and deeply empathetic.----Dr. Anju Usman-Singh is a board-certified family physician and internationally respected leader in integrative and biomedical approaches for children with PANS, PANDAS, ADHD, Down syndrome, autism, and related neuroimmune conditions. She is the founder and medical director of True Health Medical Center and Pure Compounding Pharmacy in Naperville, Illinois, and serves as the Chief Science Officer for Tru Healing Naturals, a family-owned nutraceutical company.With decades of clinical experience and research spanning zinc and metallothionein imbalances, biofilm-related infections, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, Dr. Anju brings both cutting-edge science and deep compassion to her work. She serves on the executive board of the Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs and contributes her expertise to organizations like Documenting Hope and the Autism Hope Alliance.Known for her innovative protocols that gently and effectively address chronic infections, detoxification, and gut-brain-immune imbalances, Dr. Anju is a trusted teacher, speaker, and clinician. Her personalized, whole-child approach helps families uncover the root causes of complex conditions—and chart a realistic, hopeful path toward healing.----Website: https://www.truehealthmedical.com/----Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

What if a personalized diet could unlock healing for your child? In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, nutrition expert Julie Matthews dives deep into the power of personalized diets for children with autism, ADHD, PANS, and PANDAS. Backed by research and years of clinical experience, she explains how targeted nutrition can address inflammation, picky eating, gut dysfunction, and behavioral symptoms—one child at a time.----In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Julie Matthews joins me to share how two decades of working with children on the autism spectrum and those with conditions like PANS and PANDAS, led her to champion personalized nutrition as a foundational therapy. She discusses how therapeutic diets—like gluten-free, casein-free, paleo, and the Feingold diet—can be strategically matched to a child’s unique symptoms, from tics and OCD to anxiety and ADHD. Her recent study with over 800 families showed that dietary interventions often surpassed pharmaceuticals in effectiveness while carrying far fewer side effects.Julie also shares simple, practical advice for parents navigating restrictive eating and sensory issues. She highlights how nutrient deficiencies (like zinc), food cravings, and even the texture of vegetables can all be clues to deeper biological imbalances. Throughout the episode, Julie emphasizes that nutrition is a journey—one best taken with curiosity, compassion, and a willingness to experiment. Her step-by-step plan for nourishing hope offers families a clear, empowering roadmap toward improved health and behavior.----Julie Matthews is a certified nutrition consultant and globally respected authority on personalized nutrition for children with autism, ADHD, PANS, and PANDAS. With a master's degree in medical nutrition and over two decades of clinical experience, she has helped thousands of families understand the connection between food, gut health, and brain function.Julie is the author of the groundbreaking books ‘Nourishing Hope for Autism’ and ‘The Personalized Autism Nutrition Plan.’ She is also the co-author of a recent research study evaluating the effectiveness of therapeutic diets in improving autism-related symptoms. Through her company, Nourishing Hope, she educates parents and practitioners around the world on how targeted dietary changes can reduce inflammation, support detoxification, and improve behavior, mood, and overall health.Renowned for her compassionate, science-based approach, she makes complex nutritional concepts simple and actionable, empowering families to become ‘nutrition detectives’ and transform their child's life through food. Her work continues to lead the movement toward root-cause nutrition strategies that heal the body and support neurodevelopment from the inside out.----Website: https://nourishinghope.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliematthewsnourishinghope/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NourishingHopeForAutismLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-matthews-ms-5673878/----Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

Could this ancient spice be the holistic healing tool you've been searching for? In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Dr. Shivani Gupta shares the science and ancient wisdom behind turmeric, revealing how this powerful root can fight inflammation, support the brain and gut, and become a holistic healing tool for the whole family. From improving joint pain and neuroinflammation to boosting metabolic health and stress resilience, turmeric’s multi-system benefits are nothing short of remarkable.----In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, Dr. Shivani Gupta joins me for a compelling exploration into the ancient healing power of turmeric. Dr. Gupta explains how this vibrant root operates on multiple levels—as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immune modulator, and neuroprotectant. She dives into curcumin’s clinical applications for everything from joint pain and obesity to dementia and autoimmune conditions, emphasizing its profound relevance for families dealing with chronic illness, especially children with PANS and PANDAS.Our conversation also highlights key lifestyle changes for reducing inflammation naturally, like switching to anti-inflammatory diets, choosing non-toxic household products, and practicing circadian living. Dr. Gupta shares practical strategies for incorporating turmeric into meals, combining it with black pepper or healthy fats for better absorption, and using Ayurvedic tools like adaptogenic teas and daily self-care rituals. Whether you're managing a health condition or simply want to age vibrantly, this episode is filled with grounded, inspiring wisdom to support whole-body healing from the inside out.----Dr. Shivani Gupta is a leading voice in the integration of Ayurvedic medicine with modern health strategies, specializing in natural approaches to inflammation, immune support, and chronic illness. With a master’s degree in Ayurvedic Sciences and a doctorate focused specifically on turmeric and its active compound curcumin, she combines ancient wisdom with modern clinical research to empower families seeking holistic, root-cause solutions.As the founder of Fusionary Formulas, she has developed potent, science-backed supplements and adaptogenic teas designed to support the body’s healing across systems—from gut health and brain function to joint pain and hormone balance. Dr. Gupta is known for her ability to simplify complex health concepts and teach actionable steps grounded in the principles of Ayurveda, especially for parents navigating conditions like PANS, PANDAS, and autoimmune disorders. Through her clinical experience, product development, and public speaking, she continues to shift the conversation around inflammation and wellness, proving that true healing starts by honoring the body, nature, and centuries of time-tested medicine.----Website: https://www.fusionaryformulas.com/Website: https://drshivani.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.shivanigupta/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shivaniguptafl/----Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

At NutraMedix, our mission is to address complex health challenges by supporting medical professionals and their patients with the highest quality nutraceuticals, education, and service.With over 30 years of experience in the nutraceutical industry, we have earned a trusted reputation among healthcare practitioners worldwide.We take a holistic approach to every step of our process from sourcing and formulation to scientific validation and sustainability. Our goal is to provide products that support not only individual health but also economic, social, spiritual, and environmental well-being.By combining traditional wisdom with modern science, NutraMedix ensures that every product is crafted with the highest quality standards, offering practitioners safe, effective, and reliable solutions for patient care.We collaborate with healthcare professionals to create targeted solutions that support a wide range of health challenges. Our unique supplements, including our signature liquid extracts, are designed to optimize absorption and effectiveness. Many of our products have been used in clinical settings and are trusted by practitioners for their reliability and results. ----Website: ⁠⁠https://www.nutramedix.com/pages/practitioners⁠⁠15% Discount Code: AVEATALKS----Do herbs, botanicals, and immunotherapy work for PANS/PANDAS? In this episode of the Demystifying PANS/PANDAS Podcast, Dr. Darin Ingels joins us to unpack how herbs, botanicals, and low-dose immunotherapy can be used as effective, personalized treatments for children with PANS/PANDAS. Drawing from his personal healing journey and clinical experience, he explains how a multi-system, root-cause approach often leads to lasting improvement, especially when antibiotics fall short.----In this episode of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS, I welcome renowned naturopath Dr. Darin Ingels for a deep dive into herbal medicine and immunotherapy for PANS and PANDAS. Drawing from his battle with Lyme and decades of clinical experience, Dr. Ingels explains why certain herbs are often more effective and better tolerated than antibiotics, especially in children. He also explains the chemistry behind herbal synergy, why plants rarely disrupt the microbiome, and how they provide multiple benefits, including immune modulation and anti-inflammatory effects.The conversation expands to include low-dose immunotherapy (LDI), a method of retraining the immune system by introducing ultra-diluted antigens. Dr. Ingels illustrates how LDI often produces rapid symptom relief in children with PANS, even when conventional treatments fail. He also dives into the nuances of mold allergy versus mycotoxin illness, the pitfalls of standard Lyme testing, and prevention tips like permethrin-treated clothing to reduce tick exposure. The episode closes with practical guidance on using supplements, identifying immune disruptors, and empowering parents and practitioners to explore safer, holistic treatments rooted in personalized care.----Dr. Darin Ingels is a leading expert in the natural treatment of chronic immune and neuropsychiatric disorders. A former clinical microbiologist and the author of The Lyme Solution, Dr. Ingels blends personal experience as a Lyme patient with over 25 years of clinical practice to guide families through complex, root-cause healing.----Website: https://dariningelsnd.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdariningels/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dariningelsnd/----Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/⁠⁠⁠⁠----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

What if mental health conditions had a hidden infectious link? Join us in this episode of the Demystifying PANS/PANDAS Podcast as Dr. Shannon Delaney shares her journey from psychiatry to investigating infectious causes of neuropsychiatric illness, with a focus on Bartonella and other tick-borne infections. We also discuss groundbreaking research, testing strategies, and the clinical clues practitioners should never ignore.----In this eye-opening conversation, I speak with psychiatrist and researcher Dr. Shannon Delaney about her groundbreaking work linking Bartonella and other tick-borne infections to severe psychiatric symptoms. Dr. Delaney shares how she uncovered startling connections between infections and conditions like psychosis, anorexia, OCD, and rage, often in patients previously dismissed with conversion disorder or unexplained mental illness. She details her landmark study showing Bartonella DNA in 43% of adults with psychosis, compared to just 13% of healthy controls, and unpacks why traditional testing often misses these cases.This episode dives deep into clinical presentation, diagnostic pitfalls, treatment strategies, and the layered role of coinfections like Babesia, Borrelia, and Brucella. Dr. Delaney explains why some patients respond dramatically to antibiotics or herbals, and why others require a comprehensive, multi-system approach. Whether you're a clinician or a parent, this conversation offers vital insights into a new frontier of infectious psychiatry—and hope for healing where traditional medicine falls short.----Dr. Shannon Delaney is a respected leader in the diagnosis and treatment of complex neuropsychiatric illnesses, with a special focus on Lyme disease and tick-borne infections affecting the brain.As Director of Child and Adolescent Evaluation at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center’s Lyme and Tick-Borne Diseases Research Center, Dr. Delaney blends cutting-edge research with compassionate care, offering hope and answers to families navigating the often-overlooked neurological impact of chronic infections.Her expertise lies in identifying infection-triggered neuropsychiatric symptoms in children and young adults, including those linked to Lyme disease, Bartonella, and PANS/PANDAS. With a background in both neurology and psychiatry, she approaches each case with a uniquely holistic lens, combining medical insight with a deep commitment to her patients' long-term recovery.Through clinical work, research, and education, Dr. Delaney is a driving force in raising awareness about the intersection of infectious disease and mental health. Her work continues to inspire clinicians, researchers, and families alike to advocate for better diagnostics, treatment, and understanding.----LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-delaney-2a0a559b/----Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/⁠⁠⁠----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

In this episode of the Demystifying PANS/PANDAS Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Susan Swedo to reflect on the history, science, and ongoing controversy surrounding PANS and PANDAS. We also dive into diagnosis and treatment, and why clinical understanding, not outdated titers, should guide care.----In this foundational episode of the Demystifying PANS/PANDAS Podcast, I speak with renowned pediatrician and researcher Dr. Susan Swedo, the scientist behind the original discovery of PANDAS. She emphasizes that PANS/PANDAS is a clinical diagnosis, marked by the abrupt onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms, and warns against over-reliance on strep titers and viral panels, which can mislead both parents and practitioners. Instead, she advocates for recognizing the immune-triggered neuroinflammation driving the symptoms and calls for more nuanced, science-based diagnostic protocols.The conversation also addresses the current controversy surrounding the American Academy of Pediatrics' 2024 position, which Dr. Swedo critiques for ignoring decades of research and positive patient outcomes. With personal stories, clinical advice, and scientific clarity, she explains the importance of early recognition, comprehensive treatment, and strong support for families. This episode is a powerful reminder that hope and healing are possible, even when the medical establishment lags behind the evidence.----Dr. Susan Swedo is a pioneering figure in the field of pediatric neuropsychiatry and the groundbreaking researcher behind the discovery of PANDAS.A former Chief of the Pediatrics and Developmental Neuroscience Branch at the National Institute of Mental Health, Dr. Swedo has dedicated her career to uncovering the biological underpinnings of childhood-onset neuropsychiatric conditions. Her trailblazing work has redefined how the medical community understands the link between infections, the immune system, and sudden changes in a child’s behavior.With decades of clinical research and published studies to her name, Dr. Swedo’s contributions have shaped treatment protocols and sparked a global movement among parents, clinicians, and researchers advocating for better recognition and care of children affected by PANS and PANDAS.----Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/⁠⁠----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

In this powerful episode of the Demystifying PANS/PANDAS Podcast, Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge shares her decades of experience helping children with PANS/PANDAS by addressing one often-overlooked root cause: nervous system dysregulation. We also break down how regulating the nervous system can unlock healing, improve therapy outcomes, and transform the lives of both children and their caregivers.----In this episode of the Demystifying PANS/PANDAS Podcast, I welcome Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, a mental health expert and neurotherapy pioneer, to discuss why regulating the nervous system is critical for healing children with PANS/PANDAS. Dr. Roseann emphasizes that trauma, chronic stress, and inflammation keep both children and parents locked in a state of sympathetic overdrive, making healing difficult or impossible. We also delve into how stress responses derail treatments and how parents’ own dysregulation often contributes to the family’s struggles. This conversation explores practical and empowering tools like neurofeedback, magnesium supplements, and daily habits like breathwork and mantra repetition to bring calm to chaotic households. Dr. Roseann also explains how OCD can take root in activated brains, why talk therapy alone often fails, and how lifestyle changes can unlock the path to real progress. This episode is a call to action for both parents and practitioners to prioritize nervous system health, not as a luxury, but as the foundation for everything else.----Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge is a distinguished expert in children's integrative mental health and the visionary founder of The Global Institute of Children’s Mental Health.Holding credentials as a Connecticut Certified School Psychologist and a Board Certified Neurofeedback Provider (BCN), Dr. Roseann also hosts the insightful podcast, “It’s Gonna be Ok! with Dr. Roseann,” a valuable resource for navigating children's behavior and mental health.With over three decades of experience, she has empowered thousands of children and families to overcome complex behavioral and mental health challenges through her innovative BrainBehaviorReset™ program. Having conducted more than 10,000 QEEG brain maps, Dr. Roseann is recognized by Forbes as a “thought leader in children’s mental health.”----Website: https://drroseann.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009512658853Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drroseann/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roseanncapannahodge/----Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/⁠LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/⁠----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

Dr. Tania Dempsey joins me in this episode of the Demystifying PANS/PANDAS Podcast to unravel the complex role of mast cells in PANS/PANDAS. Tune in now to gain powerful insights into mast cell activation syndrome and how it could be a missing piece in your child’s recovery puzzle.----In this episode of the Demystifying PANS/PANDAS Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Tania Dempsey, a leading expert in mast cell activation syndrome, to explore how mast cells can fuel chronic inflammation, especially in children with PANS/PANDAS. Together, we discuss how mast cells are embedded throughout the body, especially in the brain, and how their dysregulation can lead to everything from severe anxiety to skin and respiratory issues.We also dive deep into how mast cell activation syndrome can be triggered by infections, mold, trauma, or environmental toxins, and how these triggers can keep the immune system stuck in a loop of constant activation. Dr. Dempsey outlines her diagnostic strategies, the limitations of current tests, and the critical importance of ruling out excipients in medications that may cause unwanted reactions. She also provides practical, hope-filled guidance on using over-the-counter antihistamines, nutraceuticals, and environmental interventions to help stabilize symptoms. If your child is struggling with unresolved symptoms and standard treatments aren’t working, this episode may shed light on an overlooked root cause—and offer new pathways toward healing.----Dr. Tania Dempsey is an internationally recognized expert in chronic disease, autoimmune disorders, and mast cell activation syndrome. She is known for her work in chronic immune dysregulation and is sought after by patients and colleagues around the world.As founder of the AIM Center for Personalized Medicine, Dr. Dempsey combines integrative and functional medicine to uncover the root causes of illness and help patients understand the complex mechanisms behind their symptoms. Her practice serves individuals across the United States and worldwide, including patients from Israel, England, Thailand, and France.With deep expertise in mast cell activation syndrome, mold-related illness, and Lyme disease, Dr. Dempsey is a leading voice in the functional medicine community. She regularly speaks at conferences, leads educational events, and appears on podcasts and panels to share her clinical insights with both peers and the public. Through her work, she continues to advance the understanding and treatment of chronic illness worldwide.----Website: https://drtaniadempsey.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taniadempseymdInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drtaniadempseymd/----Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com ⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

At ReligenDX, we are revolutionizing diagnostic testing by equipping healthcare professionals with cutting-edge tools for early detection, targeted interventions, and improved patient outcomes. Our innovative solutions, including the Folate Receptor Antibody Test (FRAT) for PANS, PANDAS, and Autism, provide critical insights into neurological and immune-related conditions. With a commitment to scientific excellence and personalized medicine, ReligenDX empowers clinicians to make informed decisions and optimize treatment for every patient.Website: fratnow.com or religendx.com----Feeling lost and overwhelmed by your child's sudden behavioral changes? You're not alone. In this episode of the Demystifying PANS/PANDAS Podcast, Dr. Lindsey Wells joins me to share her holistic approach to treating children with these complex disorders, emphasizing the impact on the entire family. We also discuss her three-pronged treatment strategy, the connection between tick-borne diseases and neuroinflammation, and the critical role of caregiver well-being in a child’s recovery.----Beyond medication, there's a powerful, holistic path to healing PANS/PANDAS. In this episode of the Demystifying PANS/PANDAS Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Lindsey Wells to highlight the importance of a holistic, family-centered approach to treating these complex disorders. We discuss how these conditions often run in families, with siblings sometimes showing mild symptoms before full-blown flares occur. Dr. Wells elaborates on the critical role of early intervention in identifying underlying infections like Bartonella and Babesia, which are frequently overlooked but can significantly impact neurological health. Through a three-pronged approach—including antimicrobials, immune modulation, and symptom support—she has helped countless children stabilize and recover.Dr. Wells also stresses the profound impact of caregiver well-being on a child’s healing process. She shares research showing that parental stress, particularly in mothers, can trigger or worsen the symptoms of PANS/PANDAS. She discusses how implementing simple self-care strategies, such as intentional breathing exercises and structured breaks, can help parents improve their own well-being and their children's health outcomes. This episode is an invaluable resource for families navigating PANS/PANDAS.----Dr. Lindsey Wells is a naturopathic physician based in Trumbull, Connecticut, specializing in pediatric integrative care for PANS/PANDAS, autism spectrum disorder, and tick-borne illnesses. She uses a personalized, whole-family approach that incorporates botanical medicine, nutraceuticals, homeopathy, nutrition, and counseling. Her goal is to support not only the child but the entire family unit, believing that when a child struggles, the whole family is affected—and healing must be a shared journey.Dr. Wells is a fellow with the Medical Academy of Pediatrics and Special Needs and the first author of a key publication on folate receptor alpha autoantibodies in individuals with PANS/PANDAS. She frequently lectures on neurodevelopmental disorders and is the author of Super Sam and the Battle Against PANS/PANDAS. A past president of the Connecticut Naturopathic Physicians Association, she also created the Well-Minded Mommas Club, a support community for mothers of children with complex medical needs.----Website: https://lindseywellsnd.com/----Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠⁠Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com ⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

In this empowering episode of the Demystifying PANS/PANDAS Podcast, Dr. Elisa Song joins me to share how parents and practitioners can build ‘whole child resilience’ by prioritizing gut health, vagus nerve regulation, and integrative medicine. From food as medicine to vagus nerve magic, this episode delivers practical, science-backed strategies to support healing in children with PANS/PANDAS.----What if you could build your child’s resilience—not just emotionally, but biologically—starting with the gut?In this episode of the Demystifying PANS/PANDAS Podcast, integrative pediatrician and bestselling author Dr. Elisa Song shares a powerful framework for creating what she calls ‘whole child resilience.’ She dives into how gut health, vagus nerve activation, and daily lifestyle habits can transform a child’s immune system, brain function, and ability to recover from chronic conditions like PANS/PANDAS.You’ll learn how to work with your child’s biology, not against it, using practical tools like microbiome-friendly foods, sugar swaps, vagus nerve stimulation techniques, and mindfulness. Whether your child is in the midst of a flare or you're simply looking to prevent one, this episode is packed with science-backed strategies and real-life hope.----Dr. Elisa Song is a Stanford, NYU, and UCSF-trained integrative pediatrician, bestselling author of Healthy Kids, Happy Kids, and founder of an online holistic pediatric resource for families and practitioners. A passionate advocate for whole-child wellness, Dr. Song combines the best of conventional medicine with functional and natural therapies—from nutrition and homeopathy to herbal medicine and vagus nerve regulation. She’s helped thousands of children uncover root causes and recover from chronic illness, and she’s on a mission to change the future of pediatric care.----Website: https://www.healthykidshappykids.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthykids_happykids/----Website: ⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com ⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

At NutraMedix, our mission is to address complex health challenges by supporting medical professionals and their patients with the highest quality nutraceuticals, education, and service.With over 30 years of experience in the nutraceutical industry, we have earned a trusted reputation among healthcare practitioners worldwide.We take a holistic approach to every step of our process from sourcing and formulation to scientific validation and sustainability. Our goal is to provide products that support not only individual health but also economic, social, spiritual, and environmental well-being.By combining traditional wisdom with modern science, NutraMedix ensures that every product is crafted with the highest quality standards, offering practitioners safe, effective, and reliable solutions for patient care.We collaborate with healthcare professionals to create targeted solutions that support a wide range of health challenges. Our unique supplements, including our signature liquid extracts, are designed to optimize absorption and effectiveness. Many of our products have been used in clinical settings and are trusted by practitioners for their reliability and results. ----Website: ⁠https://www.nutramedix.com/pages/practitioners⁠15% Discount Code: AVEATALKS----PANS and PANDAS are often overlooked in children with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders, leading to missed diagnoses and ineffective treatments. In this episode of the Demystifying PANS/PANDAS Podcast, Dr. Debby Hamilton explores the crucial connection between infections, immune dysfunction, and neuroinflammation, offering insights into how targeted interventions can help children recover.----Children with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders are at higher risk for PANS and PANDAS, yet their symptoms are often misdiagnosed or dismissed as part of their existing condition. In this episode of the Demystifying PANS/PANDAS Podcast, Dr. Debby Hamilton joins me to share her expertise on why these children are more susceptible, the role of infections and immune dysfunction, and how conventional medicine often overlooks critical diagnostic markers. We discuss real-life cases where children have experienced abrupt behavioral regressions due to untreated infections and highlight the need for a broader understanding of immune-mediated brain inflammation.Dr. Hamilton also explores effective treatment strategies beyond traditional antibiotics, including herbal antimicrobials, immune system support, and anti-inflammatory interventions. She explains how parents and practitioners can identify immune dysfunction early and take a proactive approach to treatment. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the deeper connections between PANS/PANDAS, infections, and neurodevelopmental disorders.----Dr. Debby Hamilton is a board-certified pediatrician specializing in integrative and functional medicine, with expertise in nutrition and chronic childhood conditions like autism and ADHD. She holds a Master of Science in Public Health and has conducted research in nutrition. In 2005, she founded Holistic Pediatric Consulting in Colorado, focusing on both treatment and preconception counseling, inspired by her book ‘Preventing Autism and ADHD.’An advocate for early intervention, Dr. Hamilton serves on the executive and scientific board of the Neurological Health Foundation and contributed to The Healthy Child Guide. She is also the Director of Product Education and Clinical Research at NutraMedix. Her deep understanding of childhood developmental disorders and functional medicine provides valuable insights into conditions like PANS/PANDAS.----Website: https://drdebbyhamilton.com/----Website: ⁠⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/⁠LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/⁠---- ⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

Down syndrome often presents overlooked health challenges in children, including gut dysfunction, metabolic issues, and PANS/PANDAS. In this episode of the Demystifying PANS/PANDAS Podcast, Dr. Erica Pierson joins me to dive deep into why these conditions are frequently misdiagnosed, how inflammation and immune dysfunction play a role, and what parents can do to optimize their child’s health with targeted interventions.----Down syndrome presents a unique set of health challenges in children, including increased susceptibility to immune dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and conditions like PANS/PANDAS. Unfortunately, many of these issues are dismissed as typical traits of the syndrome, leading to misdiagnosis and missed treatment opportunities. In this episode of the Demystifying PANS/PANDAS Podcast, Dr. Erica Pierson joins me to explain how ‘diagnostic overshadowing’ prevents children from getting the care they need and highlights the importance of looking beyond genetics to address environmental and metabolic triggers. We dive into practical strategies for improving gut health, correcting nutrient deficiencies, and supporting immune function to help children with this syndrome thrive. Dr. Pierson also emphasizes the importance of individualized care, urging parents to dig deeper when their child is struggling. From recognizing the early signs of PANS/PANDAS to implementing targeted interventions like high-dose folinic acid and mitochondrial support, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for families navigating these complex conditions.----Dr. Erica Peirson is a naturopathic physician specializing in supporting children with special needs, a passion that began in childhood and deepened when her own son was diagnosed with Mosaic Down Syndrome. Frustrated by the lack of information available to parents, she dedicated herself to researching and sharing insights to help children thrive. She earned her degree from the National University of Naturopathic Medicine in 2005 and is a licensed primary care physician in Oregon and Idaho.With a background in emergency medicine and academic teaching, Dr. Peirson blends conventional and naturopathic approaches in her practice. She spent 14 years working at Shriners Hospital for Children and later taught Cell Biology and Anatomy and Physiology at Portland Community College. Her expertise in functional medicine and developmental disorders makes her a valuable voice in understanding conditions like PANS/PANDAS.----Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peirsoncenterInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/peirsoncenter/Website: https://www.peirsoncenter.com/----Website: ⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com ⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

Homeopathy is often misunderstood, but could it be the key to addressing immune dysfunction at its core? In this episode of the Demystifying PANS/PANDAS Podcast, Dr. Jennifer Bahr joins me to explore how homeopathy goes beyond symptom suppression to address the deeper susceptibility behind conditions like PANS and PANDAS.----PANS and PANDAS are more than just infections—they’re a sign of immune system dysfunction. In this episode of the Demystifying PANS/PANDAS Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Jennifer Bahr to explain why children with these conditions experience such extreme neuropsychiatric reactions to common triggers like strep, mold, and viruses. We break down the core concept of susceptibility, showing how homeopathy helps address the root cause rather than just managing symptoms.Dr. Bahr also discusses how homeopathy differs from conventional and functional medicine, explaining why it works uniquely to retrain the immune system rather than relying on ongoing medication or supplements. She shares insights into how parents can navigate complex cases, avoid common treatment pitfalls, and take a more holistic, sustainable approach to healing. If you’re looking for a way to move beyond the merry-go-round of symptom management, this episode is a must-listen.----Dr. Jennifer Bahr, ND, DHANP, is the founder and Chief Medical Officer of Resilience Naturopathic, a practice devoted to making PANS/PANDAS a thing of the past and homeopathy the medicine of the future. Her commitment stems from her personal experience as a child who would have been diagnosed with PANS had she been born 20 years later than she was. Her life‘s work is dedicated to bringing awareness to PANS/PANDAS, teaching the world about the healing power of homeopathy, and changing the outcome for the children and families that are suffering. Dr. Bahr is a graduate of Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine as well as the University of Maryland, where she earned her BS in physiology and neurobiology.----Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resiliencenaturopathicInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/resiliencenaturopathic/Website: https://resiliencenaturopathic.com/----Dr. Nancy O’Hara is a board-certified pediatrician specializing in neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. With a deep passion for PANS/PANDAS, she has dedicated her career to educating families and providing effective treatment solutions. Her work helps countless children and parents navigate the complexities of these conditions with clarity and confidence.----Website: ⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com ⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

Autoimmune diseases are skyrocketing, but what’s really behind their rise? In this episode of the Demystifying PANS/PANDAS Podcast, I sit down with Dr. David Brady to explore the environmental triggers behind chronic inflammation, the critical role of gut health, and the overlooked connection between infections and autoimmunity. Tune in for an insightful discussion on how to protect and restore immune balance!----Autoimmune diseases are rising at an alarming rate, but is it really just bad genetics? In this episode of the Demystifying PANS/PANDAS Podcast, Dr. David Brady joins me to unravel the real drivers behind chronic inflammation and immune dysfunction. We break down why industrialized countries experience significantly higher rates of autoimmunity, the overlooked role of gut health in triggering immune responses, and how infections can set off lifelong disease.Dr. Brady also shares his top strategies for preventing and managing autoimmune conditions, from dietary interventions to targeted nutraceuticals like curcumin and specialized mucopolysaccharides. Plus, we dive into the surprising role of stress, sleep, and even cold therapy in resetting the immune system. If you or a loved one is dealing with autoimmune issues, this episode is packed with actionable insights that could change your approach to healing.----Dr. David Brady is a licensed naturopathic physician with over three decades of experience in integrative medicine and academia. He is board-certified in functional medicine and clinical nutrition, a fellow of the American College of Nutrition, and former director of the Human Nutrition Institute at the University of Bridgeport. He serves as Chief Medical Officer for Designs for Health and Diagnostic Solutions Labs and maintains a private practice in Fairfield, Connecticut.A leading expert on chronic illness, autoimmunity, and functional gastroenterology, Dr. Brady has published extensively in medical journals and textbooks. He is a sought-after speaker at major conferences and has been featured in media like Dr. Oz, ELLE, and NPR. His expertise in complex conditions, including fibromyalgia, provides valuable insights into functional medicine’s role in addressing PANS/PANDAS.----Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrDavidBradyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdavidbrady/Website: https://drdavidbrady.com/----Dr. Nancy O’Hara is a board-certified pediatrician specializing in neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. With a deep passion for PANS/PANDAS, she has dedicated her career to educating families and providing effective treatment solutions. Her work helps countless children and parents navigate the complexities of these conditions with clarity and confidence.----Website: ⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com ⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

At NutraMedix, our mission is to address complex health challenges by supporting medical professionals and their patients with the highest quality nutraceuticals, education, and service.With over 30 years of experience in the nutraceutical industry, we have earned a trusted reputation among healthcare practitioners worldwide.We take a holistic approach to every step of our process from sourcing and formulation to scientific validation and sustainability. Our goal is to provide products that support not only individual health but also economic, social, spiritual, and environmental well-being.By combining traditional wisdom with modern science, NutraMedix ensures that every product is crafted with the highest quality standards, offering practitioners safe, effective, and reliable solutions for patient care.We collaborate with healthcare professionals to create targeted solutions that support a wide range of health challenges. Our unique supplements, including our signature liquid extracts, are designed to optimize absorption and effectiveness. Many of our products have been used in clinical settings and are trusted by practitioners for their reliability and results. ----Website: https://www.nutramedix.com/pages/practitioners15% Discount Code: AVEATALKS----Curious about how herbal treatments stack up against antibiotics for Lyme, Bartonella, and Babesia? In this episode of the Demystifying PANS/PANDAS Podcast, I sit down with Theresa Haller to explore the power of botanical medicine for complex chronic illnesses. We’re diving into how herbs can support healing, ways to ease Herxheimer reactions, and what practitioners need to know to better care for patients battling tick-borne diseases and immune dysfunction. Tune in—you won’t want to miss this eye-opening conversation.----In this episode of the Demystifying PANS/PANDAS Podcast, I sit down with Teresa Holler to dive into the power of herbal protocols for treating Lyme, Bartonella, and Babesia. We explore how botanical medicine can be a highly effective alternative to antibiotics—sometimes even more effective for persistent infections.Teresa also shares her journey from conventional to functional medicine and how she became a sought-after expert in treating complex chronic illnesses. Together, we break down why certain herbs are game-changers in fighting these infections and discuss the science behind their antimicrobial and immune-modulating effects. You’ll learn how herbs can help regulate the immune response for deeper, more lasting healing.If you or a loved one is struggling with tick-borne illnesses and co-infections, this episode is full of practical insights you won’t want to miss!----Teresa Holler is a renowned integrative medicine expert, educator, and author dedicated to uncovering the root causes of chronic illness. With a background in family practice and functional medicine, she has helped countless patients navigate complex conditions, including Lyme and PANS/PANDAS. A former assistant professor of medicine at the Jefferson College of Health Sciences and founder of CME Opportunities, Teresa has been a driving force in medical education for physician assistants and nurse practitioners. Teresa is also the author of multiple books, including Cardiology Essentials, Holler for Your Health, and On Medicine and Miracles, and has been featured on NPR, FOX TV, Good Morning Arizona, and The Dr. Jill Show.----Website: ⁠https://www.drohara.com⁠Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drnancyohara/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nhoharamd/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-o-hara-md-mph-faap-390781258/----Website: http://www.teresaholler.com/----PODCASTThank you for listening. Please subscribe and share.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com ⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/