Since 2000, autism and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) have increased almost exponentially, and now impact about 1 in every 44 children. Most diagnosis are made in childhood, but a number of adults also seek diagnosis as awareness and accessibility to treatment increase. Autism, and disorders like it, are complex conditions involving multifaceted genetic and environmental factors.
Because of this complexity, our team of highly qualified functional physicians dive deep into each patient’s medical history to identify and treat the root cause of imbalances—instead of masking symptoms with medications.
Common signs & symptoms of autism in children include:
Avoiding eye contact
Lack of facial expressions (happy, sad, angry, and surprised) by 9 months of age
Does not notice when others are hurt or upset by 24 months of age
Using few or no gestures by 12 months of age (i.e. waving, pointing)
Focusing on parts of objects (for example, wheels)
Flaps arms or hands, or spins self in circles (sometimes called ‘stimming’)
Delayed language and/or learning skills
Unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look, or feel
The functional medicine approach is well-suited to address autism symptoms. Because each child is unique, and autism disorders occur on a spectrum, restoring balance to multiple systems is key.
Genetics and Environment
Most conventional sources attribute genetics to the dramatic increase in autism spectrum disorders in the past decades. Others go as far to say that a child’s diet & environment have no place in effectively managing autism symptoms.
However, the most current research supports two important factors that can help parents and functional practitioners:
Genetic changes occur too slowly to be the sole factor responsible for ASDs.
Some environmental and lifestyle factors do contribute to an increase in symptoms associated with autism.
Recent studies suggest that autism is likely an autoimmune reaction within the brain. Similar to other autoimmune disorders, this suggests that microbiome changes and neuro-inflammation could play a role in activating a genetic predisposition to an immune response against the brain.
The Gut-Brain Connection & Autism
There is often a strong correlation between autism and gastrointestinal symptoms. Many children on the autism spectrum have symptoms of bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain.
For this reason, evaluation of the microbiome and overall diet are key to a functional approach to treatment.
Functional Medicine Testing & Treatment for Autism & Autism Spectrum Disorders
Though there is no traditional “cure” for autism, a functional medicine approach is an effective way to manage autism symptoms and improve quality of life for patients and their families. As part of a comprehensive protocol, your functional medicine practitioner may recommend:
Nutrition
Trial gluten and dairy free diet
Dietary supplement recommendations such as magnesium, probiotics, omega-3s, zinc, and vitamin D
Testing
Heavy metal toxicity and detoxification function
Gut health & digestive function analysis
Antibody testing
Nutrient status
MTHFR genetic variations
Glutathione status
Heavy metal toxicity and detoxification function
Gut health & digestive function analysis
Antibody testing
Nutrient status
MTHFR genetic variations
Glutathione status
Complementary Therapies
Craniosacral therapy
Nutrition counseling
Brain Boost
Craniosacral therapy
Nutrition counseling
Brain Boost
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Supporting Services for Anxiety Treatment
Craniosacral Therapy
Using a light, pain-free touch, a craniosacral therapist will address circulatory, inflammatory, digestive, and neurological concerns by identifying internal tension. By monitoring and engaging specific tissues at the base of the head where it meets the spine, we can assist the body in self-correction by releasing tension in the nervous system.
Benefits of CST for adrenal fatigue include:
Improved sleep
Increased mobility
Decreased pain and inflammation
Reduced migraine symptoms
Reduction in anxiety symptoms
Craniosacral therapy is a welcomed alternative therapy to invasive techniques that offer limited improvement and troublesome side effects.
Brain Boost
Discover the influence your lifestyle has upon your chemistry, and understand how to functionally change the way you think, feel, and react. Many people are unaware of the connection between physical health and mental and emotional wellbeing. Brain Boost provides the guidelines you need to improve your daily habits to maximize brain health.
We evaluate: genetic factors, diet and lifestyle, toxin exposure and buildup, metabolism, and more which all regulate cognitive ability during all stages of life.
At CentreSpringMD, our integrative team has years of experience helping to optimize brain power, overcome brain fog, and achieve peak mental performance in people of all ages.
