In this episode of Autistic Advocacy, Dr. Angela Kingdon and Matt Lowry LPP are joined by Jess Lewis — a trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming functional medicine advocate — to explore the deeply intertwined connections between Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), autism, and POTS.

This conversation blends science, systems thinking, and lived autistic experience to unpack how chronic stress, sensory overload, and a dysregulated nervous system can trigger and worsen MCAS symptoms — and what we can do about it.

🎧 What You’ll Learn

• How sensory overload, chronic masking, and autistic nervous system differences can contribute to MCAS.
• Why mold exposure and infections like COVID often trigger mast cell activation in neurodivergent bodies.
• The overlap between MCAS, autism, and POTS — and why these conditions often coexist.
• How to advocate for yourself in medical settings, even in the face of dismissal or gaslighting.
• Practical strategies for mast cell stabilization, including calming protocols and low-histamine diets.
• How functional medicine offers a holistic, neurodivergent-affirming approach to managing complex chronic illness.

🎤 Featured Guest: Jess Lewis

Jess Lewis (she/they) is a former Chief Technology Officer turned MCAS researcher, functional medicine advocate, and founder of the Mast Cell Support community. After reversing a severe case of MCAS triggered by mold exposure and COVID-19, Jess now supports others through an evidence-based, neurodivergent-affirming approach rooted in functional medicine and trauma-informed care.

🔗 Follow Jess:

Threads, Instagram, Substack → @jesslewis

💻 Website → jesslewis.com

🤝 Community → mastcellsupport.com

Resources:

MCAS-Friendly Food Guide: Download Jess Lewis's curated list of low-histamine, mast-cell-friendly foods designed to support MCAS management with a neurodivergent-affirming lens.🔗 Food Guide Pharmacy – subscribepage.io/MCASfoodlist

🌱 What Is Quercetin? Learn more about Quercetin, a plant flavonoid known for its natural antihistamine and mast cell stabilizing properties, often used as part of MCAS and allergy support.📚 Quercetin on Wikipedia

Related Episodes:

Autistic Medical Needs (Episode 14)

Meat Body Maintenance (Episode 53)

Autistic Medical Needs, Part 2 (Episode 108)

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