A Functional Medicine Approach to Autism

Functional Medicine

“Functional medicine is defined as a systems biology-based approach that focuses on identifying and addressing the root cause of disease. Each symptom or differential diagnosis may be one of many contributing to an individual’s illness.”

Functional medicine is a holistic, whole-person model of care that considers lifestyle, environment, and genetics to create a personalized plan for healing and improved function.

A Root-Cause Approach to Symptoms, Treatment, and Remission

A comprehensive, root-cause approach can offer meaningful progress and, in some cases, remission of symptoms for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
For more than two decades, pioneers such as Dr. Sidney Baker—a leading voice in biomedical and functional approaches to autism—have explored how biochemical and physiological imbalances (nutrient status, gut and immune dysregulation, mitochondrial function, metabolic issues, environmental toxicity, chronic infections, and more) can drive symptoms.

Guided by targeted diagnostics, the functional medicine model aims to reduce symptom burden and restore balance and function—not just manage behaviors.

In practice, many families report meaningful improvements—sometimes substantial—through refining diet and nutrition, lowering toxic load, addressing allergies and sensitivities, and implementing individualized biomedical interventions with professional guidance. Outcomes vary, but some children experience significant symptom reduction and, for some, near-resolution of daily challenges.

Sidney Baker MD, Founder Defeat Autism Now!, Autism360.org and Linus Pauling Award Recipient and Mark Hyman MD, Founder and Director of The UltraWellness Center, Lenox, MA, New York Times Best Selling Author

Autism Is Not a Psychiatric Disorder

Families are often asked to view autism through a strictly psychiatric lens. In reality, autism is a neurodevelopmental condition, not a psychiatric disorder.
While children may experience anxiety, mood changes, sleep issues, or attention challenges, these psychiatric-type symptoms often stem from underlying biochemical and physiological imbalances—for example, disruptions in gut health, immune activity, detox capacity, metabolism, or neurotransmitter pathways.

“Autism is still classified as strictly a psychiatric disorder, but that’s a diagnostic error. It certainly doesn’t start from emotional problems. It starts from physical harm to the brain. Therefore, it’s actually a neurological disorder. More specifically, it’s a neurotoxic disorder, because it’s caused primarily by the presence of destructive elements that injured the brain: toxic chemicals, viruses, incomplete proteins, inflammation, immune cells that attack the brain. These harmful forces wreak havoc upon the brain, and also cause terrible damage to the rest of the body. They are especially damaging to the very sensitive gastrointestinal system and immune systems of young children. That it why I consider autism to be a three-faceted illness, with direct damage to: the immune system, gastrointestinal system, and the nervous system.”
— James Neuenschwander, MD, Founder Bio Energy Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI; President, Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs (MAPS)

Recognizing these drivers opens the door to a root-cause, whole-child approach aimed at lessening symptom burden and improving daily function.
With appropriate medical care and consistent implementation, families often see steady gains. My role is to help translate insights into practical, sustainable steps at home, in partnership with functional medicine providers and your existing care team.