New CHD Book, ‘Total Load Theory,’ Offers Practical Guidance for Addressing Toxic Overload

Press Release
For Immediate Release
November 25, 2025

Author Patricia Lemer provides real solutions for families struggling with health effects from environmental toxins

Washington, D.C. – Children’s Health Defense (CHD) announced today the publication of the highly anticipated book, “Total Load Theory: Transforming Lives in Autism, ADHD, LD, SPD, and Mental Health.” Author Patricia Lemer, co-founder and Executive Director of Developmental Delay Resources (DDR), has over 50 years of experience working with families of children diagnosed with autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, and more.

In today’s world, toxic exposures have become increasingly common and more challenging to avoid. At the same time, chronic health conditions have risen precipitously over the past several decades. In the United States, one in six children has a developmental disability and over 54% have a chronic health condition. In addition to autism and ADHD, these conditions include seizures, allergies, asthma, autoimmune diseases, anxiety, depression, cancer, and more. “Total Load Theory” arms readers with a practical, step-by-step approach to identify and effectively address health impacts from exposure to mercury, aluminum, electromagnetic radiation, antibiotics, acetaminophen and other toxins.

“In this groundbreaking new book, Lemer dives deep into the root causes, offering a comprehensive roadmap for transforming health for those with learning and behavioral disorders,” said Mary Holland, CHD’s Chief Executive Officer. “In 23 guided chapters, she covers everything: diagnosis, genetics, environmental factors (from pollution to water to vaccines), societal factors, detoxification, and provides prioritized therapies.”

According to Ms. Lemer, bestselling author of “Outsmarting Autism, Updated and Expanded,” it’s the “total load,” a term she coined, that families must consider to effectively restore the health of those impacted.

The book includes several chapters on planning for the future with options for education, supervised living, employment, and finances – for people of all ages – plus a chapter for parents-to-be with strategies for reducing load factors from preconception forward.

“Patricia Lemer distills decades of clinical acumen, scholarly rigor, and human empathy into a work of rare scope and clarity,” commented Christian Bogner, MD. “With a masterful command of both science and storytelling, she reframes the complex interplay of genetic, environmental, societal, and physiological stressors into a coherent and actionable framework that has the power to transform lives.
Lemer’s expansion of the ‘Total Load’ model beyond autism to encompass the full spectrum of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric challenges is both visionary and urgently needed.”

“Total Load Theory” is available now on Amazon and at major booksellers nationwide.

Children’s Health Defense is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Our mission is ending childhood health epidemics by eliminating toxic exposure. We will restore and protect the health of children by eliminating environmental exposures, holding responsible parties accountable, and establishing safeguards to prevent future harm of children’s health. Protecting Children. Exposing Harms. Seeking Justice.