Could Mold Be The Problem?

With the increased humidity along with the torrential rain, there is an increased risk for water damage to our homes which can lead to mold growth which produces mycotoxins.

The mold is a fungus which thrives under moist conditions and the mycotoxins are what it releases when it’s under stress.

This can be a major problem for many children with autism since our kids tend to have more difficulty with detoxification and mounting a strong immune response.

Mold can invade the sinuses, airways, and gut and activates mast cells and leads to immune system dysregulation which can cause Pediatric Autoimmune Neurological Syndrome (PANS).

Your child may present with various symptoms such as rashes, allergies, asthma, shortness of breath, brain fog, fatigue, leaky gut, insomnia, and behavioral changes.

Mycotoxins can cause damage to the nervous system, liver, kidneys, and immune system.

One of the first steps if you suspect mold is to evaluate your home for mold, since living in a moldy environment will likely enter the body.

ERMI testing can be done to evaluate the home’s dust for spores or air testing can be done.

There are certified inspectors and remediators to diagnose and remediate mold infestation.

If you cannot afford to remediate, invest in air purifiers in your main living space and bedrooms, and use an HVAC air filter with a MERV 13 rating.

Promoting good air flow by opening windows helps.

You can test your child for mycotoxins in the urine or in the blood.

Mold can be treated with prescription or herbal antifungals along with binders to help bind the mycotoxins being released, but eliminating the source is paramount, since the body will continue to be inundated from the exposure despite treatment.

As part of the Autism Healing Program, we address how to handle mold and mycotoxins.

Sign up for a free session at https://myhopewellness.satoriapp.com/offers/268129-discovery-session to discuss if your child may have mold and how they can benefit from the program.