The Neurodiverse Child: ADHD, Autism, and More

Raising a child with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism, or any other neurodiverse expressions can be both rewarding and challenging. You may notice your child struggle with focus, impulse control, communication, social interactions, rumination, staying still, or any number of other quirks that may worry you are a caregiver — and you’re not alone.

There are possible medications, occupational therapists, and behavioural support options that can be very helpful. On top of those many parents are also exploring natural ways to support their child’s growth, attention, and wellbeing.

Children are different in so many ways

Medically they are not just “little adults”: they are biologically different from adults as they are constantly growing and developing for the first 18 or so years of life. And they are all different from each other in their personalities, strengths, weaknesses, and vulnerabilities.

Some children acquire language quickly and readily, while others are more physically talented. Some come into the world with a full head of hair, while others are bald until well after their first birthday. Some are socially gregarious, while others prefer quiet time and gentler interactions with peers and caregivers.

There are internal differences too. Some children metabolize nutrients and detoxify toxins more or less effectively than others. These particular differences make some children more vulnerable to developing autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, and/or put them at risk for developmental delays.

Biomedical Health Support

Biomedical interventions that assess and address the unique state of each child can have profound effects on their development in life.  This is particularly true when used in conjunction with appropriate support such as behavioural therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, etc.

Individualized treatment for the underlying excesses and deficiencies that contribute to the symptoms and struggles experienced by children with autism, ADHD, and other physical or behavioural issues has proven itself to be invaluable in supporting children who are on the spectrum of Autism (including Asperger’s and PDD/Pervasive Developmental Delays).

The biomedical approach optimizes the health and cellular function of the child. The ideal pathway to healing for the individual is guided through thorough and specific lab tests, but ultimately, improvements are initiated through dietary changes, healing of the digestive tract, optimization of nutrient levels, and metabolic support for the body.

Appropriate supplements are chosen that work to regulate inflammation in the body and brain, improve cellular energy, and boost detoxification pathways.  This way each cell in the body can perform its functions properly. Finally, hormone and neurotransmitter levels are balanced along with immune function. Results vary but can be absolutely profound in some cases.

If your child is on the spectrum, has been diagnosed with ADHD (or you suspect it yourself), has other difficulties in school or social situations, or you simply want support to enhance and maximize your child’s potential, then the biomedical approach to individualized medicine for children’s peak performance is worth exploring.

Testing Considerations

Organic acid testing (OAT) is a helpful first start in identifying the unique concerns for that specific human. OAT can help to shine the flashlight in areas that warrant further investigation: imbalances in the microbiome, some nutritional deficiencies, neurotransmitter levels, and more.

A stool test can be absolutely invaluable as well as yeast, Clostridia species, fungal overgrowth, and other disturbances to the microbiome can have a strong impact on brain function via the gut-brain axis. Yeast overgrowth, for example, can lead to “spaced-out” ADHD symptoms in some kids, and disruptive, over-the-top “class clown” behaviour in other children. Address the hidden yeast overgrowth and their ability to focus and participate can improve dramatically!

Some blood tests are useful but obviously can be trickier with young, needle-phobic patients… If blood work is being ordered then I may have a few add-ons to suggest, but in general I like too start with the less invasive testing when possible.

Wherever you and your child are on the journey to optimizing mental, emotional, and social functioning, from the first inkling of suspicion to years of trying out various interventions with or without progress, I’m here to help support you along the way.