Co-Morbidity of Lyme Disease and Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children

About the Event

Patients diagnosed with Lyme disease share many of the same physical manifestations as those diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Informal studies have shown that at least 20-30% of children diagnosed with Autism also test positive for Lyme Disease. This is event is meant to encourage increased discussion about the co-morbidity of the two by analyzing existing hypotheses to highlight issues currently facing both populations. These include under-reported occurrences given testing requirements, potential relationships with parent-fetal transmission, as well as the use of treatment protocols to achieve outcomes against both Lyme and ASD.

About the Guests

Debbie Kimberg is the mother of a son affected by Bartonella and ASD. She has written numerous blogs on the topic and is working to encourage more research in the field.

Amy Offutt, MD is an extensively trained Integrative Medicine physician who treats patients with complex health issues using a wide array of individualized strategies for healing. She was recently appointed by Governor Greg Abbott to the Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome Advisory Council. In addition, she serves on the Board of Directors for ILADS (International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society) and is their president-elect.

Dr. Ken Mitchell is a Pharmacist and Naturopathic Medical Doctor who has spent 20+ years focusing on chronic infectious disease, environmental medicine, autism recovery, as well as Lyme disease and co-infections. Dr. Mitchell is an ILADS Member and past Speaker, ACAM, DAN! (and MAPS) trained, and is the Medical Director and a co-founder of Nizhoni Medicine.

Ryan Martin is the founder of Kreate Productions, one of the companies that produced the groundbreaking Lyme documentary, The Monster Inside Me. Ryan is also a father of a son affected by Bartonella and ASD, whose story is featured in the film.

About the Sponsors

Project Lyme

Our mission is to eradicate the epidemic of tick-borne diseases through awareness and education, support of cutting-edge science, and advocacy for solutions to end the suffering. As a national Lyme disease non-profit, we aim to make a positive impact on the lives of patients through our work.