Reclaiming Calm: How One Mum Used NeurOptimal® Neurofeedback to Support her Son Through PANS
- Carlie Byrom
- 29 minutes ago
- 6 min read
Interview by Carlie from Life Brain Training
The first time I heard the term PANS/PANDAS was during a phone call with a potential client. She was excited—she had just seen a Facebook post about someone local offering neurofeedback sessions, and it felt like a glimmer of hope. As soon as we hung up, I turned to Google, curious and eager to understand more.
What I discovered stopped me in my tracks.
The stories, the symptoms, the struggles—everything I read was both heartbreaking and eye-opening. I couldn’t believe this condition was affecting so many families, yet was still so misunderstood and often misdiagnosed. Right then, I knew this was a community I wanted to support. If neurofeedback could be even a small part of the healing journey for these children and their families, I wanted to be there to offer it.
What is PANS/PANDAS?
PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) are conditions that affect children, often triggering a sudden and severe onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms.
These may include:
Obsessive-compulsive behaviors
Severe anxiety
Tics or involuntary movements
Emotional outbursts
Sleep disturbances
Food restrictions
Regression in skills like handwriting or math
PANDAS is specifically associated with a reaction to streptococcal infections, while PANS can be triggered by various infections, environmental factors, or immune dysfunction.
Though still under-recognized and sometimes misdiagnosed, early intervention and a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach—including medical, nutritional, and emotional support—can make a significant difference in outcomes.
Navigating a diagnosis like PANS or PANDAS can be overwhelming for any parent. As mentioned above, the symptoms are sudden, intense, and often misunderstood—leading many families down a long road in search of answers.
At Life Brain Training, we’ve witnessed the powerful role that NeurOptimal® neurofeedback can play in supporting nervous system regulation and healing. That’s why we’re excited to share this inspiring conversation with Jaimie, the founder of Reclaiming Wellness.
Jaimie’s journey began with a mother’s determination to help her own child—her son’s PANS diagnosis sparked a deep dive into natural healing, ultimately leading her to open a business that now supports other families on a similar path.
In this interview, she shares her story of resilience, her firsthand experience using NeurOptimal®, and why she believes this gentle, non-invasive brain training can be a game-changer for families affected by PANS/PANDAS.
If you are interested to know more - read on....
Carlie: Tell us about your son’s PANS diagnosis. Was it difficult to get answers?
Jaimie: Before my son’s diagnosis, I had never heard of PANS. I worked in public education for eight years and had never seen it on an IEP or even heard the acronym. Looking back, I now recognize students who probably had it but were undiagnosed.
Getting a diagnosis was incredibly difficult. We saw around a dozen doctors over the course of a year with no answers. Then I came across an infographic about PANS on Facebook—and it just clicked. I immediately contacted an immunologist, and that’s when we finally got the diagnosis.
In my opinion, it was a perfect storm: toxin overload, Lyme disease, mold exposure, a head injury, genetic predispositions, and poor detox pathways all played a role.
Carlie : What emotions came up for you and your son once you had a diagnosis?
Jaimie: My son was only five at the time and doesn’t remember much from the worst periods. I felt a mix of fear and relief—relief to finally know what we were dealing with, but also intense overwhelm as we realized how much work lay ahead. But we took it step by step, supported by prayer and persistence. Slowly, we started to see improvement.
Carlie: How did you begin supporting your son post-diagnosis?
Jaimie: We focused on “emptying the toxin bucket.” That meant opening up drainage pathways—bowels, urinary tract, lungs, lymph, and skin—so the body could detox. We addressed mold exposure and supported his system with herbs, supplements, and homeopathy. Those steps helped reduce physical symptoms by about 80%. But some behavioral symptoms—like aggression, lying, anxiety—still lingered.
Carlie : What did you know about NeurOptimal® before exploring it as an option?
Jaimie: Nothing, honestly! But after reading “The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel van der Kolk, I became fascinated with neurofeedback. There were images in the book showing changes in
children's drawings after neurofeedback
therapy—and they reminded me so much of how my son's handwriting changed during PANS flares.
I wanted something safe and easy to implement at home. That’s when I discovered NeurOptimal® and knew it was the right fit for us.
Carlie: Did you have any hesitations before trying NeurOptimal® with your son?
Jaimie: Not at all. After doing my research and speaking with a trainer, I felt confident it was the right next step. Nothing is forced on the brain with NeurOptimal®. It’s gentle, safe, and non-invasive—and I knew it would benefit our whole family, not just our son.
Carlie: What changes did you see after introducing NeurOptimal® sessions?
Jaimie: The shift was incredible. I believe it calmed his nervous system and helped his brain learn to self-regulate. His brain began choosing new, healthier neural pathways. He went from 80% to 100% recovery, and he’s had no return of symptoms in over three years—even after illnesses, tick bites, and mold exposure.
His academic progress skyrocketed. He jumped from reading at a 1st-grade level to 5th-grade level in just a few weeks. It was truly wild to witness. I can’t fully explain how or why it worked—but I know that it did, and that’s enough for me.
Carlie: How frequently did your son do sessions, and when did you start noticing changes?
Jaimie: We saw changes after just one session. He started expressing himself creatively through coloring and music—things he’d never shown much interest in before. We began with 2–3 sessions per week, and now he continues with 1–2 sessions per month.
Carlie: Did your son enjoy the sessions? What did he do during them?
Jaimie: He really enjoys them! During sessions, we play board games, build with LEGOs, read books, or color. It’s a relaxing and positive experience for him.
Carlie: Would you recommend NeurOptimal® to other parents navigating PANS/PANDAS?
Jaimie: Absolutely. I recommend it not just for the child, but for the entire family. PANS/PANDAS affects everyone in the household. NeurOptimal® helps bring calm and healing to the whole family unit. I truly can’t think of any exceptions.
Carlie: Any final advice for parents dealing with a new PANS/PANDAS diagnosis?
Jaimie: You’re not alone. Trust your gut—it’s one of your greatest tools. I believe God speaks to us through those instincts. Seek out supportive practitioners, and don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Explore homeopathy, an anti-inflammatory diet, herbs, and real food. Check your environment for mold and reduce EMF (electromagnetic fields) exposure. Most importantly: keep going. There is hope.
Closing Thoughts from Life Brain Training:
Jaimie’s story is a beautiful example of what’s possible when parents advocate boldly and explore integrative solutions. NeurOptimal® may not be a cure, but it can be an incredibly effective support tool—especially when paired with a holistic approach.
If you’re navigating PANS or PANDAS and feeling overwhelmed, know there are families like Jaimie’s who have come out the other side. Healing is possible—and you don’t have to walk this path alone.
It’s also important to note that NeurOptimal® is a brain training tool designed to support the brain’s natural ability to regulate and optimize itself. It is not a medical treatment or therapy, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical or psychological condition. Any improvements or changes experienced are unique to each individual. Always consult with your healthcare provider for medical advice and guidance regarding any health concerns.
About Jaimie: Jaimie is the founder of Reclaiming Wellness in USA. She offers natural solutions and neurofeedback to help people reclaim wellness, naturally. She also provides health coaching and Bioenergetic testing using Qest4 Technology. She was inspired to start Reclaiming Wellness when her whole family became sick and after years of going the traditional medical route with no answers, she started to search the wholistic route.
If you are based in the USA and would like to know more about Jaimie’s work, check out her website: https://reclaimingwellness.me
For more resources on NeurOptimal® and brain training you can contact Carlie at Life Brain Training & Counselling, on the below details:
Website: www.lifebraintraining.com.au
Phone: 0404 091 510
Follow us on facebook : www.facebook.com.au/lifebraintraining
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