Tick Boot Camp Episode 493: LIVE from ILADS: Dr. James Neuenschwander - Treating Chronic Illness and Autism in Children
Apr 13, 2025
23:11
In this episode of the Tick Boot Camp podcast, we have the privilege of hearing from Dr. James Neuenschwander, an integrative medicine and emergency medicine physician. Dr. Neuenschwander discusses his extensive experience in treating chronic illnesses in children, with a special focus on those on the autism spectrum. With over 35 years of experience, Dr. Neuenschwander is also the president of the Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs (MAPS).
Key Takeaways:
- Defining Chronic Illness in Children: Chronic conditions in children, such as asthma, autism, and PANS/PANDAS, often persist for more than a month or two and can significantly affect their quality of life.
- Immune System Differences: While children generally have a more robust innate immune system, they are more vulnerable to Lyme infections and neurological complications due to their porous blood-brain barrier.
- Inflammatory Response and Brain Inflammation: Although children may not show severe inflammatory responses to tick bites, brain inflammation can lead to developmental regression and psychiatric symptoms, further complicating diagnosis and treatment.
- Co-Infections and Diagnostic Challenges: Co-infections such as Borrelia, Babesia, and Bartonella are common in pediatric chronic illnesses, making diagnosis more complex and requiring an integrated approach to treatment.
- Environmental Factors and Autism: Infections, toxins, and immune system activation are factors that can induce brain inflammation and increase the risk of autism, contributing to the rising prevalence of autism spectrum disorders.
- Importance of Integrative and Holistic Approaches: Dr. Neuenschwander emphasizes the need to address the whole ecosystem in treating children with chronic illnesses, focusing on gut health, nutrition, environmental factors, and immune system balance, rather than just targeting specific infections.
- Role of MAPS in Training Practitioners: The Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs (MAPS) plays a vital role in educating healthcare providers on integrative techniques for managing complex chronic conditions in children.
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