Autism treatment :
What is the difference between treating autism using the conventional method in health insurance and treating autism using the natural method ?
(Also called: Biomedicine/Naturopathy/Functional Medicine or Alternative Therapy)

Your child may have been recently diagnosed — or even long ago — with autism spectrum disorder or developmental delay, and you’re now trying to find the best treatment approaches.
But with so much information out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

What treatment options even exist? What’s the difference between conventional methods and alternative approaches — and who can you trust?

Let’s try to bring some clarity to it all.

Let’s start with the bottom line:

Unfortunately, there is still no proven pharmaceutical cure for autism.
Yes, some medications are prescribed today by neurologists or psychiatrists to children on the spectrum, but these drugs typically address secondary issues such as anxiety, attention, or sleep — not the core communication challenges of autism itself.

For example:

💊 Medications for attention and focus:

Ritalin, Concerta, Phenidin, Vyvanse, Strattera, Focalin, Daytrana, Attent
These medications are designed to improve focus while they are active. They do not address the root cause or directly improve communication. Some children benefit from them, but others experience side effects such as stomach pain, loss of appetite, tics, or even depression. (You’re encouraged to read each medication’s official leaflet for detailed side effects and risks.)

😴 Sleep support:

Slenyto (slow-release melatonin)
This is a newer medication aimed at children with melatonin deficiencies — common in autism — and helps with sleep quality. Natural alternatives exist as well. However, again, it does not address communication or core symptoms, only sleep issues.

😟 Sedatives and mood stabilizers:

Medications like Risperdal, Risperdal Consta, Risperidex, Rispond, and even antidepressants like Cipralex (Escitalopram)
These are often prescribed to reduce anxiety or agitation. However, their side effects can be severe. Risperdal, for example, is originally an antipsychotic drug for schizophrenia — a condition entirely unrelated to autism in most cases. Weight gain and motor disturbances are common, and many parents report the medication’s effect wears off over time, requiring dosage increases that may lead the child to become emotionally blunted or “zombie-like.”

Many psychiatric medications — especially for ADHD — have not been studied for long-term effects, or the studies haven’t been published. (You can read more about this in the book Anatomy of an Epidemic by Robert Whitaker.)

👉 That said, in extreme situations, medication may be necessary.
But it’s important to remember that these drugs don’t cure or target the root causes — and should never be stopped without medical supervision, as many require gradual withdrawal.

Conventional (Paraprofessional) Therapies

Occupational therapy, speech therapy, psychotherapy, physical therapy, art therapy, music therapy, hydrotherapy, therapeutic horseback riding, and more.

These can certainly support many children and occasionally lead to major breakthroughs.
I believe in surrounding your child with dedicated professionals whom you and your child feel comfortable with, and tailoring therapies based on specific needs.

If your child has a special talent — with numbers, letters, music, or drawing — it’s essential to nurture their strengths, build confidence, and celebrate their abilities.

However, these therapies typically don’t address the root cause — they help manage or improve current functioning.

Naturopathic & Functional Medicine Approach

(Also known as biomedical treatment)

Functional medicine has been used for decades in the U.S. and is now gaining traction worldwide.
This approach seeks to identify and treat the underlying causes of health challenges.

So how does this relate to autism?

Autism and developmental delays typically arise from a combination of factors — not one isolated cause. Think of it like a car accident: one driver was texting, another was distracted, the traffic light was faulty… a chain of small things leading to one big event.

Autism is not just genetic. While certain gene mutations have been found, they don’t fully explain most cases. That’s why there’s no blood test for autism — diagnosis is based on behavioral assessment.

Functional medicine identifies potential triggers such as:

• A genetic mutation impairing detoxification + exposure to heavy metals from vaccines or food

• A sensitive child experiencing multiple environmental or emotional stressors

• Poor nutrition + gut flora imbalance leading to poor absorption and inflammation

• Low neurotransmitter production + weak immune function allowing harmful bacteria to grow

• Candida overgrowth + high sugar/carb intake

• Oxalate metabolism issues + chronic digestive pain interfering with development

Each child has a unique profile, but in almost every case there are multiple contributing factors.

So how do we know what’s going on? We test.

In addition to standard tests from your health provider, there are now specialized lab tests (many non-invasive) that can help us detect potential causes.
Even if we can’t address everything, targeting just a few key issues often leads to real progress.

🔬 Examples of tests:

GI-MAP (Stool Test)

Done at home — identifies harmful bacteria (H. pylori, Klebsiella, Streptococcus), parasites, viruses, gut permeability (zonulin), gluten sensitivity, protein/fat digestion, and more.

Organic Acids Test (OAT)

A simple urine test measuring over 70 markers:

• Candida overgrowth

• Clostridia bacteria (linked to behavioral issues)

• Vitamin levels

• Neurotransmitter activity

• Methylation, detox, and cellular energy pathways

• Oxalates (pain, kidney stones)

• Metabolism of folic acid, fats, and proteins

• Signs of toxin overload

Hair Analysis for Heavy Metals & Minerals

Measures toxins like mercury, aluminum, cadmium, and lead — often stored in hair at 200–300 times higher than in blood or urine.
Many children with neurodevelopmental challenges struggle with detoxification.
Also assesses essential minerals like iron, zinc, calcium, iodine, magnesium.

IgG Food Sensitivity Test + Candida Panel

Tests for sensitivity to 190 foods, candida, and yeast.

Unlike IgE allergies (immediate and potentially life-threatening), IgG sensitivities cause delayed immune reactions — hours or days later — and can lead to symptoms like fatigue, mood changes, and digestive issues.
Candida overgrowth can trigger inflammation, leaky gut, mood disorders, autism symptoms, chronic fatigue, and more.

Urine Peptide Test

Detects sensitivity to casein (dairy) and/or gluten.
Indicates gut permeability or malabsorption issues.
Many studies suggest gluten-free/casein-free diets may benefit children on the spectrum.

Okay, we tested. Now what?

Based on test results, I create a personalized plan, which may include:

• Avoiding gluten or dairy (if sensitivity is found)

• Herbal formulas to treat gut infections (candida, parasites, bacteria)

• Supplementing vitamin or mineral deficiencies

• Gentle chelation to reduce heavy metal burden

• Supporting sleep and mood with natural supplements, essential oils, or homeopathy

• Using researched supplements that support language and communication

Can naturopathic and conventional medicine work together?

Absolutely!
In naturopathy, our first principle is "Do no harm." We can check for contraindications between medications and supplements to ensure they are safe to combine.

Is this only for severe autism?

Not at all!
Since I work with underlying causes, this approach can support individuals at any level of functioning.

For example, I treated an 18-year-old with high-functioning autism. Not only did we reduce her anxiety, abdominal pain, blood sugar issues, and PMS — today, she’s thriving in national service, sleeping well, and feeling happy.

So… Does it work?

Because this approach targets the root causes, parents often report remarkable improvements — in speech, communication, mood, sleep, digestion, and behavior.

Every child is different. Progress varies.
But the results are encouraging — and bring hope.

Have questions? Feeling unsure?
Let’s talk.
I'm here to help.