One day your child is themselves. They’re laughing, playing, arguing with their siblings, asking for snacks, being who they have always been. And then something shifts. It can feel like it happens overnight. Suddenly there is fear where there wasn’t fear before. Anxiety that doesn't make sense. Obsessive thoughts. Out of nowhere rituals and OCD like behaviors. Maybe tics. Rage that feels completely out of character. Sleep goes to heck. Separation becomes unbearable. And you’re left standing there wondering what just happened to my child.

If you are listening to this and your chest feels tight because this is your story, I need you to hear me. You are not imagining this. Your child did not just decide to become someone else. And you are not dramatic for knowing something deeper is going on. I don’t care how many specialists you have gone to, how many times you have been told it’s just anxiety, just OCD, just behavior, or just a phase. When a child shifts like this, it is our responsibility as mothers to look for answers and I am so proud of you for being here. 

Maybe you have heard of PANS and PANDAS. Maybe you have been deep in research for months. Or maybe this is the first time you are hearing those words. PANS stands for Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome, and PANDAS stands for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections. They are immune responses associated with strep bacteria, but not only the kind found in strep throat.

Healing from PANS and PANDAS is not about flipping a switch. It is about restoring balance at the foundation so the body is no longer stuck in chronic immune activation.

If you are navigating this right now, I see you. You are rightfully scared. The grief is unbelievably deep. Add in the exhaustion and it can feel like you will never get your child back. But your child is not broken. Their body is responding to something very real. It is communicating with you through symptoms as a way of asking for help. And when you listen to the body and support it at the root, healing becomes possible. They can and they will heal.

Despite what anyone has ever told you, you are not crazy for knowing there is more to this story. And you are not powerless. I cannot wait for you to see what happens when you stop chasing flares and start restoring balance at the foundation. The steadiness you are longing for is not out of reach. It starts right here. I will have the PANS/PANDAS healing bundle linked for you in the show notes. Sending you so much love as you navigate this.

Thanks for listening! I would love to connect with you ♡

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Sending love and wellness from my family yours,
xx - Juniper Bennett
Founder of ōNLē ORGANICS