Elopement—also known as wandering—is a common behavior among children with autism. It refers to when a child leaves a safe environment without permission, often placing themselves in potentially dangerous situations. According to the National Autism Association, 49% of autistic children have attempted to elope, and the behavior typically peaks between ages 4 and 7.

Understanding the causes of elopement is the first step toward reducing its frequency and improving safety.

Many children with autism experience sensory processing differences. They may find certain environments too loud, bright, or overwhelming, leading them to flee. Others may seek out sensory-rich experiences—like spinning fans, running water, or flashing lights—and wander off in pursuit of them.

Children with limited or nonverbal communication skills may elope as a way to express a need or emotion. Elopement becomes a nonverbal message, saying “I’m upset,” “I need a break,” or “I don’t understand.”

Some children elope to avoid non-preferred activities, such as schoolwork, chores, or social interaction. Elopement can function as a behavioral response to challenging expectations or transitions.

Autistic children often experience anxiety in social or unfamiliar settings. For some, running away is a natural response to overwhelming fear, acting as a way to self-soothe or find safety.

Children on the autism spectrum may also struggle with impulse control and planning. In some cases, they may run impulsively without a clear goal or without recognizing potential dangers.

Not all elopement is escape behavior. Sometimes children are simply trying to reach a desired location—like a favorite playground, a relative’s house, or even a store they remember.

1. One of the most common, yet unknown, triggers for elopement is phenol sensitivity. Elopement is from many things but the sensory overload and impulsivity also come from phenols known to contribute to eloping.

Phenols are the natural colorings in foods such as in fruits and vegetables. Phenols are also in the artificial colorings that are in yogurt, candy, and popsicles, etc. Used industrially, they help form and are contained in plastics. They can be an allergen, whether from food or plastic products. People with poor methylation are often phenol sensitive. It is very common for children on the autism spectrum to be allergic to phenols. This is often due to an ill digestive tract.

Normally the body could properly utilize and eliminate phenols. Phenols and salicylates are in most foods. Candida/yeast overgrowth and leaky gut contribute to phenol sensitivity. Leaky gut will allow these chemicals to enter the bloodstream in high

concentrations. This alarms the body and triggers an immune response which creates an allergy to these chemicals...

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Pica in children with autism, touching on its link to PANS, nutritional deficiencies, emotional factors, and gut health.

Pica is a complex and often misunderstood condition that can be particularly concerning when observed in children with autism. It involves the persistent eating of non-food items such as dirt, paper, chalk, hair, or even small objects like coins or toys. While pica can occur in children of all backgrounds, it is significantly more common in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Understanding the why behind this behavior is crucial for parents, caregivers, and professionals who want to provide appropriate support.

Pica is defined by the DSM-5 as the repeated ingestion of non-nutritive substances over a period of at least one month, and at an age where this behavior is developmentally inappropriate. In children with autism, pica can often persist beyond toddler years and may require clinical attention due to the risks involved, including choking, intestinal blockages, poisoning, and exposure to harmful bacteria.

There are multiple factors that can contribute to pica behaviors in children with autism, including sensory processing differences, emotional regulation difficulties, nutritional deficiencies, and underlying medical conditions. Here are some key contributors:

One of the most common underlying causes of pica is a deficiency in essential nutrients and minerals. When the body lacks certain elements, it may instinctively seek out non-food items that contain trace amounts of what it’s missing. In children with autism, this is especially relevant due to dietary restrictions, picky eating, or poor absorption caused by gut health issues.

Common deficiencies linked to pica include:

• Iron – Low iron levels (anemia) have a strong correlation with pica. Increasing heem foods which are rich in iron are suggested. Thai is much better than supplementing with iron since iron supplements can aggravate virus activity. Food-based supplements are a much safer way to increase iron naturally.
• Zinc – Important for taste, smell, and immune function.
• Magnesium – Needed for neurological and muscular function.
• Calcium – Can influence cravings for chalk or dirt.
• Vitamin D and B12 – Deficiencies can affect mood, energy, and neurological health.

Children with autism may be more susceptible to these deficiencies due to selective eating, inflammation, or gut dysbiosis.

Pica can also be a self-soothing or sensory-seeking behavior. Children with autism may have heightened or lowered sensory sensitivities and may find certain textures, smells, or even the act of chewing or swallowing non-food items calming or stimulating.

Other emotional and psychological factors that may drive pica include:

• Stress or anxiety – Non-food chewing may become a coping mechanism.
• Communication challenges – Inability to express discomfort or emotional needs might manifest as pica.
• Obsessive-compulsive tendencies – Some children may develop ritualistic eating of non-foods.

Providing alternative sensory activities and emotional regulation tools can help reduce the compulsion.

PANS is a neuroimmune condition characterized by the sudden onset of obsessive-compulsive symptoms, eating restrictions, tics, or emotional disturbances following infection or inflammation. Interestingly, pica has been observed in children experiencing flare-ups of PANS, particularly when inflammation in the brain affects areas related to impulse control and appetite.

In these cases, pica may appear suddenly and be accompanied by other neuropsychiatric symptoms. If this is suspected, seeking a qualified PANS/PANDAS specialist is critical, as treatment often involves addressing underlying infections and modulating the immune response...

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Fluoride has long been promoted as a critical ingredient in the fight against tooth decay. It’s added to public water supplies, found in most commercial toothpastes, and endorsed by many dental organizations. But growing research raises valid concerns about fluoride toxicity—and many health-conscious individuals are choosing to go fluoride-free.

In this episode, we’ll break down what the science really says about fluoride, why some experts are calling for caution, and the potential health benefits of switching to fluoride-free products and water.

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral known for strengthening enamel and helping prevent cavities. Since the mid-20th century, it’s been added to drinking water and oral care products as a public health measure to reduce tooth decay.

But here’s the thing: more fluoride isn’t always better—and studies suggest that long-term exposure can come with unintended health risks.

Most of us grew up being told how important and beneficial fluoride is.We were told that it was important for strong teeth. Because of this, it is much harder for most people to accept its downfall.

There are over 25 human studies and 100 animal studies connecting fluoride to brain damage and lowered IQ. Several peer-reviewed studies have shown fluoridation to weaken bones. Dental fluorosis is when tooth enamel becomes discolored and is due to fluoride disrupting the enamel during development. However, dentists will often tell us it’s because of poor hygiene.

Please recognize that the dangers of fluoride are real. What they did not tell us is that fluoride damages a part of the brain called the hippocampus, which has no blood-brain barrier to protect it. The hippocampus is responsible for emotions, behavior, learning, memory, and spatial awareness. It is the primary part of the brain affected by those with Alzheimer’s.

We absorb fluoride from dental treatments, brushing or rinsing with fluoride, and drinking water with added fluoride. When aluminum and fluoride are combined, as in fluoridated water in an aluminum pan or using fluoride toothpaste from an aluminum container, the toxic effects are heightened.

There are two factors of fluoride toxicity that are of greatest concern.The first is genetic damage. Damage to DNA repair enzymes affects the reproductive cells and is inherited by our children...

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