26 | Lyme, Bartonella & Overlooked Health Clues in Autism | Debbie Kimberg
Parents often know when something is not adding up, even when they are told to wait, redirect their questions, or accept incomplete answers.
In this episode of the Autism Family Resource Podcast, Brian Keene talks with Debbie Kimberg and her son Sammy about their family’s long and difficult search for answers. Debbie shares how they eventually explored infections such as Bartonella and Lyme disease after years of watching Sammy struggle with learning, behavior, and day-to-day functioning.
Their story is deeply personal and may not reflect every family’s experience, but it offers an important perspective on advocacy, persistence, and listening closely when something does not feel right.
Memorable Quote
“It’s okay to say no when something doesn’t feel right.”
In This Episode We Discuss
Debbie and Sammy’s family story and search for answers
How symptoms affected school, behavior, mood, and social life
Debbie’s experience trying multiple doctors and treatments
Lyme disease, Bartonella, and related infections in their family’s story
Sammy’s personal experience with treatment and improvement
Why parent advocacy matters when answers feel incomplete
The role of community groups in helping families find support
Key Themes From the Conversation
A Long Search for Answers
Debbie shares that Sammy showed signs from an early age that something was making daily life harder for him. Over time, those challenges affected school, behavior, attention, and overall functioning.
Like many families, they found themselves moving from one professional to another, trying to understand what was driving the struggles they were seeing.
Looking Beyond the First Explanation
One of the key ideas in this episode is that families sometimes feel their concerns are being redirected without fully being addressed. Debbie explains that their family eventually explored infections like Bartonella and Lyme disease as part of their health story.
This episode does not present a universal explanation for autism or neurodivergence, but it does highlight the importance of continuing to ask questions when symptoms change, intensify, or do not fully make sense.
Sammy’s Perspective
Sammy shares his own experience in a grounded and honest way. He talks about struggling in school, needing extra support, and noticing major changes later in his teen years.
He describes improvements in academics, mood, eating, and independence, and it is especially powerful to hear those changes in his own words rather than only from an adult perspective.
Advocacy Matters
Brian reflects on one of the clearest takeaways from the episode: parents and caregivers often know when something is off. Debbie’s persistence helped her family keep moving forward even when the process was exhausting.
For families listening, this conversation is a reminder that thoughtful advocacy can matter enormously.
Common Questions Parents Ask
What should I do if I feel like my child’s symptoms are not being fully explained?
It can help to document what you are noticing, ask direct questions, and seek additional opinions when needed. Families often find clarity by combining their own observations with support from providers who are willing to listen carefully.
How do I know when it makes sense to seek another opinion?
If a child’s symptoms change significantly, do not improve as expected, or seem broader than the explanation you were given, another opinion may be worth pursuing. A second look can sometimes open doors to new information or more tailored support.
Can medical issues affect behavior, attention, or learning?
Yes, health issues can sometimes influence mood, energy, attention, sleep, and overall functioning. That does not mean every challenge has the same cause, but it can be helpful to consider the whole child when looking for answers.
Why This Conversation Matters for Families
Families often carry a quiet burden when they feel like something is being missed. That can be especially hard when a child is struggling and the adults around them do not seem to be connecting the dots.
This conversation matters because it gives voice to that experience. It reminds parents that observation, curiosity, and persistence are not overreactions. They are part of caring well for a child.
It also reinforces something important in neurodiversity-affirming care: supporting a child means understanding them as fully as possible, including their sensory, developmental, emotional, and medical needs.
Resources Mentioned
ProjectLyme.org
State and local Lyme support groups
@hijackedbrain on Instagram
@hijackedbrain on TikTok
About the Guest
Debbie Kimberg is a writer, parent advocate, and speaker who shares her family’s experience navigating complex health questions and developmental concerns. Her son Sammy is a student and creative young adult with interests in music, gaming, and technology. Together they bring honesty, courage, and practical insight to a conversation many families will recognize.
Related Resources for Parents
If you found this episode helpful, you may also enjoy these resources:
Just Diagnosed? A Guide for Arizona Parents Starting the Autism Journey
Supporting Your Child’s Education: Advocacy Tips & Resources for Parents
Caring for the Caregiver: Self-Care Tips for Parents of Kids with Special Needs
Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapy: Supporting Your Child’s Unique Strengths
Explore more parent resources at:
https://pureheartstherapy.com/blog
