The Intersection of Allergies and Behavior: How Immunotherapy Can Support Your Child’s Progress

If you’re a parent supporting a child through ABA therapy, you’re likely tuned in to every detail, from daily routines and diet to sleep quality and screen time. But there’s one factor that may be quietly affecting your child’s behavior, focus, and overall progress: allergies.

While allergies are often dismissed as a seasonal nuisance, for some children, especially those with autism or sensory sensitivities, they can be a persistent source of discomfort that disrupts sleep, impacts mood, and interferes with learning. What’s more, research suggests that unaddressed allergies may even contribute to increased anxiety and behavioral outbursts.

That’s where allergy immunotherapy enters the conversation. More than just a long-term allergy treatment, it may hold surprising potential to support your child’s development, especially when integrated with behavioral therapies like ABA.

Understanding the Allergy-Behavior Connection

Allergies are more than sneezing and itchy eyes. In many cases, they significantly impact a child’s daily functioning. Chronic allergic reactions can lead to discomfort, sleep disturbances, and even mood alterations. For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), who may already face communication and sensory processing challenges, the added burden of allergies can worsen behavioral issues.

Furthermore, research indicates that untreated allergies can be associated with increased prevalence of mood and anxiety disorders. A study on the National Library of Medicine’s website found that individuals with untreated allergies were more likely to experience mood and anxiety disorders compared to those who received treatment.

What is Allergy Immunotherapy?

Allergy immunotherapy (AIT) is a treatment designed to desensitize the immune system to specific allergens. By introducing gradually increasing doses of the allergen, the body learns to tolerate it, reducing or eliminating allergic reactions over time.

There are two main forms:

• Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT): Commonly known as allergy shots, SCIT involves regular injections administered in a clinical setting.
• Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT): This method uses tablets or drops placed under the tongue and can often be administered at home.

While the delivery method varies between the two, both methods aim to build long-term tolerance to allergens. Over time, it can help reduce the need for medications and even improve quality of life.

Benefits of Immunotherapy for Behavioral Progress

While the improvements from this allergy medicine aren’t immediate and can vary from one child to the next, the benefits can be far-reaching, including:

Improved Sleep Quality

Allergies can greatly affect sleep, especially when nasal congestion and similar symptoms are involved. Poor sleep can lead to increased irritability and decreased attention span, especially in children. So, when those allergy symptoms fade and your child starts getting better sleep, you may notice that your child experiences better learning and behavior regulation.

Improved Focus and Learning

Chronic allergy discomfort can distract children, making it difficult for them to engage in ABA sessions. Reducing allergy symptoms, either in the short term with over-the-counter medications or in the long term with immunotherapy, can help children concentrate better. This, in turn, can lead to more effective therapy sessions.

Fewer Behavioral Outbursts

The physical discomfort associated with allergies can lead to frustration and behavioral outbursts, especially in children with communication difficulties. As the symptoms lessen, you may find that your child experiences fewer triggers for such behaviors.

Getting Started: What to Know Before Beginning Immunotherapy

If you’re considering immunotherapy, here are a few steps to take before and after getting started, so you can ensure it aligns with your child’s unique needs:

• Consult with healthcare providers: While immunotherapy can work incredibly well, it may not be the right fit for every child. Talk to your child’s allergist or doctor to determine the right treatment plan.
• Coordinate with ABA therapists: Let your child’s ABA therapists know about upcoming allergy treatment plans. They can monitor behavioral changes and adjust therapy plans accordingly.
• Monitor progress: Keep track of any shifts in behavior, sleep patterns, and therapy engagement after beginning immunotherapy. This can be valuable information for both healthcare providers and therapists.
• Leverage support tools: In addition to your clinical team, some families also benefit from using a healthcare virtual assistant to help manage appointments, monitor progress, and communicate updates between providers. These assistants can streamline the process and ensure nothing important falls through the cracks.

Why It Matters: Behavior, Comfort, and the Bigger Picture

Allergy immunotherapy offers more than just relief from physical symptoms. For some, it can be a pivotal component in supporting behavioral progress for children undergoing ABA therapy. By addressing underlying allergic reactions, families can create a more comfortable and conducive environment for their child’s development.

Always consult with healthcare professionals to determine the best course of action for your child’s unique needs.