57 - When A Child Changes Overnight: Understanding PANS, PANDAS, Neuroinflammatory Autism
From Wellness Reality Check by Jessica Aldredge / Ashley Ihemelu
February 3, 2026 · 1h 0m · Episode 57
About this episode
The episode explores the complexities of PANS, PANDAS, and neuroinflammatory disorders in children with insights from Dr. Melissa Jones.
In this episode of Wellness Reality Check, Ashley and Jess sit down with Dr. Melissa Jones, a board-certified pediatric neurologist with advanced training in functional psychiatry and the Shoemaker Protocol for mold-related illness. They dive deep into the evolving understanding of PANS, PANDAS, autism, ADHD, and neuroinflammatory disorders in children. Dr. Jones explains how infections like strep, mycoplasma, viruses, mold, and parasites can trigger sudden-onset OCD, anxiety, tics, restricted eating, and behavioral changes through immune dysregulation and basal ganglia inflammation. She shares her transition from conventional neurology to an integrative, root-cause approach that includes advanced lab testing, gut health, detoxification, supplements, and targeted use of antibiotics and anti-inflammatories. The conversation also covers genetics, SNPs (like MTHFR), heavy metals, vaccines as immune triggers, screen-time impacts, and how to support autistic and neurodivergent children while honoring neurodiversity. Parents will find both validation and hope for complex pediatric neuroimmune…
People in this episode
Hosts: Jessica Aldredge, Ashley Ihemelu
Guest: Dr. Melissa Jones
Topics covered
- PANS
- PANDAS
- neuroinflammatory disorders
- autism
- ADHD
- integrative health
- pediatric neurology
Keywords
- PANS
- PANDAS
- autism
- neuroinflammation
- OCD
- ADHD
- immune dysregulation
- functional psychiatry
- root-cause approach
- pediatric neurology
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Shoemaker Protocol, Instagram, Tiktok, Youtube, Facebook, wildwholistic.com
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