Dr. John Gaitanis’ presentation explores the connection between autism, epilepsy, and immune-related disorders like PANS/PANDAS. He discusses how children with autism who experience regression—often dismissed as a natural part of the condition—may actually be undergoing an immune-driven neurological event. Using case studies, he highlights the role of inflammation, cytokine imbalances, and immune dysfunction in triggering behavioral and neurological changes, including aggression, self-injury, and epilepsy. Dr. Gaitanis advocates for a deeper understanding of these biological underpinnings to improve diagnosis and treatment options for affected individuals.