Why Does My Child Act Out? Exploring the Connection Between Brain Inflammation, Trauma, and Behaviour

“What I learned is that if an inflamed brain results in altered behaviour, the conversation shouldn't just be about treating trauma or ADHD; it shoud be, how do we reduce the inflammation in the brain?”

- Dr. Ashleigh Moreland

Parenting can be both deeply rewarding and incredibly challenging. When your child exhibits difficult behaviours, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed or uncertain about what to do next. You might find yourself asking questions like, Why is my child acting this way? Is it something I’ve done? Is there something wrong with them? These feelings of confusion and worry are common, and as parents, we all want the best for our children.

This blog explores the factors that may be influencing your child’s behaviour, including brain inflammation, trauma, and environmental triggers. By understanding these contributors and taking practical steps, you can support your child’s development while creating a stronger, more connected relationship with them.

Behaviour as a Window to Something Deeper

At its core, behaviour is communication. Children often act out because they don’t have the words or capacity to express what’s going on inside. A tantrum, refusal to listen, or even aggression might be their way of saying, Something isn’t right.

In our recent podcast episode, I described how my son went from being a typically developing baby to exhibiting significant behavioural and developmental challenges almost overnight. These included self-harming, aggressive outbursts, language regression, and sleep disruptions. The cause? Brain inflammation triggered by an immune response, which disrupted his nervous system.

I shared this to hammer home a vital point: the behaviour we see isn’t just behaviour. It can be a symptom of something happening beneath the surface - physically, emotionally, or environmentally.

Common Triggers for Behavioural Changes

While every child is unique, there are common factors that can contribute to sudden or persistent behavioural issues. Understanding these can help you approach your child’s struggles with empathy and solutions.

1. Brain Inflammation

Inflammation in the brain can stem from various causes, such as immune system reactions, environmental toxins, or chronic stress. Signs of brain inflammation may include mood swings, sensory sensitivities, aggression, or cognitive difficulties.

For example, conditions like PANS (Paediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) or PANDAS (Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) often lead to dramatic behavioural shifts. Seeking a diagnosis and appropriate treatment for these conditions can make an enormous difference.

2. Food Sensitivities and Toxins

What your child consumes and is exposed to in their environment plays a significant role in their behaviour. Some food additives, preservatives, and allergens can lead to changes in mood and behaviour. For instance, removing specific food chemicals through the RPA Hospital food chemical elimination diet (also known as the Failsafe Diet) drastically improved my son’s symptoms.

3. Trauma and Chronic Stress

Unresolved trauma or ongoing stress can dysregulate a child’s nervous system, leading to hyperactivity, difficulty concentrating, or extreme emotional responses. In some cases, behaviours associated with ADHD or autism may overlap with symptoms of trauma, making it essential to address the root causes.

4. Parent-Child Dynamics

As caregivers, our reactions to our children’s behaviours play a role in their regulation. When we approach them from a place of calm and safety, we model the regulation we want them to learn.

Practical Tools to Support Your Child

When faced with challenging behaviour, it can feel overwhelming to know where to start. Here are some practical tools you can use to support your child while addressing underlying issues.

1. Regulate Yourself First

Children are deeply affected by the emotional states of their caregivers. If you’re feeling frustrated, stressed, or helpless, your child will pick up on that. Take a moment to breathe deeply, ground yourself, and approach the situation from a place of calm. A simple mantra like, "I can handle this, and so can my child," can help centre you.

2. Observe Without Judgement

Instead of labelling behaviours as “bad” or “naughty,” try to view them as clues. For example:

• Scenario: Your child repeatedly refuses to put on socks and shoes in the morning.

• Reframe: Could the texture of the socks be uncomfortable? Is there underlying stress about the day ahead?

3. Simplify Their Environment

Reducing exposure to environmental toxins and food triggers can create noticeable changes. Some steps include:

• Switching to fragrance-free soaps and cleaning products.

• Following an elimination diet to identify food sensitivities.

• Using a water filter to minimise chemical exposure.

4. Focus on Connection Over Correction

When children feel safe and connected, their nervous systems are better able to regulate. Instead of jumping straight to discipline, try acknowledging their feelings first:

• “I can see you’re really upset about this. Let’s figure it out together.”

5. Seek Professional Guidance

If you suspect your child’s behaviour may be linked to something deeper, like brain inflammation or trauma, seeking guidance from specialists can provide clarity. Conditions like PANS or PANDAS often respond well to targeted treatments, such as antibiotics or immunotherapy.

The Power of Choosing Your “Hard”

Parenting often involves choosing between two types of hard: the hard work of making changes and seeking solutions, or the hard reality of living with persistent behavioural challenges.

For example:

• Hard Path 1: Implementing dietary changes, reducing toxins, and seeking specialist support.

• Hard Path 2: Continuing to manage daily outbursts, sleepless nights, and strained relationships.

The first path requires effort, but the potential reward - a child who feels loved, supported, and understood - makes it worthwhile. As Dr. Ashleigh noted, “On the other side of the hard work is a child who learns they are worthy of our love and support.”

A Vision for a Healthier Future

It’s important to remember that small, consistent steps can lead to significant improvements. Whether it’s addressing environmental triggers, seeking professional support, or working on your own regulation, every effort you make sends a powerful message to your child: You matter, and we’re in this together.

If you’re looking for ongoing support and a community of like-minded parents, consider joining the Heart-Centred Healing Hub on Facebook. It’s a space to connect, share, and learn practical tools to support your family’s growth and well-being.

How 'Rise and Thrive' Can Help

If you’re ready to take a deeper step into this journey, the Rise and Thrive program at the Re-MIND Institute offers a comprehensive approach to addressing underlying issues like stress, trauma, and dysregulation. Through expert guidance, practical tools, and a supportive community, it’s designed to help you and your child thrive.

By understanding the roots of behaviour and taking intentional steps to address them, you can create a healthier, happier future for your child - AND yourself. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey, and every small change you make is a step towards greater connection and healing.