Understanding
Autism
Combining a Functional Medicine Approach to Autism with Homeopathy
Functional medicine has provided many insights into how to support patients and ground treatment in a better understanding of factors that may influence health and symptoms. These principles bring new depth analysis in complex cases, as case and family history, symptom picture and the specific presentation of the case that form the backbone of homeopathic analysis can be worked alongside a search for root causes and triggers where appropriate. This helps to guide the treatment process with great success.
In our practice we have found that homeopathy can work beautifully alongside medical care as a powerful support children in the field of Autism, ADHD, PANS, PANDAS and neuro-developmental conditions. It's gentle and highly individualised approach is well suited to the sensitivity and complexity of neurological-immune cases.
The Autism Puzzle
A diagnosis of autism can give the impression that whilst a ‘spectrum’ of degree is involved, there is a similar biological process at work within children and adults who have been diagnosed 'with autism'. This is true, but in a misleading way. Those whose behaviour matches a set of parameters may receive a diagnosis, but at this time there is not a single coherent theory of a ‘single trigger’ or pathological process that leads to autism.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy crosses the divide between the need for treatment that recognises and responds to the individual picture of symptoms and dysfunction, but is also able to work deeply and gently to stimulate a healing response.
Homeopaths pay particular attention to the history of a client, because the aim of treatment is to understand the root cause and address this. The primary 'cause' of ill health is sought through detailed investigation of the patients health history going back to pregnancy, birth and even preconception.
The symptom picture is also a primary focus of investigation. This is because symptoms are also a 'language' of dysfunction. They are the external manifestation of a deeper imbalance and disturbance. Understanding the symptom picture is like gaining a road map to the internal dynamics of health. Small details, like the side one experiences a headache, the way a child expresses hyperactivity or OCD behaviour, what temperature they are, what foods they prefer or dislike, what time do they wake up at night and what they seek to make themselves feel better are all signposts to what is imbalanced in the systems of the body, and guides the practitioner to understanding and a clear prescription.
This is also invaluable in the field of autism, as it gives a 'voice' with which to hear and understand the individual permutations of children who may be 'voiceless' or find it difficult to express their inner experience.
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Naturopathic Nutrition
To support gentle and permanent treatment, diet and nutrient support measures are integrated into protocols. Without healthy nutrition and balanced nutrient levels it is difficult for any system to thrive, heal, detoxify efficiently and improve.
Naturopathic nutrition is guided by the principles of functional medicine and works to address the root cause of disease. Diet, herbs, and nutritional supplements are recommended to support imbalances like sleeping issues or digestive problems, as well as indicated lifestyle interventions where needed. Naturopathic treatment can be used to address dysfunctions such as bacterial imbalance, nutrient deficiency or digestive dysfunction, oxidative stress, or detoxification difficulties. Protocols are built to synchronise with homeopathic treatment. Case history and symptoms are assessed with these results to recommend a diet plan that best suits the child. This may be the Feingold, low oxalate or salicylate, low phenol, GAPS diet, Keto or Paleo template. Recommendations may also be tailored more specifically if need be.