Frequently Asked Questions
Parents searching for answers about PANS, PANDAS, Autism, ADHD, OCD, and tic disorders often have many questions.
You may feel overwhelmed, confused by conflicting advice or unsure of where to start.
Here, I have answered some of the most common questions I receive from families like yours. If your question isn’t covered, feel free to book a free discovery call so we can discuss your child’s specific needs.
About PANS, PANDAS & Neurodevelopmental Conditions
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PANS (Paediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and PANDAS (Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) are neuro-inflammation driven conditions that cause sudden behavioural and neurological symptoms including OCD, tics, anxiety, emotional outbursts, behavioural regressions, trouble sleeping, ADHD like behaviours, increased urination, changes in motor skills and restrictive eating. They are often triggered by infections or immune dysfunction.
While Autism and ADHD are neurodevelopmental conditions that children are born with, PANS/PANDAS symptoms often appear suddenly, sometimes overnight, and may fluctuate in severity. Many children with Autism and ADHD also have underlying immune, gut, or neurological imbalances that can be supported with a functional health approach.
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If your child’s behaviour changed suddenly—especially if they developed OCD, tics, anxiety, aggression, or sensory issues out of nowhere—it could be PANS or PANDAS. Symptoms often appear following an illness, such as strep throat, flu, or viruses and may come and go in flares.
If you suspect PANS/PANDAS, we can work together to identify potential triggers and create a plan for recovery.
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No, a diagnosis is not required. Many families come to me because they have not been able to get clear answers from doctors. I focus on root-cause healing, which means even if your child does not have an official diagnosis, we can still address underlying factors like gut health, immune function and nutrient imbalances.
My Approach & Treatment Plans
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Conventional medicine often focuses on managing symptoms with antibiotics, steroids, psychiatric medications or long-term therapy. While these can be helpful, they do not always address why the symptoms are happening in the first place.
My approach is different because I focus on finding and treating the root cause—whether that is chronic infections, gut imbalances, nutrient deficiencies or immune dysfunction. This helps create long-term healing and stability rather than just short-term symptom relief.
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I use a combination of diet, lifestyle strategies and targeted nutritional or herbal supplements to support healing. Every child is different, so I tailor my recommendations to what is practical and achievable for your family.
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Absolutely. I believe in a collaborative approach to healthcare. My treatments can be used alongside conventional medicine or as a standalone approach depending on your child’s needs. If your child is already working with a doctor or specialist, I can help support their existing treatment plan with nutritional and functional medicine strategies.
Appointments & Working With Me
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A free 20-minute discovery call is an opportunity for us to:
Discuss your child’s symptoms and health history
Determine whether my approach is the right fit for your family
Answer any initial questions you have about the process
It is completely obligation-free—I want you to feel confident and comfortable before making any commitments.
While Autism and ADHD are neurodevelopmental conditions that children are born with, PANS/PANDAS symptoms often appear suddenly, sometimes overnight, and may fluctuate in severity. Many children with Autism and ADHD also have underlying immune, gut, or neurological imbalances that can be supported with a functional health approach.
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The initial consultation is a deep dive into your child’s health history. We will look at:
Symptoms, triggers and medical history
Current diet, lifestyle and any medications or supplements
Potential areas for functional testing (if/as needed)
From there, I will create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your child’s needs.
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It depends on the child and their individual health challenges. Some families see improvements within a few weeks, while others may take several months to notice significant changes. Healing is a journey and I work closely with families to adjust treatment as needed along the way.
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While the majority of my patients are children I do sometimes work with adults with Autism, ADHD, OCD and tics or family members interested in the functional testing I have utilised with their children.
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Yes. All my appointments are available via telehealth, so you can access expert support from anywhere in Australia.
Diet, Lifestyle & Practical Concerns
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Not necessarily. While some children benefit from removing certain inflammatory foods, I always tailor diet recommendations to what is realistic and manageable for your family. The goal is to support healing without unnecessary restrictions.
My approach is different because I focus on finding and treating the root cause—whether that is chronic infections, gut imbalances, nutrient deficiencies or immune dysfunction. This helps create long-term healing and stability rather than just short-term symptom relief.
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Yes. I work with parents to find practical solutions that work for fussy eaters. Sometimes, simple tweaks to nutrient timing or adding in specific supplements can make a significant difference without completely overhauling their diet.
When supplements are recommended there are often multiple options in terms of taste, with different flavours, powders, capsules, chewable or even liposomal forms so we can find one that works for your child.
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Absolutely. Many of the children I work with are already taking medications prescribed by their doctors. My treatments can complement conventional therapies, helping to reduce side effects and support overall health.
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Yes. I understand how exhausting and overwhelming this journey can be. That is why I support the whole family, offering guidance and reassurance as we work together. Many parents say that simply having a clear plan and someone who listens makes all the difference.
Still Have Questions? Let’s Chat.
I know that finding the right support for your child is a big decision and you may still have questions. That is why I offer a free 20-minute discovery call—so you can ask anything that is on your mind and see if this approach is the right fit.