Autoimmune diseases, especially in children, have become an epidemic in the United States. It’s now estimated that 1 in 10 Americans has an autoimmune disease, with over 100 recognized conditions, a number that has doubled in just two decades.
And children are not spared. In fact, children born in the last ten years have higher rates of chronic illnesses, autoimmune diseases, and neurodevelopment disorders than any previous generation. It’s estimated that 1 in 4 children has a chronic illness. This is also the first generation expected to have a shorter lifespan than their parents. We cannot continue doing what we’ve been doing. Those of us with an autoimmune condition are paying the price of our modern lifestyle, toxic exposures and a medical system that too often treats symptoms instead of looking for root causes.
So what can we do?
We can shift our focus and look for root causes and triggers for autoimmune diseases, instead of quick fixes.
We can support the body’s innate ability to heal itself with food, herbal medicine, nutraceuticals and other holistic approaches.
We can educate ourselves. Learn to identify and remove the things making us sick, one step at a time.
And, we can have hope!
Finding the Next Right Thing was created as a resource for parents and individuals, searching for answers, whether facing PANS/PANDAS, managing another autoimmune disease, or working to prevent a genetic predisposition from turning into illness.
These conditions don’t develop overnight and they won’t disappear that quickly either. But healing PANDAS naturally is possible. It happens one step at a time, one decision at a time, one next right thing at a time.
In herbal medicine, dandelion is a foundational detox herb, traditionally known as a “blood purifier.” It supports the body’s natural ability to release toxins and restore balance. But, it’s not a quick fix. Dandelion is meant to be taken long term, gently guiding the body back to balance. And that’s exactly how healing happens even when you can’t see it.
Given today’s toxic exposures, detox matters more than ever. That’s why dandelion is one of my favorite herbs, and why I chose it for this site.
It wasn’t until after I picked the dandelion as part of the site’s logo that I realized how deeply its symbolism aligns with the journey of PANS/PANDAS. Dandelion represents resilience, hope and transformation. It’s a plant that can thrive in the harshest environments, finding a way to thrive despite difficult conditions. Although the wind may knock it down, it takes root and grows stronger. Dandelion seeds are said to make wishes come true: a wish for a new beginning, a hope for healing and growth, and dreams for a better tomorrow.
For so many of us, healing means letting go of what no longer serves us, trusting that the steps we take, no matter how small, are planting something meaningful that will take root and grow in ways we might not expect.
If you are on this journey, you are not alone. I have three children with PANS/PANDAS, and I know firsthand how hard, exhausting and isolating this path can feel. But I also know there is hope! There is healing. There are better days ahead.
Just focus on finding the next right thing.
And after that, find one more.
Keep going. We’ll get there together.
Join the Tribe. No Spam, no nonsense— just the things I wish I’d known earlier, sent with a big virtual hug.
PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) are conditions that cause sudden, dramatic changes in a child’s behavior and neurological function.
These changes are not psychiatric in origin, but rather the result of autoimmune brain inflammation, a type of encephalitis triggered by an inappropriate immune response.
In PANDAS, this immune reaction is specifically associated with a strep infection, while PANS can be triggered by a broader range of factors, such as viruses, Lyme disease, mold exposure, or other environmental triggers. The immune system becomes confused and mistakenly targets healthy brain tissue, particularly the basal ganglia, a region involved in movement, emotion regulation, decision-making, and behavior.
This autoimmune attack can cause sudden-onset symptoms, including OCD, severe anxiety, tics, rage, regression, and sleep disturbances. PANS and PANDAS are considered types of autoimmune encephalitis. Timely treatment is critical to reduce inflammation and restore brain function.
Children with PANS or PANDAS often experience a sudden and dramatic shift in behavior or mental health. Common symptoms of PANS and PANDAS include severe anxiety, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, tics, aggression, emotional outbursts, depression, sensory sensitivities, urinary frequency, and sleep disturbances. These symptoms of PANS/PANDAS often show up quickly, sometimes overnight. And, they can worsen following infections, stress, or environmental exposures. Since the symptoms of PANS/PANDAS can be mistaken for psychiatric disorders but are rooted in neuroinflammation, identifying these flare patterns is key to getting the correct diagnosis and treatment.
Probably more common than most doctors realize. At least 1 in 200 children. Given how often it’s often misdiagnosed as anxiety, OCD, ADHD, or oppositional behavior, it’s likely underreported. In my opinion, many kids, and adults, are slipping through the cracks.
Yes, PANS in adults is real. While the condition is typically diagnosed in children, many adults are now being identified with previously unrecognized cases. Some adults may have carried mild or undiagnosed symptoms since childhood. Others may develop PANS symptoms suddenly after an infection, mold exposure, or other immune trigger. As awareness of PANS increases, it’s important that adults who suspect PANS, find a practitioner open to evaluating through a PANS-informed lens.
Many families are turning to healing PANDAS naturally through holistic and functional medicine approaches. This includes herbal therapies, dietary changes, detox support, and immune-modulating nutrients to reduce inflammation and restore balance. While conventional treatments like antibiotics or IVIG may still be necessary, combining them with natural treatments for PANDAS can support healing from multiple angles and help rebuild a healthier “terrain.”
Not without treatment. A lot of children improve with age after appropriate treatment. But true remission usually requires healing the gut, supporting detox pathways, addressing latent infections, active detox, correcting nutrient deficiencies and supporting genetic mutations. Even in remission, these kids tend to remain more vulnerable to immune dysregulation. As children grow, the blood-brain barrier becomes less permeable, which can offer some protection, but it’s not a cure on its own. I suspect many adults with severe, treatment-resistant mental health struggles are walking around with undiagnosed/untreated PANS/PANDAS.
Yes, with some adjustments. The foundational principles around healing PANDAS naturally, including gut healing, detox, and immune modulation apply to adults too, but dosages, hormone influences, and stress loads are different. Adults often carry more layers of chronic inflammation or toxicity that have accrued over time, so protocols may need to be more gradual and targeted.
Healing from PANDAS takes time, patience, and compassion. While conventional treatments often play an important role, combining them with natural approaches, like nutrition, gentle detox, herbal medicine, and emotional support, can help strengthen the body’s resilience and rebuild balance from within.
Every child’s path is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all plan. But as parents, we can focus on the next right thing, creating a healing environment, learning about root causes, and nurturing hope along the way.
You don’t have to navigate this alone. This space was created for parents who want to understand PANDAS and PANS more deeply, explore natural healing options safely, and find community with others who understand. Join our community of parents learning about healing PANDAS naturally — with hope, compassion, and evidence-based support.
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