Autism and PANS/PANDAS share enough symptoms that separating them can be nearly impossible. In this episode, meet Madi, a 15-year-old freshman and horseback rider who can tell you exactly what her favorite horse will do for a handful of feed. She also experiences both autism and PANDAS. It wasn't until after IVIG that she could start to tell which symptoms belonged to which diagnosis.

Flying Through Fog hosts Krystal Vivian, Lindsey Forsyth and Angela Henry talk with Madi and her mom, Mindy, about what a flare feels like from the inside, how OCD had her convinced she was a bad person (though she's lovely), and what symptoms stayed behind after PANDAS treatment. Madi is honest about the intrusive thoughts she experienced and how nobody told her that the struggle simply wouldn't end after IVIG. Mindy talks about watching for the same patterns in her other children and how hormones, not just infection, can set off a flare. 

This important episode includes discussion of self-injury and intrusive thoughts of harm. 

RESOURCES:
Surviving The Flares: An Emotional Toolkit For PANS/PANDAS Caregivers — Available wherever you listen to podcasts

Claimable https://www.getclaimable.com/ 

PANDAS Michiana https://pandasmichiana.com/ 

PANDAS Physician Network https://www.pandasppn.org/ 

PANDAS Network https://pandasnetwork.org/understanding-pandas/ 

Angela Henry, LCSW https://angelahenrylcsw.com/services/pandas-pans-ae 

National PANDAS/PANS Youth Alliance https://www.nationalpandasyouthalliance.org/home 

PANDAS PARENTS Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/461708653853619

ASPIRE PANS PANDAS Advocacy, Community & Support Aspire

Neuroimmune Foundation Neuroimmune Foundation | Inflammatory Brain Conditions

Mind Global Council https://www.mindglobalcouncil.com/

OCD Family Podcast https://www.ocdfamilypodcast.com/

Hornets and Hippos Workbook: https://margaretjessoppsyd.com/hornets-and-hippos/ 

Parenting Resources:

Dr. Ross Greene https://drrossgreene.com/ 

Dr. Becky Kennedy https://www.goodinside.com/about/ 

Dr. Dan Siegel https://drdansiegel.com/ 

Brene Brown (professor and researcher of shame, vulnerability, courage and empathy) https://brenebrown.com/