What We Treat
Autism and ADHD
Autism spectrum disorders and ADHD are complex neurodevelopmental conditions that affect millions of children and can significantly impact their learning, behavior, social interactions, and overall quality of life. While conventional medicine typically focuses on behavioral interventions and medications to manage symptoms, these approaches often overlook the underlying biological factors that may be contributing to or exacerbating these conditions.
At KALE Functional Medicine in Houston, we take a comprehensive functional medicine approach to supporting children with autism and ADHD. Rather than simply managing symptoms, we investigate and address the root causes that may be influencing brain function, including gut health, nutritional deficiencies, environmental exposures, and metabolic imbalances. Our goal is to optimize your child’s overall health and neurological function, potentially improving their symptoms and enhancing their ability to thrive.
Signs and Symptoms
Children with autism spectrum disorders may display a wide range of symptoms that affect communication, social interaction, and behavior. You might notice challenges with verbal and non-verbal communication, difficulty making eye contact or engaging in back-and-forth conversations, repetitive behaviors or intense interests in specific topics, and sensitivity to sensory experiences like sounds, textures, or lights. Many children with autism also experience difficulties with transitions, changes in routine, and social situations that seem overwhelming or confusing to them.
ADHD typically manifests as persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with daily functioning and development. Children may have trouble focusing on tasks, following instructions, or completing homework, along with difficulty sitting still, excessive talking, or acting without thinking about consequences. Many children struggle with organization, time management, and emotional regulation, often feeling frustrated when they can’t meet expectations despite their best efforts.
What many parents don’t realize is that children with autism and ADHD frequently also experience physical symptoms that may indicate underlying health imbalances. These can include chronic digestive issues like constipation, diarrhea, or stomach pain, sleep disturbances that affect the whole family, frequent infections or illnesses, unusual food preferences or aversions, and mood swings or emotional outbursts that seem disproportionate to the situation.
Some children may have been diagnosed with one condition but display symptoms of both, or parents may notice that symptoms seem to worsen during times of illness, stress, or dietary changes. Many families have tried various interventions with limited success and are looking for a more comprehensive approach that addresses their child’s overall health and wellbeing.
How We Can Help
Comprehensive Functional Assessment
Our approach to supporting children with autism and ADHD begins with extensive testing that goes far beyond what’s typically offered in conventional settings. We evaluate your child’s nutritional status, including deficiencies in key nutrients like B vitamins, magnesium, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids that are crucial for brain function and development. We assess gut health through comprehensive stool testing to identify bacterial imbalances, yeast overgrowth, or inflammatory markers that may be affecting brain function through the gut-brain connection. We also evaluate for environmental toxin exposure, food sensitivities, and metabolic factors that could be influencing your child’s neurological development.
Nutritional Intervention and Support
Many children with autism and ADHD have specific nutritional needs that aren’t being met through diet alone, either due to selective eating patterns, poor absorption, or increased metabolic demands. We develop personalized nutritional protocols that may include targeted supplementation to address deficiencies, dietary modifications to remove inflammatory foods or support brain health, and strategies to improve nutrient absorption and utilization. We work closely with families to implement these changes in ways that are realistic and sustainable for your child and family dynamics.
Gut Health Restoration
Research increasingly shows strong connections between gut health and brain function, particularly in children with autism and ADHD. We focus on identifying and addressing gut imbalances that may be contributing to neurological symptoms, including treating bacterial or yeast overgrowth, healing intestinal permeability that may be allowing toxins to affect brain function, and supporting the growth of beneficial bacteria that produce neurotransmitters and reduce inflammation. This gut healing approach often leads to improvements not just in digestive symptoms, but also in behavior, mood, and cognitive function.
Environmental and Toxin Assessment
Environmental factors can significantly impact neurological development and function in susceptible children. We evaluate your child’s exposure to heavy metals, pesticides, and other environmental toxins that may be affecting brain development or function. When indicated, we provide safe, natural detoxification support to help your child’s body eliminate harmful substances. We also offer guidance on reducing environmental exposures in your home and daily life to support your child’s ongoing neurological health.
Behavioral and Educational Support Integration
While we focus on the biological aspects of autism and ADHD, we recognize that comprehensive care requires coordination with behavioral, educational, and therapeutic interventions. We work collaboratively with your child’s existing therapy team and can provide information to help optimize the effectiveness of behavioral interventions through improved nutrition, gut health, and overall physical wellness. Our approach is designed to enhance and support other therapies your child may be receiving.
Why Choose KALE for Autism and ADHD Support
Comprehensive Biological Assessment: We evaluate the underlying health factors that may be contributing to your child’s symptoms, going far beyond what’s typically assessed in conventional settings.
Personalized Treatment Protocols: Every plan is customized based on your child’s unique test results, symptoms, and individual needs, recognizing that no two children are exactly alike.
Family-Centered Approach: We work closely with parents as partners in their child’s care, providing education, support, and practical guidance for implementing interventions at home.
Evidence-Based Natural Interventions: Our protocols are based on current research about the biological factors that can influence autism and ADHD symptoms.
Collaborative Care: We work with your child’s existing therapy team and healthcare providers to ensure coordinated, comprehensive support.
Long-Term Support: We provide ongoing monitoring and adjustments as your child grows and their needs evolve.
Hope and Empowerment: We help families understand that there are often treatable underlying factors that can be addressed to support their child’s optimal development.
How to Book Your Child's Assessment
Taking the first step toward understanding the biological factors that may be affecting your child’s development can provide new hope and possibilities:
Schedule Your Consultation
Contact our office to book a comprehensive evaluation with our pediatric functional medicine specialists who understand the complexities of autism and ADHD.
Patient Success Stories
Melissa Bassett was so helpful to my daughter. We went in there after being sent to so many different doctors. My daughter is feeling so good and is really focusing on gut health. We are extremely grateful for this practice and could not be happier.
Jody
Patient
Kale Functional Medicine is exactly what I was looking for when my daughter kept getting strep, has swollen adenoids, and just kept getting sick. I’m so happy I found this clinic and I would recommend this place to anyone who wants to better there health and find natural ways to better your health.
Alexia
Patient
I can’t say enough amazing things about Kale Functional Medicine. Melissa has made house improvements in not only my personal health but also the health of my husband and children. Not to mention their knowledge is the best! I highly recommend them both!
Vanessa
Patient
