PANS: A Family's 7-Year Quest to Re-ignite Their Son's Spark
Ashleigh Johnson, mother to 8-year-old Harper, shares a powerful story of resilience and hope. At just 12 months old, Harper's bright spark seemed to dim overnight, leaving his family searching for answers for seven long years. It wasn't until they met Samantha Bake, ReMed nutritionist and head of the Kids Clinic, that they finally uncovered the truth: Harper was suffering from PANS (Paediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome). In this episode, Ashleigh opens up about their journey and how targeted nutritional care not only reignited Harper's spark but also gave her family their son back.
Covered in This Episode
00:44 Meet Ashleigh Johnson and Harper's Story Begins
Ashley Johnson, a devoted mother, shares the emotional story of her son Harper. It all started when Harper, at just 12 months old, underwent a routine vaccination that led to unexplained health changes.
1:16 Struggles for Answers
Ashley reflects on the years of frustration and helplessness, seeking answers for Harper’s mysterious symptoms. From unhelpful medical appointments to self-doubt, she recounts the emotional toll on her family.
4:37 Living with the New Normal
Ashley describes how her family adjusted to Harper’s "new normal." From failure to thrive to restrictive behaviours, she opens up about their resilience and determination to understand what was happening.
6:18 School Challenges and Emotional Struggles
Navigating school became an uphill battle. Ashley shares Harper’s struggles with separation anxiety, sensory issues, and emotional outbursts that often left the family overwhelmed and isolated.
14:26 Seeking Help and Finding Sam
A friend’s Instagram post about PANS and PANDAS led Ashley to naturopath Samantha Bake. Ashley’s first call with Sam brought the validation and hope she had been yearning for.
15:43 The Transformation Begins
Ashley details the journey with Sam, from genetic and stool testing to implementing supplements and dietary changes. Within days, Harper began showing significant improvements, bringing unexpected relief and joy to the family.
21:02 Life After Diagnosis
With a newfound understanding of Harper’s condition, the family embraced a tailored approach to managing his health. Ashley highlights how proactive care and community support transformed their daily lives.
22:45 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Ashley reflects on her journey and shares heartfelt advice for parents who feel dismissed by traditional medicine. She emphasises the importance of trusting your instincts and seeking answers until you find the support you need.
Resources and Links
Book with ReMed Nutritionist Sam Bake: Samantha Bake is a founding member of the ReMed Kids Clinic and specialises in paediatric anxiety, OCD, tics, PANS, and PANDAS. With a deep understanding of the gut-immune-brain axis, Sam applies her expertise to improve children’s health holistically. She is also a co-author of the “Calming Kids Naturally” program, offering parents practical strategies for managing their children’s neuro-developmental conditions.
