Autism runs in our family which is part of the reason we hunted down a possible genetic component for Halstie girl — not because we wanted to “fix” her but because we wanted to be prepared for any potential and additional accommodations she might need. Our partner and #sponsor MAR-Autism Test has been educating us on other interesting research in the Autism community lately. I was so shocked when I learned that research has been studying an immune mediated subtype as well. In retrospect, it makes sense. We live near a huge PANDAS/PANS center that is essentially for children who’s behavior, cognitive function, and physical abilities have changed after history of Streptococcal and other illnesses. I know from personal experience that illnesses like encephalitis can change your intellectual abilities, social judgements, and cause seizures so when I heard about the research of connection between auto-antibodies and a specific subtype of autism, it got my brain turning. Of course, this wouldn’t apply to all autism. In fact, the spectrum is huge and we are constantly understanding more. We learned that the genetic factors in our family is more mild for learning disabilities in girls and more advanced for learning disability in boys. We learned that those who have the gene mutation are notoriously bad at math and calculating and that girls who have it struggle a lot with sensory issues and anxiety. This helps us accommodate those who have it in our family like Halstie, better. To be clear, we wouldn’t want Halston any other way than exactly who she is. Having clarity on your child’s potential future and needs is so beneficial. I have become a better advocate for her as we learn more. @marabiosystems is a blood test that provides pre-pregnancy insight to provide clarity long before families notice signs of Autism. Immune connection and research in Immunity is such an important and interesting part of the Autism conversation. This is a test available to women over the age of 18 with a child that has an existing autism diagnosis or showing signs of autism. This test is not validated for use during pregnancy and can be used before conception or after birth. - This test is available in the U.S. either via your healthcare provider or MARAbio's telemedicine option #AutismAwareness #NeurodiversityAcceptance #AutismResearch

5/16 Edited to

... Read moreAs someone who has journeyed through understanding autism within my own family, discovering the role of immune-mediated factors such as Maternal Autoantibody-Related Autism (MAR Autism) was truly eye-opening. This subtype, identified by researchers at the UC Davis MIND Institute, highlights how maternal autoantibodies can influence a child's neurodevelopment, offering a distinct perspective beyond traditional genetic causes. From personal experience, having access to the MAR Autism Test provided valuable clarity and peace of mind long before typical signs of autism were apparent. Recognizing the immune connection helps us anticipate specific challenges our daughter might face, such as sensory sensitivities and anxiety, which are common among girls with this genetic profile. It also empowers us to tailor our support strategies, ensuring they align more closely with her unique needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Moreover, living near a specialized PANDAS/PANS center has deepened our understanding of how infections and immune responses can affect behavior and cognitive function. Witnessing the impact of illnesses like encephalitis on brain function reinforces the importance of considering immune factors in autism research and care. For families navigating similar paths, I recommend exploring all available testing options, including blood tests like those offered by MARAbioSystems. These tests are designed for women over 18 with either a child diagnosed with autism or showing early signs and can provide pre-pregnancy insights when used before conception or after birth. They are not meant to diagnose autism outright nor replace professional evaluation but serve as an additional tool in a family's preparatory and supportive resources. Staying informed about the evolving science around neurodiversity, genetics, and immunity has been crucial for us. It has enhanced my ability to advocate effectively and cherish our child's individuality fully—without the goal of “fixing” but rather understanding, accommodating, and celebrating who she is. I encourage other parents to seek knowledge proactively, work closely with healthcare providers, and connect with communities focused on neurodiversity acceptance and autism research to build informed and compassionate support systems.

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