Is it Autism or PANS? The Key Differences.

Many parents are told that sudden behavioral regressions or intense motor tics are just a part of their child's autism diagnosis, but there is often a much deeper story. In this episode of Unraveling the Brain, Dr. Josh Madsen is joined by Greer McGuinness to discuss the significant crossover between Autism and PANS/PANDAS. They explore how underlying infections like strep, COVID, and Epstein-Barr can trigger an autoimmune response that inflames the brain and causes massive shifts in behavior, mood, and coordination. By moving beyond the surface level labels and looking at the immune system’s role in brain health, parents can find the actual mechanisms driving their child’s struggles.  Whether you are dealing with sudden OCD, extreme hyperactivity, or a stall in developmental progress, this conversation reveals the clinical insights needed to address brain inflammation and help your child find balance again. Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction: The Autism and PANS/PANDAS Connection 01:04 - Defining PANS vs. PANDAS: Strep vs. Other Viral Triggers 02:39 - When Infections Look Like Psychiatric Disorders 04:59 - Neural Zoomer Plus: Why Dr. Josh Prefers It Over Other Tests 06:21 - Dopamine Receptors: The Science Behind Hyperactivity and Impulse Control 07:35 - The "Energizer Bunny" Child: Understanding Extreme Stimming 09:16 - The First 3 Years: How the Early Immune System is Trained 10:16 - Why "Never Getting Sick" is a Red Flag for Autoimmunity 13:17 - Environmental Triggers: The Role of Mold and Heavy Metals 18:10 - Why Standard Lab Results Often Come Back "Normal" 24:45 - The Bio-Medical Foundation: Gut Health, Detox, and Nutrition 31:20 - Individualized Care: Why Every Child Needs a Different Roadmap 37:34 - The Rabbit Holes: Focusing on the Right Root Causes 39:41 - Functional Lab Testing vs. Traditional Pediatric Labs 41:29 - The Crisis of Underserved Kids in the US Medical System 42:11 - Closing Thoughts: Finding Practitioners Who Listen Book an intensive at infinity - https://infinityneuromotor.com/watch Follow Greer McGuinness! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biomedicalhealingforkids?igsh=NG11MDhqNzd4Nzlo Website: https://www.biomedicalhealingforkids.com/about-me #earlyintervention #ChildDevelopment #AutismAwareness #BrainDevelopment #Neuroscience #ParentingTips #DevelopmentalDelays #PediatricCare Disclaimer: The information in this video is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your physician or a qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions about a medical condition or your child’s development. Individual results may vary, and the strategies discussed may not be appropriate for every child. Please consult a healthcare professional before making decisions related to your child’s health or development. Listen to Our Podcast: • Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unraveling-the-brain-with-dr-josh-madsen/id1764135609 • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3LmNMX3J7hr4Eyo5kl7fSe?si=7101a504932f4318 Additional Courses and Resources: • For Parents - https://www.limitlessfoundation.co/courses/category/parents • For Doctors - https://www.limitlessfoundation.co/courses/category/healthcare-providers • Read Our Blogs: https://www.drjoshmadsen.com/ Follow Us on Social Media: • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.joshmadsen/ • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/infinityia Spread Awareness: • Share this video with new parents or caregivers to help spread awareness. • Subscribe for more insights on child development and early intervention strategies. • Leave a comment with your questions or share your experiences related to this topic! 📌 Watch on Youtube | https://www.youtube.com/@DrJoshMadsen 📌 Follow us on Instagram: @drjoshmadsen 📌 Follow us on Facebook: Infinity Functional Neurology 📧 For inquiries, contact us at mediateam@iowainfinity