The Missing Pieces: How OAT and DNA Signature Testing Can Guide Individualized Treatment for PANS/PANDAS and Autoimmune Disease

Publish Date

October 14, 2026

Overview

In this webinar, participants will learn how to integrate Organic Acids Testing (OAT) and DNA Signature genetic testing into a comprehensive, individualized approach to evaluating and managing PANS/PANDAS and other complex autoimmune conditions. Attendees will explore how OAT results may provide insights into metabolic function, nutrient status, neurotransmitter metabolism, microbial imbalances, and other biochemical patterns that may influence clinical presentation. Participants will also learn how to interpret relevant genetic findings to better understand potential variations in detoxification pathways, methylation, immune regulation, and inflammatory responses. Through practical clinical applications and case-based examples, attendees will develop strategies for connecting metabolic and genetic findings with patient history, symptoms, and conventional diagnostic testing to help guide further evaluation and personalized treatment planning. The goal is to empower practitioners to look beyond symptoms, recognize potentially modifiable contributing factors, and develop a more targeted, root-cause-oriented approach to supporting patients with complex neuroimmune and autoimmune conditions.

Objectives

Learning Objectives

1. Interpret Organic Acids Testing (OAT) results to assess metabolic function, nutrient status, neurotransmitter metabolism, and microbial imbalances in patients with PANS/PANDAS and complex autoimmune conditions.
2. Identify key variations in detoxification, methylation, immune regulation, and inflammatory pathways using DNA Signature genetic testing to understand potential susceptibility factors.
3. Integrate metabolic and genetic test findings with patient history, clinical symptoms, and conventional diagnostic testing to create a comprehensive diagnostic picture.
4. Develop targeted, root-cause-oriented management strategies that address modifiable contributing factors for patients presenting with complex neuroimmune and autoimmune disorders.

About the Author

Melissa Smith, MSN, RN, CPNP-PC, PMHS

Melissa Smith’s journey in healthcare began in 1999 after earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Michigan State University. She started her career in the Emergency Department at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta before spending eight years in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit caring for vulnerable newborns. Driven by a passion for pediatric medicine, she earned her Advanced Practice Registered Nurse degree specializing in Pediatrics in 2014, transitioning into primary care where she embraced treating the whole child rather than just isolated symptoms. In 2017, her mother’s cancer diagnosis inspired her to look beyond conventional medicine and adopt an integrative, functional approach focused on addressing the root causes of illness.
To better support children’s complex needs, Melissa became a certified Pediatric Mental Health Specialist in 2021, deepening her expertise in the connections between immunity, gut health, environment, and mental well-being. In 2023, she founded her own integrative and functional pediatric practice specializing in complex conditions such as PANS/PANDAS, autoimmune disorders, ADHD, anxiety, chronic Lyme, and mold-related illness. Her mission is to uncover underlying factors, create individualized healing plans, and ensure every child is heard and every parent feels supported.
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