ADD, ADHD and Autism Spectrum

Our Naturopaths address the whole child and not just any behavioural imbalance. Treating the symptoms alone will only get you so far. ADD, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and including Aspergers is very complex and takes time to identify the causation and triggers. However, they are all have one thing in common, they are all primarily nervous system related conditions.

The rise in these is astonishing and you really do have to wonder why it is on the rise? Many will argue that it is because of increased awareness and diagnosis techniques or others will say it is vaccinations. Regardless we still have more to learn and too need to recognise that each child with these conditions is very unique, they all present with varying symptoms so therefore the cause is likely to be different too? Its with this in mind that we approach a treatment strategy that is unique to your child.

These are the 10 areas we may consider investigating in ADD/ADHD & Autism Spectrum Disorder: 

1. Microbial imbalance 

   Yeasts, bacterial and viral overload or imbalance. There is a staggering amount of research supporting the need to balance the microbiome in these children. Microbes have the potential to alter our nervous system function. Of particular interest in strains of streptococcus, clostridium and yeasts

2. Abnormalities of the Digestive system

   Much of the current research is supporting the connection of gut imbalance. Most parents will usually comment on some form of digestive issue in their children with these conditions

3. Heavy metal toxicity

   Causes nutrient depletion and altered neurological function

4. MTHFR gene mutation

   Can lead to impaired methylation and reduced detoxification

5. Food allergies, sensitivities and intolerances 

   This can further exacerbate nutrient depletion, microbial imbalance and neurotransmitter production

6. Immune deficiency

   Recurrent infections, often ear are common and increase the need for antibiotic use. This further exacerbates the microbial imbalance. Immune deficiency can be caused by bacteria imbalance, nutrient deficiency or hormonal imbalance

7. Pyroluria 

   Pyroluria can lead to a reduction in vitamin B6 and zinc utilisation. Essential nutrients for neurotransmitter balance.

8. Psychology assessment

   Our Children Psychologist has a very special interest in these areas of health. She is able to help with understanding and managing these conditions. A Psychologist is also able to help where there is communication and sensory difficulties.

9. Metabolism issues 

   There is often an organic acid imbalance. Pathology testing needed to identify this

10. Nutrient deficiency

    Dietary intervention or nutritional supplementation is often needed to address many the above

“Autism is primarily a disorder of the brain, but research suggests that as many as nine out of 10 individuals with the condition also suffer from gastrointestinal problems such as inflammatory bowel disease and ‘leaky gut’…
Scientists have long wondered whether the composition of bacteria in the intestines, known as the gut microbiome, might be abnormal in people with autism and drive some of these symptoms.
Now a spate of new studies supports this notion and suggests that restoring proper microbial balance could alleviate some of the disorder’s behavioral symptoms.”
Scientific American.