Category: Uncategorized

Understanding Regression Through a Functional Medicine Lens Many parents begin searching for answers after noticing a change or regression in their child — sometimes sudden, sometimes gradual. Often, there isn’t a single clear explanation. Just a quiet sense that something shifted, and that the answers they’re being given don’t fully explain what they’re seeing. That question — “what changed?” — is one I hear often. And it’s a very valid place to begin. What parents often notice first For some families, changes unfold slowly. For others, they feel more defined. Parents may notice shifts following illness, antibiotics, medication changes, environmental READ MORE

Parents often feel like they’re trying to make sense of symptoms without enough information. Behavior changes, irritability, sleep struggles, digestive challenges, and sensory overwhelm can feel random or disconnected. You may sense that something deeper is going on, but without clarity, it’s hard to know where to start or how to help. Functional labs such as the Organic Acid Test (OAT), food sensitivity panels, and stool testing don’t diagnose conditions — but they do help us understand what may be happening beneath the surface. They add missing pieces to the story so families can begin to see the “why” behind READ MORE

I think we can all agree as parents — especially those of us with more sensitive children — that any change in routine can feel overwhelming. Most of you, if you’ve found this blog, are likely searching for answers. You want to help your child heal, but you’re not entirely sure where to start. Maybe you’ve heard that you “should” remove gluten, dairy, sugar, corn, and soy. And maybe you’ve wondered: What on earth is my child supposed to eat if I take ALL of those things away? Your child is already so picky, barely sits at the table, and READ MORE

Parents often recognize when their child’s symptoms are connected to something beneath the surface—especially when it comes to digestion, picky eating, or changes in behavior after consuming certain foods. In functional medicine, these clues are never ignored. The gut plays a central role in how the brain functions, how inflammation is regulated, and how a child feels day to day. By understanding the gut–brain connection, we can begin to uncover why certain symptoms appear and take small, practical steps toward balance and healing. The Gut–Brain Connection and the Role of the Vagus Nerve The vagus nerve acts as the main READ MORE

As a parent, you’ve probably asked yourself: Why doesn’t my child say what they mean? Or why can they understand something, but not reliably do it?These are often the questions that lead to the concept of apraxia—a challenge of motor planning and speech coordination rather than a lack of understanding. Two of my favorite educators from the MAPS (Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs) program, Dr. Dana Johnson and Dr. Anju Usman Singh, have each contributed valuable insight into this area. Their work beautifully illustrates how both body and brain must be supported to help children overcome speech delays and READ MORE

(Why this therapy may help — and why it’s only one part of the whole picture) Why Folate Matters for the Brain Folate—also known as vitamin B9—is essential for brain development, neurotransmitter production, and detoxification. It supports processes like methylation and DNA repair that help the brain grow and function well. But in some children on the autism spectrum, folate has trouble getting into the brain where it’s needed most. Even when blood tests show normal folate levels, the transport mechanism that moves folate across the blood–brain barrier can be blocked. This is called Cerebral Folate Deficiency (CFD). Often, it’s READ MORE

How to arrive with clarity, confidence, and visit-ready data If you’ve decided to explore functional medicine for autism, you’ve likely done a lot of research—and felt both hopeful and overwhelmed. The first appointment is a big step, and with thoughtful preparation, you can make it far more productive—and even save money by showing up with labs in hand at your very first visit. Why preparation matters in functional medicine for autism Functional medicine takes a deep look at the why behind symptoms. When you arrive with organized notes, relevant lab results, and clear questions, your clinician can connect dots faster, READ MORE

If you’ve landed here, you’re probably one of the many parents up late, wondering if there’s one more stone to turn to ease your child’s physical or behavioral symptoms. I’m really glad you found me. I believe the saying, “When the student is ready, the teacher appears.” My hope is that this is the start of us learning from each other—with one shared goal: helping your child move toward their full potential for healing. Functional medicine shares that same spirit of curiosity and partnership. Instead of chasing symptoms, we look for the reasons behind them—then build a step-by-step plan you READ MORE