Accessibility long description for Image 4 on the Originator Erasure page: Naviaux’s 2025 3-Hit Model vs. Kitzerow’s 2023 Autism and the Comorbidities Theory

The image is titled “Naviaux’s 2025 3-Hit Model vs. Kitzerow’s 2023 Autism and the Comorbidities Theory.”

At the top of the image is the text:
“Learn more at Kimberlyedu.org or https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Kimberly-Kitzerow.”

The image is organized into two vertical columns comparing two models.
The left column presents text associated with Naviaux’s model.
The right column presents text associated with Kitzerow’s model.
Each row is connected by a double arrow indicating comparison.

The first row is labeled “3 Part Stress Model.”

In the left column, the text reads:
“Situational, Chronic, and Genetic Factor Framework.”

In the right column, the text reads:
“Situational, Chronic, and Genetic Factor Framework.”

The second row is labeled “BH4 Shunt.”

In the left column, the text reads:
“The 3-hit model described above for ASD also applies to the current paradigm for the diagnosis and treatment of phenylketonuria (PKU), a BH4 deficiency disorder.”

In the right column, the text reads:
“BH4 shunt trifurcation leads to simultaneous autism traits and comorbid traits.”

The third row is labeled “E/I Dysregulation Autism Traits.”

In the left column, the text reads:
“Excitatory/inhibitory balance dysregulation in brain circuitry is responsible for core autism symptoms.”

In the right column, the text reads:
“Excitatory/inhibitory balance dysregulation in brain circuitry is responsible for core autism symptoms.”

The fourth row is labeled “Comorbidities.”

In the left column, the text reads:
“Both ASD and the co-occurring medical conditions are caused by CDR activation.”

In the right column, the text reads:
“Exclusivity principle. Autism and the comorbidities happen at the same time because they share a joint mechanism. They’re pathologically linked to the branches of stress-induced BH4 trifurcation.”

The fifth row is labeled “Developmental Timing.”

In the left column, the text reads:
“CDR activation is energy intensive and competes for the same limited energy and metabolic resources needed for child development.”

In the right column, the text reads:
“When the regulatory system stress response is active, the body prioritizes it over typical development and typical function.”

At the bottom right corner of the image is a logo reading “Kimberly’s Educational Resources.”