Integrative Synergy Research Collaborative

Autistic Adults & Autoimmunity: Why This Connection Deserves a Closer Look

I fell down a research rabbit hole recently (as one does… especially when something feels personal), and I found myself deep in the literature on autism and autoimmune conditions. And honestly? It raised more questions than answers—but in a way that feels important.

One of the big questions for me was:
Are we looking at correlation, causation, or something more layered?

We talk a lot about autism in terms of communication, sensory profiles, or support needs. But far less attention is given to the physical health of autistic people—despite consistent reports of chronic fatigue, gut problems, thyroid disorders, inflammation, and brain fog across the lifespan.

So I started digging.

What the Research Is Suggesting

There’s a growing body of evidence examining immune dysregulation in autism:

Enstrom, Van de Water & Ashwood (2009) highlighted patterns of autoantibodies and immune system irregularities in autistic populations.

Hughes, Moreno & Ashwood (2024) added more recent insight, suggesting innate immune dysfunction and chronic neuroinflammation may play a role in autism for some individuals.

To be clear:
These findings don’t mean autoimmunity causes autism, nor that autism causes autoimmune disease.
The relationship is far more complex—and still not fully understood.

But the repetition of immune-related findings across time, samples, and methodologies suggests there’s something here worth taking seriously.

Why This Matters

The immune system and nervous system interact constantly. Dysregulation in one can influence the other. For autistic individuals—who often live with chronic sensory stress, sleep challenges, and a lifetime of nervous system hyperarousal—this neuroimmune connection is particularly worth exploring.

And yet many of the physical symptoms autistic adults report are often minimized or misattributed:

Fatigue → “just low motivation”

Gut issues → “just anxiety”

Brain fog → “just part of autism”

Chronic pain → “just sensory sensitivity”

What if these symptoms reflect underlying immune or inflammatory processes? What if the body has been trying to communicate something we haven’t known how to interpret?

Where Nutrition and Integrative Care Fit In

Not as cures. Not as replacement therapies.
But as additional variables worth studying.

Nutrition influences inflammation, gut health, and metabolic resilience—each of which can shape immune function. For some autistic individuals, targeted nutritional support may help reduce symptom burden or improve quality of life.

The key is not jumping to conclusions…
but staying open to the possibility that multiple systems interact in ways we’re only beginning to understand.

The Takeaway (For Now)

There’s enough emerging evidence to justify deeper research into the autism–autoimmunity connection, especially within integrative or functional medicine frameworks. We don’t have all the answers—but that’s precisely why these questions need more space, more discussion, and more study.

Because when autistic individuals are finally met with explanations that reflect their lived experiences—not stereotypes—new avenues for care and support start to open.

References

Enstrom AM, Van de Water JA, Ashwood P. Autoimmunity in autism. Curr Opin Investig Drugs. 2009;10(5):463–473.

Hughes HK, Moreno RJ, Ashwood P. Innate Immune Dysfunction and Neuroinflammation in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Focus (Am Psychiatr Publ). 2024;22(2):229–241. doi:10.1176/appi.focus.24022004

✨ Breaking Glass Ceilings in Research ✨

Lately, I’ve been engaging in a lot of learning—not just about clinical research, but also about myself, my goals, and what comes next.

I’m currently working as a Clinical Research Coordinator II on a DOD-funded desensitization trial, which spans Harvard/BIDMC, the University of Utah, and UC Berkeley, while also completing a Clinical Research Certificate at Boston University School of Medicine.

I already hold a Doctorate in Clinical Nutrition (DCN)—and it’s opened so many doors. But here’s the question I keep asking:

Can I continue growing in research with a professional doctorate… or do I need a PhD to truly lead?

I’ve learned that:
✅ Professional doctorates prepare you to apply research, lead programs, and drive innovation in the real world.
🎓 PhDs focus on generating new knowledge, leading academic research, and often come with access to more funding + academic leadership roles.

And another thing I’ve been exploring:
💡 Can leadership in research happen with a master’s degree?
I’ve seen it done. However, I’ve also seen how traditional credentials continue to influence access to leadership and visibility in the research world.

In 2021, the DCN was the perfect fit for me.
Now, with a growing love for teaching and research, I’m asking bigger questions and opening new doors—hopefully not just for me, but for others walking similar paths.

If you’ve ever asked yourself: What’s the next step?

Or if you’ve been breaking your own ceilings in research, nutrition, or academia—drop a comment or message me. I’d love to hear your story. ❤️

Full blog post here- https://www.isrcollaborative.com/post/from-the-research-front-lines-what-i-m-learning-about-doctorates-phds-and-my-own-path

Let’s Talk About Academic Rejection

It’s not something that should mark the end—
But it can and should be a step forward.

Today, I’m sitting with the sting of a journal rejection.

After months of research, writing, and revisions, it’s hard not to feel disheartened. This wasn’t just a paper—it was time, thought, and care poured into something I genuinely believe can make a significant contribution to the field.

But here’s what I’m learning:

🔹 Rejection isn’t always about the quality of your work—it can be about fit, timing, or editorial priorities.

🔹 Sometimes, the decision reflects volume, not value—this one came with a note about "numerous submissions."

🔹 Feedback (when it comes) can be tough, but it is always fuel for growth.

🔹 Every “no” brings me closer to the journal, editor, or audience that’s the right fit.

I’m taking a breath and choosing to move forward. In this case, no reviewer comments were provided—just a high volume of submissions. Instead of revising toward unclear expectations, I’m submitting this manuscript to a new journal whose scope may better align with the heart of this work.

Because this work matters—and so does the process.

To anyone else facing academic rejection: you're not alone. It doesn’t mean you stop.

Rewrite. Reframe. Resubmit.

Research is a journey, and every step—no matter how rough—counts.

Blog post here- https://www.isrcollaborative.com/post/let-s-talk-about-academic-rejection

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Nutritionists, Researchers, Health Pros—Watch Out for Predatory Journals!

Not all journals are created equal. Some look legitimate, but they’ll charge you high fees,, skip peer review, and vanish when you ask questions.

⚠️ Publishing in a predatory journal can:
🔸 Hurt your professional credibility
🔸 Waste time & money
🔸 Spread misinformation
🔸 Block future opportunities

Before you hit “submit,” ask:
✅ Is the journal indexed (PubMed, Scopus, DOAJ)?
✅ Do they have real peer review?
✅ Are editorial board members credible?
✅ Do they rush you to publish?

Use tools like Think. Check. Submit.
Ask a mentor if you’re unsure
Don’t fall for flattery in your inbox

Publishing should elevate your work—not exploit it.

I just shared a full blog post with examples + tips to help you spot red flags:
 https://www.isrcollaborative.com/post/predatory-journals-a-hidden-threat-to-academic-integrity-and-professional-credibility

🔹 I love my work as a Clinical Nutritionist, Health & Wellness Coach, Researcher, and Mentor—but I hate selling myself. So, instead of a traditional introduction, here are six things about me and my work:

1️⃣ I’m a curvy, tattooed nutritionist running a size-inclusive, mental health-focused practice—5 Elements Coaching LLC. My team includes two CNS practitioners, and we accept health insurance - transitioning most of the team to Berry Street for more options.

2️⃣ I spent three years teaching nutrition and mindfulness in recovery houses and rehabs through a nonprofit. That experience inspired me to become a CNS Supervisor (Sprouting Nutritionists & Coaches - SNC). With five LDN licenses, I now also serve as an adjunct professor, guiding future nutritionists and health coaches.

3️⃣ I am a published clinical researcher with multiple articles and projects in the pipeline. My passion? Bringing science-backed evidence to fields like nutrition, herbal medicine, and acupuncture—particularly for mental health, veterans, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ communities. I founded Integrative Synergy Research Collaborative (ISRC) to drive this mission forward. Additionally, I’m working as a Clinical Research Coordinator II for Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) / University of Utah, deepening my research in clinical settings.

4️⃣ I am a lifelong learner—holding a Doctorate in Clinical Nutrition, two Master’s degrees, multiple post-baccalaureate certifications, and a Bachelor’s in Legal Studies. Education fuels me, and I’m always looking to grow personally and professionally.

5️⃣ I create safe spaces for people to explore their relationship with food, embrace body acceptance, and prioritize well-being—whether through private practice, research, mentoring, teaching, speaking, or workshops. Changing the world, one person at a time.

6️⃣ Beyond work, I’m just me. I spend time with family and friends, cook, garden, read, watch movies, hike, camp, and tackle DIY projects. I love to travel—one day, I’ll finally get that passport stamp!

The foundation of any successful research project starts with a straightforward, well-defined question. A focused research question directs your investigation, helping you choose relevant sources, determine your research methods, and organize your analysis. Without a targeted question, you risk gathering too much-unfocused data and struggling to find meaningful insights. In this post, we’ll explore why defining a straightforward research question is essential and offer practical tips for crafting one.

https://www.isrcollaborative.com/post/how-to-define-a-clear-research-question-for-your-project

We are going through a name change and rebranding... please be patient...

Exploring Research Techniques for Meaningful Results

Conducting research can feel like navigating an endless sea of information, but it becomes an exciting journey of discovery and insight with the proper techniques. Effective methods can save you time and lead to more meaningful results, whether working on an academic paper, a personal project, or professional research. Here’s a guide to essential research techniques that I have compiled as a clinical research student at Boston University and as a published clinical researcher that will make your research thorough and efficient.

Click below for more information-

https://www.5elementscoachingrdg.com/post/exploring-research-techniques-for-meaningful-results

Depending on the study ...

Only 25% of medical schools provide one nutritional course that's a minimum of 19.6 hrs of instruction but they are prescribing GLP-1s or other medications or surgeries for weight loss that isn't working for the long haul...

They aren't providing lifestyle and mindset tools...There's no one on staff that's been nutritionally educated like a CNS or RD on the team and if there is they're being paid $15 an hour fo being an expert that has years of nutrition/human body education and training...

What we are doing is broken...

Our food industry is broken

Our medical health industry is broken...

We're doing the same thing over and over in a systems that are broken expecting the outcome to be different... it doesn't work like this... it needs fixed...

Stand up and Speak up... Advocate... Ask Questions ... Be the change...

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/pf8roiKjb6511Cxz/

What Dr Casey Means didn't learn at med school that every Dr should know.... WOW... Knowledge is power. You have a choice in what foods you eat, I think the independent studies are clear here! #knowledge #healthyliving #nonprocessedfood #eatclean #perimenopausehealth