293: The Inflamed Brain: Understanding PANS/PANDAS, Autism & the Nutritional Roots of Recovery

Dr. Jill joins Dr. Emily Gutierrez - one of the leading voices in pediatric functional medicine—to unpack the hidden root causes behind chronic childhood illness and what parents can do to support recovery. The discussion aims to address the stress parents face when their children struggle with health issues, including cognitive difficulties, insomnia, food allergies, and gut issues.

🔑 KEY DISCUSSIONS:
① Autism and Regression:
⇨ Dr. Jill explains the phenomenon of regression in children with autism, often occurring between 18 to 24 months, where a child may lose skills and eye contact.
⇨  The emotional impact on families is significant, as it feels like losing a child despite their physical presence.

② Root Causes of Chronic Illness:
⇨ The conversation delves into the interplay of toxic load, infectious burden, and immune inflammation in children.
⇨ Dr. Jill emphasizes the importance of identifying root causes such as mold, strep, and gut dysbiosis.

③ Functional Medicine Approach:
⇨ Dr. Jill discusses the role of functional medicine in addressing chronic illnesses by focusing on root causes rather than just symptoms.
⇨ The approach includes comprehensive testing and looking at metabolites to understand underlying issues.

④ Parental Involvement and Validation:
⇨ The importance of validating parents' concerns and establishing a therapeutic partnership is highlighted.
⇨ Dr. Jill reassures parents that their observations and concerns are often accurate and valuable in the treatment process.

🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS:
⇨ Understanding the root causes of chronic illnesses in children is crucial for effective treatment.
⇨ Functional medicine offers a holistic approach that can significantly improve outcomes for children with chronic health issues.
⇨ Parental involvement and validation are key components in managing children's health, providing emotional support and accurate insights into their child's condition.

🔑 CONCLUSION: Dr. Emily and Dr. Jill conclude the episode by encouraging parents to seek comprehensive care and remain proactive in their children's health journeys.

👩‍⚕️ Dr. Emily Gutierrez
Dr. Emily Gutierrez is a doctorally prepared nurse practitioner with formal education from Johns Hopkins University and the University of Texas at Austin. She holds board certifications in functional medicine, clinical nutrition, and primary care mental health, and is a fellow of the Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs. A published author and national speaker, Dr. Gutierrez lectures across the U.S., educating healthcare professionals on the clinical applications of nutraceuticals and functional medicine in patient care.

https://neuronutritionassociates.com/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28716455/

🔥 Assets from Dr. Emily Gutierrez 
⭐ Title: The Folate Connection: Understanding How Folate Supports the Autistic Brain

Objectives for Parents
By the end of this session, you will be able to:
Understand what the headline “Leucovorin treats autism” really means and what current research supports.
Learn how the brain uses folate and why problems with folate transport can affect some children with autism.
Recognize when testing for folate pathway or folate receptor issues may be helpful.
Discuss practical treatment steps for folinic acid (Leucovorin), including dosing and titration.
See how these concepts apply in a real-world case example.

📚 Session Overview
This session explains what folinic acid (Leucovorin) is and how it supports brain function in children on the autism spectrum. You’ll learn how folate works in the brain and what happens when the body has trouble transporting it—a problem known as cerebral folate deficiency. We’ll review the science behind this condition, including how certain genes and antibodies can affect folate levels in the brain. Practical guidance will cover how treatment with folinic acid is started, how doses are gradually increased, and what to expect during therapy. Parents will leave with a clear understanding of the scientific basis for folinic acid therapy and how it may improve core symptoms associated with autism.

🚀 Drop Box Link: (Parent)
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/4v75lpcvftuqbqqtvcb32/Leucovorin-PPT_Parent-Webinar.pptx?rlkey=ybje88nr1lch67abljql6luv9&st=pgu63cou&dl=0

🚀Link to recording: (parent video)
https://www.veed.io/view/886a06bf-29f9-4ca7-8c51-7566ffb1be06?source=Homepage&panel=download