Dr Leila Masson

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Dr Leila Masson Up-to-date research about children and health: covering my area of professional interest ranging fro

Coming up this month!I'm looking forward to speaking at The Neuro Blueprint: Integrative Approaches to Cognitive Health,...
05/10/2026

Coming up this month!

I'm looking forward to speaking at The Neuro Blueprint: Integrative Approaches to Cognitive Health, hosted by ACNEM in Sydney on Saturday, 17 October.

I’ll be talking about neuroinflammation and children’s brain health, and how factors such as immune, metabolic and environmental health can influence behaviour, attention, mood, learning and cognition.

It’s a great opportunity for health practitioners to learn from experts across integrative medicine, neuroscience, paediatrics, environmental medicine and trauma-informed care, with practical presentations and case discussions.

📍 Sydney — Aerial UTS Function Centre
📅 Saturday, 17 October 2026
💻 In-person & livestream options available

If this is an area of interest to you, I’d love for you to join us.

Registration is open via acnem.org or the link in my bio.

Proud to be speaking at The Neuro Blueprint: Integrative Approaches to Cognitive Health, hosted by ACNEM in Sydney on Sa...
17/09/2026

Proud to be speaking at The Neuro Blueprint: Integrative Approaches to Cognitive Health, hosted by ACNEM in Sydney on Saturday, 17 October 2026.

Children’s brain health is complex, and symptoms such as changes in behaviour, attention, mood, learning and cognition can have many interconnected biological, immune, environmental and metabolic contributors. I’m looking forward to exploring the role of neuroinflammation in children and sharing practical clinical insights from an integrative paediatric perspective.

This is a fantastic day bringing together experts across integrative medicine, neuroscience, paediatrics, environmental medicine and trauma-informed care, with presentations, case-based learning and discussion.

📍 Sydney — Aerial UTS Function Centre
📅 Saturday, 17 October 2026
💻 In-person & livestream options available

If you’re a health practitioner interested in understanding the many factors that influence cognitive and brain health across the lifespan, I’d love to see you there.

Learn more and register via ACNEM:
The Neuro Blueprint – ACNEM

Proud to be speaking at The Neuro Blueprint: Integrative Approaches to Cognitive Health, hosted by ACNEM in Sydney on Sa...
17/09/2026

Proud to be speaking at The Neuro Blueprint: Integrative Approaches to Cognitive Health, hosted by ACNEM in Sydney on Saturday, 17 October 2026.

Children’s brain health is complex, and symptoms such as changes in behaviour, attention, mood, learning and cognition can have many interconnected biological, immune, environmental and metabolic contributors. I’m looking forward to exploring the role of neuroinflammation in children and sharing practical clinical insights from an integrative paediatric perspective.

This is a fantastic day bringing together experts across integrative medicine, neuroscience, paediatrics, environmental medicine and trauma-informed care, with presentations, case-based learning and discussion.

📍 Sydney — Aerial UTS Function Centre
📅 Saturday, 17 October 2026
💻 In-person & livestream options available

If you’re a health practitioner interested in understanding the many factors that influence cognitive and brain health across the lifespan, I’d love to see you there.

Learn more and register via acnem.org or Link in bio

PANS can be an incredibly challenging journey — not just for the child, but for the whole family.Parents can sometimes f...
06/09/2026

PANS can be an incredibly challenging journey — not just for the child, but for the whole family.

Parents can sometimes feel isolated, especially when the symptoms are complex or difficult for others to understand.

Connecting with other families who have experienced PANS can provide something incredibly valuable: understanding.

Online communities, parent support groups and course forums can be places to:
✨ Share experiences
✨ Learn from others
✨ Ask questions
✨ Find practical strategies
✨ Feel less alone

One important reminder: every child’s PANS journey is different. What helps one child may not be appropriate for another, so peer support should complement — not replace — individual medical care.

You don't have to navigate this journey alone. Finding the right support network can make a meaningful difference.

Movement doesn't have to be intense to make a difference. For children living with PANS (Paediatric Acute-onset Neuropsy...
29/07/2026

Movement doesn't have to be intense to make a difference.

For children living with PANS (Paediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome), the goal isn't to "push through" symptoms—it's to gently support the nervous system.

Simple activities like a short walk, gentle stretching, yoga, or time outdoors may help improve mood, reduce stress, support sleep, and promote overall wellbeing. During a flare, however, every child is different. Some children may only tolerate a few minutes of movement, while others may need complete rest before gradually becoming active again.

As a paediatrician, one of the messages I share most often with families is this:

Progress isn't measured by how much your child can do—it's measured by listening to what their body needs today.

Movement should feel safe, enjoyable, and achievable—not another source of pressure.

If your child smiles during the activity, feels calmer afterwards, or simply enjoys being outside, that's a win.

✨ Remember: Gentle physical activity is not a treatment for PANS on its own, but it can be a valuable part of a comprehensive care plan alongside appropriate medical assessment, nutrition, sleep, psychological support, and family-centred care.

📌 Save this post for the days when you're wondering, "Should we get moving today?"

💬 What gentle activity helps your child feel their best? Share your ideas below—we'd love to hear what's worked for your family.

KidsHealth Neuroimmune ParentSupport ChildDevelopment FamilyHealth BrainHealth EvidenceBasedMedicine NervousSystemRegulation PaediatricMedicine

Caring for a child with PANS can be emotionally and physically demanding. When you're focused on supporting your child, ...
27/06/2026

Caring for a child with PANS can be emotionally and physically demanding. When you're focused on supporting your child, it's easy to put your own needs last.

One simple way to reduce stress and prevent burnout is to take micro-breaks throughout the day.

A micro-break can be as simple as:
✨ Taking a few deep breaths
☕ Sipping your tea mindfully
🧘 Stretching your shoulders and neck
🌿 Looking out the window for a moment of calm

These small pauses may seem insignificant, but they help regulate your nervous system, improve resilience, and give you the energy to keep showing up for your family.

Remember: caring for yourself is not selfish—it’s an essential part of caring for your child.

What is your favourite way to take a micro-break during a busy day? Share below. 👇

14/06/2026

🌬️ When winter rolls around, colds, flus, and sniffles become more common. To keep your family healthy, focus on 3 essential supports:

☀️ Vitamin D – Crucial for immune strength, but during winter the sun isn’t strong enough for us to make enough. Most kids and adults need a supplement to maintain healthy levels.

🧩 Zinc – This mineral helps white blood cells fight off infections. Low zinc can mean more colds, slower healing, and even white spots on fingernails. Foods like legumes, meat, and whole grains provide zinc, but many kids need a top-up.

😴 Sleep – The ultimate immune booster. Kids who wake up refreshed and full of energy got enough sleep. If they don’t, it’s time to work on bedtime routines (especially important for children with ADHD).

🌿 With these three pillars in place, your child’s body has the tools it needs to stay strong, fight off infection, and thrive all winter long.

When the PANS flare hits, the goal shifts from "teaching a lesson" to "safe regulation." When our kids are stuck in a ne...
29/05/2026

When the PANS flare hits, the goal shifts from "teaching a lesson" to "safe regulation."

When our kids are stuck in a neuropsychiatric storm, traditional "timeouts" don't work. Their nervous systems are in absolute chaos. They aren't trying to be "difficult"—they are fighting for safety.

The "Calm Corner" (or "Sensory Haven") is a proactive tool designed to help them reset. It’s a physical space that communicates safety and comfort before they completely dysregulate.

Here’s the breakdown of why this works for our PANS/PANDAS warriors:

🏠 Location, Location, Location: Choose a quiet, low-traffic spot. It shouldn't be the bedroom (associated with sleep challenges) or the living room (associated with noise). It needs to be a dedicated retreat.

☁️ Comfort is Key: Soft blankets, weighted pillows, or a faux-fur beanbag help with deep pressure input, which is incredibly grounding.

🧸 Sensory Regulators: Think beyond just toys.

Fidgets: Pop-its, DNA balls.

Deep Pressure: Weighted stuffed animals.

Calm Input: Noise-cancelling headphones, a visual bubble timer, or soothing music.

Most importantly, introduce this space during a CALM moment. Show them how to use it when they are regulated, so when the storm hits, it feels familiar and safe.

The Goal: We are building their toolbox for self-regulation. This is a retreat, not a punishment.

Tag a PANS/PANDAS parent who needs this reminder today! And hit "Save" to keep this checklist handy.

When your child is in a flare, your nervous system is on high alert 24/7. Stress reduction isn't about "self-care" face ...
14/05/2026

When your child is in a flare, your nervous system is on high alert 24/7. Stress reduction isn't about "self-care" face masks; it’s about resource management.

Over the next several weeks, I will be posting tips for both parents and kids to help you navigate the unique challenges of PANS. We will explore everything from using declarative language to reduce defiance to creative self-care strategies that work during a crisis.

If you feel like you’re drowning, try this exercise:

Step 1: The "Difficult" List
List the tasks that feel heaviest right now. It might be: Researching specialists/treatments, the 5:00 PM dinner rush, deep-cleaning the house (especially if there are OCD/contamination fears), or dealing with school IEP paperwork.

Step 2: The Delegation Map'
You don’t need a village; you just need a few reliable "nodes" of support:
- Partner/Co-parent: Can they own the "Admin" (insurance calls/pharmacy runs)?
- A Close Friend: Ask them to be the "Meal Scout"—ordering your groceries for pickup so you don't have to think about it.
- Hired Help: If the budget allows, a one-time cleaning service or a laundry fluff-and-fold.
- Digital Tools: Use AI or apps to organize medical logs and symptom tracking.

The Goal: To protect your "bandwidth" so you can be the calm, regulated presence your child needs.

Drop a "🤍" if you’re committing to delegating ONE thing this week.

PANS/PANDAS mental health care needs better guidance. YOU can help change that.If you’re a parent/caregiver or clinician...
06/05/2026

PANS/PANDAS mental health care needs better guidance. YOU can help change that.

If you’re a parent/caregiver or clinician—YOUR VOICE MATTERS.
💪✨ Be part of what comes next.

Scan the QR code (or screenshot to access the link from your photos) and help shape what better care looks like for families worldwide. 🌎💕

📣 Know someone who should be part of this? Please share this post and help us reach more voices.

Mental Health Clinician Survey - https://chapmanu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eVUFn6VjUP38OYS
Parent/Caregiver Survey - https://chapmanu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6W4T1lQW5qeda3

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