DOCTORS , TRAINERS, AND CONQUERORS SHARE PERSONAL STORIES ON SUSTAINABLE WELLNESS
DOCTORS , TRAINERS, AND CONQUERORS SHARE PERSONAL STORIES ON SUSTAINABLE WELLNESS


https://medschool.ucla.edu/news-article/is-autism-genetic#
Both psychiatrist and neurologist can conduct genetic and pharmacogenomic tests to examine how a person's genes affect their response to medication.

An estimated 20,000 persons in NC have PANS/ PANDAS.
Advisory Council included representatives from the
Department of health and Human Services, a nonprofit PANS advocacy group, a professional organization for school psychologists, an organization focused on autism, the State Board of Education, the House of Representatives and the Senate. Also appoints an osteopathic professional, an immunologist, a neurologist, a pediatrician, a child psychiatrist, a nutrition expert, and a parent of a child diagnosed with PANS. The chairs of the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services (JLOCHHS), or their designees, served on the Advisory Council.

PANS/PANDAS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome / Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) After age 10 Amanda experienced decline in school performance, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, trichotillomania, nudity, anorexia, depression, insomnia, anger and rage, hallucinations, inappropriate language, disinhibition, tics, and seizures — in that exact order. For years, she saw countless specialists and was given a series of psychological diagnoses., including Bipolar Disorder, Dissociative Identity Disorder, and Schizophrenia. It wasn’t until much later that I learned these symptoms aligned with PANS/PANDAS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome / Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) — conditions that are often misdiagnosed as psychiatric illnesses rather than recognized as immune-mediated brain inflammation.

As well as the violence, Cameron suffered severe pain in his head, developed a brain injury, suffered from obsessive-compulsive disorder and had short term memory loss.
On several occasions, his family had to restrain him when he pulled kitchen knives from the drawers to stop him harming himself or anyone else.
But in 2015, the hospital started Cameron on a plasma therapy treatment, which saw his symptoms reduced to the point where they almost disappeared.
Natasha said: “We were extremely fortunate to get him this.
“The antibodies attacking his brain live in plasma. It did enough to put him on the road to recovery.”
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/real-life-stories/my-son-broke-fingers-pulled-24693067

The eventual diagnosis of lupus was made by his rheumatology collaborator, Anca D. Askanase, MD, MPH, director of the Columbia University Lupus Center, and treatments were promptly administered.
Suddenly, Burrell was back.
Healio: How about the connection between neuropsychiatric complications and other rheumatic or autoimmune diseases?
Askanase: It is likely that overlap may extend into Sjögren’s syndrome and antiphospholipid syndrome. However, autoimmune encephalitis and PANDAS areas of immune attack on the brain that rheumatologists may see.

The Power of AI in Mental Health: Why Your Unique Strengths Matter
While AI has made great strides in supporting mental health, its effectiveness depends on the depth of understanding it can gain about you as an individual. Recent AI mental health services have shown us that generalized responses can miss the mark, failing to consider the nuances of your unique strengths, preferences, and life context. That’s why taking the time to explore and understand your own strengths and challenges is essential. When you invest in self-awareness, you provide the context that helps AI algorithms create more tailored and effective solutions.
Remember, you are uniquely made. Your mental health journey deserves more than a one-size-fits-all approach. By taking a deep dive into understanding your strengths and the details of your story, you not only empower AI to offer better support but also reduce the risk of receiving generalized advice. You are worth tailored care, and investing in yourself is the first step toward receiving the best solutions for your mental health needs.

It was more than just kidney stones. Melissa, Todd's mother, found a clinician who took the Hippocratic Oath to heart, ordered the appropriate labs, and secured the correct diagnosis. Today, Todd is active and playing basketball thanks to Dr. Madhura Pradhan.
Comments from Todd's mom.
It was devastating news, but Melissa was relieved to finally have answers. “Dr. Pradhan explained everything,” she says. “My biggest concern was that he is still a kid, and no kid wants to be labeled as ‘different.’ She reassured me that he was going to be able to lead a normal life.”
“They have a special bond,” says Melissa. “Dr. Pradhan is very warm, and she really engages with him. From the minute we walked in the door at CHOP, we’ve had a great experience,”
https://www.chop.edu/stories/iga-nephropathy-todds-story#
Address: 3500 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104
*** Note a concussion or TBI can contribute to IgA Deficiency.
A powerful story of about a mother's love and a push with doctors to get a second opinion.
She simply states, "A mother knows her child better than a physician - push. "
*** Note a concussion or TBI can contribute to IgA Deficiency.
Understanding Low Immunoglobulin A (IgA) and Misdiagnosis
Selective IgA Deficiency is one of the most common immune system conditions. People with low or absent IgA have a harder time defending their body’s mucosal surfaces—like the sinuses, lungs, and gut—against infections.
Because IgA helps protect these areas, low levels can lead to:
IgA deficiency is also associated with a higher incidence of autoimmune conditions such as lupus, conjunctivitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Some studies have shown a higher rate of seizures, stiff person syndrome, and vitiligo in persons with IgA deficiency. The systemic inflammation caused by these conditions can contribute to fatigue, loss of appetite, and overall reduced energy levels.
Unfortunately, IgA deficiency is often missed or misdiagnosed because its symptoms overlap with allergies, chronic fatigue, and even anxiety or digestive disorders. Recognizing and testing for low IgA can help guide better care, especially for those with recurring infections or unexplained symptoms.
More Researchers are placing emphasis on differentiating autism from autistic-like traits which can be reversible.
https://neurosciencenews.com/autism-reversed-neuropharmacology-29595/
https://scitechdaily.com/stanford-scientists-successfully-reverse-autism-symptoms-in-mice/ https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250907172644.htm
For over 20 years, Dr. Rosario Trifilletti in Westwood, NJ has helped patients secure the correct diagnosis and often lose their autism diagnosis through customized care—using extensive lab testing, effective self-reporting, steroids, antibiotics, and plasma regulation methods. The key has always been effective self-reporting and contextual insight, because only the individual can provide the “why” behind their challenges. He literally maps out the cause of challenges and customizes each patient's treatment plan. He only books one family in his practice at a time so patients do not feel rushed or like others are judging them. His groundbreaking work inspired me to write FORWARD: The Student Edition to equip parents, teachers, clinicians, and students with tools for clearer self-reporting that could lead to truly life-changing results.
Our Family.
When my son Jay was born, he had petechiae—tiny red spots on his skin—linked to the use of Pitocin during labor. Later, he was diagnosed with an auditory processing delay. My younger son, Noah, was conceived while I was taking medicine for a deer tick bite. He was eventually diagnosed with PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified) with an immunological origin. At that time PDD-NOS simply meant autistic-like traits but not necessarily autism. It was separate from severe autism.
Both of my boys went through several ear tube (myringotomy) surgeries. They were prescribed Augmentin regularly to help reduce neuroinflammation and fight sinus infections.
Like many kids, they swam, jumped on the trampoline, and roller skated. They even bowled with some help. Exercise helped them refocus to obtain, retain, and apply school lessons. The appropriate regiment of regulated exercise reduced/ eliminated Noah's focal seizures and Jay's Stiff Person Syndrome attacks. Developing a healthy exercise routine would also help disrupt long term health challenges like stroke, cancer, diabetes, and heart disease which are more common in people with chronic inflammation and immunodeficiencies. When Jay was in the first grade, he scored 2nd grade reading comprehension, 4th - 5th grade math, and ninth grade spelling scores on the Adaptive Peabody Test when administered by the school psychologist. It also helped my daughter Blaike who placed 8th in the National Junior Olympics and began taking classes at UNC-Chapel Hill at age 14.
Then came a turning point. Dr. Rosario Trifiletti uncovered immune system (immunoglobulin) challenges in my sons. He customizes the treatment plan for each patient and is focused on curing patients of the diagnostic criteria for autistic-like traits. His work changed everything: my 12-year-old son Noah—once nonverbal—began to speak audibly for the first time. His treatment plan required an additional dose of IVIG every six weeks or he would lose any any benefits he received from the initial treatment. Jay and Noah were prescribed two completely different treatment plans but the both began with a regiment of Prednisone. In Dr. Trifiletti's Emmy Award winning film, My Kid is Not Crazy, he shares how persons with autistic-like traits have lost the rage and diagnostic criteria for autism after addressing their immunoglobin dysregulation.
Delays can lead to rapid weight gain and as ABC News Writer/Producer Nika Beamon with a IGG4-RD Diagnosis explained how she gained almost 100 lbs in less than a year. https://youtu.be/8xRiGYiEnkA Her interview further highlights the importance of baseline assessments, exercise, self-awareness, and receiving the correct diagnosis for the best quality of life.
As a mom I worked with an otolaryngologist neurologist, gastrologist, physical therapist, speech pathologist, occupational therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist, chiropractor, audiologist, allergist, immunologist, thoracic surgeon, podiatrist, and more. You have to understand all of the specialty areas to effectively piece together the pieces of the puzzle and craft the most effective treatment plan.
This is why Tom Stoltman, the 3-time World Strongest Man said no one knew him better than his mother. This is also also exemplified in the trajectory of Thomas Alva Edison's life once his mother began to teach him. My work with a variety of pediatric specialists led to my position in the Duke Center for Autism and Brain Developments Clinical Trials Department.
But there was a problem. We moved where most physicians weren’t familiar with the difference between autism and autistic-like traits, symptom variations, contextual research, the various causes of autistic-like traits or the immunotherapy my sons were receiving. Genetics and psychosis are not the only cause of autistic -like traits. Instead, they refused to accept the objective data reports from Dr. Trifiletti and labeled both boys as autistic. No local medical support for immunological research just opposition so I embraced and promoted this diagnosis at first—until I quickly saw the fallout. Socialization declined. Rage increased. It was a painful reminder of what happens when symptoms are oversimplified.
During a conversation with Marla (a speech pathologist for 30 years) and Tivon (a youth program organizer and mentor for 15 years) , we talked about rage in students and how critical it is to understand the context behind behaviors. https://youtu.be/5R_s4Vyy7AE That’s something I love to do—dig deeper to find the “why.” I get that curiosity from my dad.
Here’s the truth: If I can fall victim to overgeneralizations after working with the difference between autism and autistic-like traits since 1999, anyone can.
Yet, when a student shows social or behavioral challenges, they often get placed under fewer than 10 common diagnoses. That’s a dangerous shortcut.
The bottom line? Accurate diagnosis matters. Without it, kids don’t get the most effective treatment plans—and sometimes, they’re harmed instead of helped.
There are three primary criteria for an autism diagnosis. Both autism and autistic-like traits meet this requirement. There are genetic biomarkers for Autism (hereditary or de novo/ spontaneous mutations linked to advanced paternal age) and theerre are tests which can be completed to to discern whether or not a person has these genes. Autism is listed in the DSM-5. On the other hand, autistic-like traits is not listed in the DSM-5 and if the core symptoms of a weaker immune systems (a dysfunction in antibody signaling/ rhe suppression of immune responses associated with hypogammaglobulinemia or low immunoglobulin levels) ) are uncovered through objective tests it has the potential to be reversed autistic symptoms and the occurance of all of a sudden unexplainable extreme violent rage associated with autistic-like traits. Securing the most effective tests requires effective strength-based self-reporting to secure the appropriate objective tests and clinician who uses a strength-based approach instead of a flaw-based approach.
Testing may reveal some people may have both the gentic biomarker for autism and autistic-like trats. UCLA article on autism and genetics https://medschool.ucla.edu/news-article/is-autism-genetic#:~:text=A%20majority%20(around%2080%25),to%20vaccines%20or%20postnatal%20toxins.
Kindly share when possible. After writing 80% of my first book, a member of my sorority asked me when I was going to publish it. She said , "If you have knowledge in your book that can save someone’s life and you don’t publish your book for people to purchase it, then you are selfish." Selfish? That conversation took place ten years ago in front of the Raleigh History Museum.
She and her husband were the first two people to buy a book directly from me.
We are in the midst of a crisis.
Recent data shows significant increases in autism diagnoses across all racial groups, but the relative increase has been higher for minority children. From 2011 to 2022, the diagnosis rate increased by
315% for Hispanic children and
307% for Black children,
compared to a 161% increase for White children.
Enhancing self-awareness today protects the health and potential of generations to come
If you think the information can help others, don’t be stingy, buy them a book
Our latest discussion on acetaminophen (Tylenol), paracetamol, autism, and context sparked meaningful feedback.
We have an uptick in violent acts in schools and the community. It’s time to move with purpose and increase safety by going beyond traditonal flaw-based reporting to effective strength-based self-reporting which has led to a reversal of symptoms. See the Emmy Award winng film My Child is Not Crazy.
The U.S. now reports 1 in 31 children diagnosed with autism, while the global rate is 1 in 127, according to the World Health Organization. These numbers call for understanding, prevention, and early support—not fear. Awareness alone isn’t enough—we need intentionality and access to solutions.
Even though we’re making minor strides in mental health awareness across some communities, according to the CDC reported safety concerns among youth continue to rise (CDC Youth Mental Health Report, 2024). Even hospital employees are experiencing more verbal and physical assaults.
It’s time to enact solutions that help families and educators recognize early autistic-like traits, uncover hidden strengths, and replace misperceptions with real communication and connection. Every student deserves the tools to address the core challenges of adverse social behaviors and disruptions with their problem- solving skills.
🎥Stay tuned for the upcoming video produced by the North Carolina Black Alliance- a conversation you won't want to miss.
💡 Discover practical steps for recognizing early traits, building resilience, and finding your preferred pathway to excellence in
FORWARD: It Is Tangible – The Student Edition
👉 https://www.amazon.com/FORWARD-Kellye-Jones-ebook/dp/B08R63J3PP?ref_=ast_author_mpb

Medications such as acetaminophen, SSRIs, opioids, paracetamol, benzodiazepines, and seizure drugs can block the body’s natural neuron relay warning system for germs, viruses, and bacteria. When this system is disrupted, the central nervous system shifts into overdrive. Antibodies—specifically immunoglobulin G (IgG)—are blunted and cannot properly “tag” germs for removal. This buildup of infections can lead to outward expressions that look like autism but are not autism: impaired communication, social awkwardness, repetitive coping behaviors, sudden rage, and violent outbursts. Medication may calm or sedate these behaviors temporarily, but it does not remove the root cause—the underlying germ or infection.
These symptoms are better understood in the context of Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) . Research from the Autism Research Institute, which has studied autism for more than 50 years, reports that only 20% of people diagnosed with autism have an identifiable genetic marker. This means a large portion of children may instead be experiencing autistic-like traits triggered by immune dysfunction. In fact, approximately 30% of children display either autism or autistic-like traits.
Next Steps for Families and Clinicians:
When families establish effective baselines and clear self-reporting, clinicians can develop more precise and restorative treatment approaches. This opens the door to a future where children are not just sedated but genuinely healing.
An effective baseline report challenges confirmation bias, allows other to rethink assumptions, and press forward with treatments that address root causes—not just surface behaviors. It is time to transform outcomes for children and families living with these misunderstood conditions.
Diagnosing
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/14MgEBMz4r3/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Treatment
Stories of Discovery and Triumph. POTS (POSTURAL ORTHOSTATIC TACHYCARDIA), PANS (Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome), and PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections)
Moving Forward with Options will host candid discussions with persons who have experienced over diagnosis, missed diagnosis, misdiagnosis with psychoneuroimmunology, and the certified clinicians or trainers who have assisted survivors. Approximately 56% of diagnostic errors are the result of gaps in a patient's self-reporting of social, physical, and cognitive information and 57% are due to breakdowns in ordering diagnostic tests. There are 525,600 minutes in a year still some patients are extended a psychiatric diagnosis in 60 minutes. Our guest's insight on discovery, the line between pain tolerance and pain threshold as well as healthier pathways to success - will provide hope and more options on how to build Momentum for a sustainable recovery!


*** This phenomenal interview starts at the
seven (7) minute mark due to technical difficulties. It is a must. Great nuggets of information you will want to share. ****
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Steve and Pat discuss their son's journey from vaccine injured to fully vaccinated. Powerful, life-changing insight for parents, clinicians, EMTs, teachers, law enforcement, communities, and more.
Technical difficulties during the first 7 minutes, but you will want to take on the valuable insight provided afterward.
Our guest Steve grew up in Auburn, NY. Auburn is known for the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues. So of course he played baseball along with hockey while in school. After school, he served our country in the US Military. This is where he embraced the fact that there wasn't anything he could not do.
One day, Steve met with the school psychologist about his son. The psychologist said his son's reading and writing were in the 5th percentile. This did not make sense. As their family sought answers for why and how this could be happening, they just could not accept the answers. They knew there had to be something more. So his sports mindset kicked in and he started looking to build the right team. Trying to find teammates who understood was exhausting They had to be on the same page and moving in the same direction the doctors were pushing or the alternative path. The bottom line is the military taught him that there was nothing he could not do. His mother never gave up. So, he and his wife were going to get the answers and solutions they needed together.
Hope arose after the first 24 hours after his son was on prednisone and he said his first sentence, "Mamita, do you know where my father is, can you tell him I love him." Steve knew their son had brain inflammation. They just did not know why. After this miracle, everything else became a quest to understand how to move forward.
Join us tonight for Steve's amazing story of tenacity, teamwork, hope, success, and purpose.
Steve's favorite quote is "You can fall asleep in my class if you want to, but the life you save might be your own"
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