Making It Awkward One Mother's Quest to Help Autistic Kids Lose Their Diagnosis with Dr. Theresa Lyons
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Nov 12, 2025 
Dr. Theresa Lyons, an Ivy League-trained scientist and founder of Navigating AWEtism, shares her journey as a mom to a non-speaking autistic daughter. She discusses her groundbreaking research suggesting that 37% of autistic children might lose their diagnosis. Topics include the vital roles of sleep, diet, and functional medicine in supporting health improvements, and the complexities surrounding interventions. Lyons emphasizes the importance of empowerment in therapy and offers insights into personalized healthcare for autistic kids, paving the way for future discussions.
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Autism Diagnosis Can Be Non-Persistent
- Research shows a meaningful subset of autistic children can lose their diagnosis and no longer need supports.
- Earlier studies reported ~10% and a 2023 study reported ~37% for young children within about two years.
Test What Parents Actually Did
- Do test and track what parents actually changed when a child improves instead of assuming one therapy caused it.
- Use those results to guide which therapies to reduce or stop as health improves.
Health Foundations Affect Symptom Severity
- Autism symptoms can fluctuate with basic health factors like sleep.
- Improving foundational health (sleep, nutrition) can reduce symptom severity and enable positive change.
