Understanding
Autism
A Functional Medicine Approach to Autism
The functional part of functional medicine is an understanding that disease is an endpoint and function is the process by which we get to this endpoint.
This is a game-changer in the field of autism and the potential work with and support people on the spectrum. A functional process is not static. It can move backwards or forwards, which means that if you can identify and understand its driving forces, you can influence and change the factors that cause the endpoint.
In our practice we have found that homeopathy is a powerful tool to help 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 will receive a label of ‘autistic’. But there is no coherent version of a ‘single trigger’ pathological process that leads to autism.
The reality is that there may be a completely different set of dysfunctions active from individual to individual.
They may have one or a whole host of comorbidities creating a state of systemic dysfunction whose outward manifestation is the behavioural symptoms that are described as ‘autism’. But this may stem from different triggers, toxins, infections, genetics and imbalances in each child.
Understanding Autism
Understanding autism requires seeing a potentially significant number of dysfunctions and health issues that underlie the manifestations of its symptom picture. In order to treat and improve symptoms, those dysfunctions need to be identified and addressed.
Whether it is a case of PANDAS or Lyme Disease, severe bacterial dysbiosis or heavy metal toxicity from mercury or aluminium or lead, methylation or transulfation related genetic issues leading to impaired detoxification, there are systems involved that we know produce ‘autistic-like symptoms’ when they are present in a child or adult who is for whatever reason, vulnerable to these pathologies. Your child may have just one significant dysfunction or they may have many, but these need to be understood and addressed, one by one.
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. So 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 parents health and family history is also taken into account as this often provides significant clues. This is attention to family and genetic inheritance is extremely valuable in the field of autism, where research points to a significant role of genetic SNPs in creating vulnerability to the development of autism.
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 a health problem. Small details, like the side one experiences a headache, the way a child expresses hyperactivity or OCD like behaviour, what temperature they are, what foods they prefer or dislike, what time do they wake up at night and what do they seek to make themselves feel better. These 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' and a way in to 'hearing' what their symptoms are actually telling us about their inner state.
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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.