Researchers at the UC Davis MIND Institute found that many children with special needs may have both weaker immune systems and imbalances in gut bacteria.

What Does the Immune System Do?

Think of the immune system as your child’s built-in defense team. It:

* Identifies and fights off germs (like colds, flu, and stomach bugs).
* Builds a memory so it can fight those germs faster next time.
* Keeps its “weapons” focused on invaders — not the child’s own body.

When the Immune System Struggles

Sometimes, the immune system doesn’t work as it should. This can look like:

*Weak defense: frequent colds, ear infections, or stomach bugs.
*Allergies: overreacting to things like pollen, dust, or certain foods.
*Autoimmunity: mistakenly attacking the body (for example, thyroid problems).
*Too much inflammation: healthy tissue gets damaged while fighting germs.

What This Means for Special Needs Children

Studies show that some children:

* Get sick more often than their peers.
* Have unusual allergy-like symptoms (eczema, asthma, constant runny nose).
* Show differences in immune cells and antibodies compared to other children.
* Come from families with a history of autoimmune conditions like arthritis or thyroid disease.

Antibodies: The Body’s Germ-Fighters

Antibodies are proteins the body makes to fight infections. Here’s how they work:

*IgA – Protects the nose, lungs, and gut. Low IgA = more colds, stomach problems, or even autoimmunity.
*IgM – First responder to new infections. Can be too high or too low in autism.
*IgG – Provides longer-lasting protection. May be unbalanced.
*IgE – Related to allergies. Sometimes higher in children with autism.

If your child gets repeated infections (ear, sinus, chest, or stomach), ask about an immune system check.

If your child is often sick, has ongoing allergies, or stomach issues, it’s worth asking their health care provider for an immune system and allergy evaluation.

Why This Matters

Researchers don’t yet know if fixing immune system problems will directly improve special need children's symptoms, but it’s clear that:

* Immune issues are more common in children with autism.
* Treating these issues (infections, allergies, gut problems) can improve overall health and quality of life.

Signs the Immune System is Struggling

* Frequent colds, ear infections, or stomach bugs
* Constant runny nose, sneezing, or asthma
* Eczema or skin rashes
* Ongoing gut issues (diarrhea, constipation, bloating)
* Family history of autoimmune disease (arthritis, thyroid, etc.)

Healthy immune support = healthier kids, better quality of life.

What can you do to improve your child's immune health?

Providing your child with nutritional support to build and maintain a strong immune system is very important. This nutritional support comes by providing a diet full of nutrient-dense foods and foods with antioxidant potential.

As children with special needs often prefer to consume only a limited number of foods, a dietary supplement, such as the TEKNON Protocol, can be helpful in having your child consume the nutrition needed to balance their gut, optimize their metabolism, and strengthen their immune system.

Click here for more information about the TEKNON Protocol.