Neurodiversity Support for Children with ASD
Our approach to treating and supporting children with Neurodiversity or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) emphasizes a holistic perspective that addresses various aspects of their health.
Through genetic testing, we gain insights into individual genetic makeup, enabling personalized interventions. We prioritize balancing neurotransmitters to optimize brain function, which is crucial for cognitive development, and focus on enhancing the digestive tract’s health, recognizing its significant impact on neurological well-being. Additionally, we carefully identify and eliminate foods that trigger neural inflammation, contributing to overall improvement in cognitive function.
By adopting this whole-body approach, we aim to provide comprehensive support for children with ASD, enhancing their well-being and cognitive abilities.
Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder
ASD can manifest in a variety of symptoms, which can vary greatly in severity and presentation from person to person. Some common symptoms and behaviors associated with ASD include:
- Difficulty forming and maintaining relationships
- Delayed speech development or lack of spoken language
- Insistence on sameness or routines, becoming upset with changes in routine.
- Heightened or reduced sensitivity to sensory input (e.g., light, sound, touch, taste, smell)
- Seeking sensory stimulation, such as spinning or touching certain textures
- Unusual eye contact patterns, such as avoiding eye contact or staring intensely
- Difficulty with social interactions and understanding social cues
- Lack of interest in or awareness of others’ emotions
- Difficulty initiating or sustaining conversations
- Fixated interests in specific topics or objects
- Overwhelmed by sensory stimuli, leading to meltdowns or shutdowns
- Limited use of gestures or facial expressions
- Impulsivity or aggression
- Engaging in repetitive movements, such as hand flapping, rocking, or spinning objects
- Difficulty with executive functioning skills, such as planning, organization, and problem-solving
- Difficulty understanding or using nonverbal cues, such as body language or facial expressions
- Difficulty regulating emotions and managing frustration or anxiety
- Unusual eating or sleeping habits
- Unusual speech patterns, such as speaking in a monotone voice or repeating phrases (echolalia)
- Varying levels of cognitive abilities, from intellectual disability to above-average intelligence
- Uneven development across different areas, such as strong memory skills but poor social understanding
Conditions Associated with ASD
ASD encompasses a wide range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication.
Some conditions that fall under the ASD umbrella include:
- Autistic Disorder (Classic Autism): This is what most people think of when they hear “autism.” It involves significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges, often with intellectual disability and language delays.
- Asperger Syndrome: Individuals with Asperger syndrome usually have milder symptoms of autism but still struggle with social skills and have restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. Language development and intelligence are typically normal.
- Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS): This used to be a diagnosis for individuals who had some symptoms of autism but did not fit the criteria for autistic disorder or Asperger syndrome. Since the update to the DSM-5, this diagnosis is no longer used, and individuals with similar presentations are typically diagnosed with ASD.
- Rett Syndrome: This is a rare genetic neurological disorder that mostly affects females. It causes severe impairments in cognitive, sensory, emotional, and motor functioning.
- Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD): Also rare, CDD involves regression in multiple areas of development after a period of typical development, such as loss of language, social, and motor skills.
- Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD): While not exclusively part of the ASD diagnosis, many individuals with ASD experience sensory processing difficulties, where they may be oversensitive or under-sensitive to sensory stimuli.
- Intellectual Disability (ID): Some individuals with ASD have co-occurring intellectual disabilities, which can range from mild to severe.
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Although a separate diagnosis, ADHD commonly co-occurs with ASD and shares some symptoms, such as difficulty with impulse control and hyperactivity.
It’s important to note that ASD is a spectrum disorder, meaning that symptoms can vary widely among individuals, and no two people with ASD will have the exact same symptoms or challenges.
Our Approach to Neurodiversity and ASD Support in Children
At National Wellness Group, we utilize holistic treatments for ASD by incorporating genetic testing, nutritional therapy, dietary modifications, supplement therapy, amino acid therapy, and one-on-one coaching for parents:
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Conduct comprehensive genetic testing to identify any underlying genetic factors or mutations associated with ASD.
- Use the results to tailor treatment plans and interventions according to the individual’s genetic profile.
Dietary Modifications
- Implement dietary modifications based on identified sensitivities or intolerances, such as gluten-free or casein-free diets.
- Collaborate with nutritionists to create balanced meal plans that support overall health and well-being while accommodating dietary restrictions.
Dietary Modifications
- Assess your child’s nutritional status and dietary habits.
- Develop personalized nutrition plans to address specific nutritional deficiencies or sensitivities commonly observed in individuals with ASD.
- Emphasize nutrient-rich foods that support brain health and cognitive function.
Supplement Therapy
- Prescribe supplements targeting specific nutritional needs or deficiencies, such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, probiotics, and methylfolate.
- Monitor supplement intake to ensure safety and effectiveness, adjusting dosages as needed based on individual response and biomarker testing.
Amino Acid Therapy
- Utilize amino acid therapy to support neurotransmitter balance and improve cognitive function.
- Customize amino acid formulations based on individual requirements and metabolic pathways implicated in ASD.
One-on-One Coaching for Parents
- Provide personalized coaching and guidance for parents/caregivers on understanding and managing ASD-related behaviors and challenges
- Offer strategies and techniques for promoting positive communication, social skills, and behavioral management.
- Empower parents with resources and support networks to navigate the journey of raising a child with ASD effectively.
Each treatment plan is highly personalized based on the needs of your child.
Who We Are
Marina Yuabova, DNP, FNP, integrates holistic and functional medicine, quantum energy, and quantum diagnostics into her approach to improving your child’s health and providing the support they need. These modalities are transformed into healing energies to help them not just function but thrive. Dr. Yuabova’s treatments are entirely natural, with the body serving as the ultimate guide.