"Sometimes, real superheroes live in the hearts of small children fighting big battles"- Autism Spectrum Disorder, Through My Eyes.
A specific subset of neurological conditions is known as developmental disorders. These are increasingly prevalent, yet inadequately understood behavioural, psychological and psychiatric disorders that present in childhood.
Due to the very early age of onset and the increasing links between developmental disorders with maternal transfer, genetics, nutrition and lifestyle choices, the MinddFoundation regards many of these disorders as preventable and manageable through the practice of integrative health and the functional medicine approach.
First smiles, visual fixing and following, crawling, walking, pincer-grasping, pointing, waving, responding to affection and self-feeding are some of the hundreds of milestones families enjoy observing in their babies and children. It is a massive concern for many parents when the simple joys of childhood may not be progressing as expected.
- Attention-Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Auditory Processing Disorders
- Dyscalculia
- Dysgraphia
- Dyslexia
- Dyspraxia/Apraxia
- Gross Motor Skill Delays
- Expressive Language Disorder
- Visual Processing Disorders
- Learning Disabilities
- Sensory Processing Disorders (Other)
- Other conditions described as being developmental in nature but with known and specific genetic abnormalities include Angelman Syndrome (chromosome 15 single gene defect), Down Syndrome (trisomy of chromosome 21), Fragile X Syndrome (X chromosome single gene defect), Prader-Willi Syndrome (paternal chromosome 15 deletion, or double inheritance of maternal chromosome 15), William's Syndrome (chromosome 7 gene deletions)
- Toxicological Health:
Exposure to toxins in utero or neonatal life is increasingly linked to developmental delay. Pregnant women should avoid exposure to toxic heavy metals (including lead, mercury, arsenic) in the same way they are advised to avoid smoking and consuming alcohol. Many toxic chemicals are released into the environment and bios accumulate in the food chain. Pesticides are just one example together with weedkillers like Roundup (i.e. Glyphosate). Developing brains of young babies and children are particularly sensitive. Additionally, children being far smaller than adults in surface area means that a toxic dose that may be less significant in adults can be disastrous in children. - Quality of Diet:
Mothers need to eat well during pregnancy, ensuring ample intake of micronutrients and antioxidants. The diet of the affected child is critical to support their natural endogenous detoxification pathways, reduce inflammation, support gut health (particularly concerning gut-brain health), and nourish and support healthy nerve impulse transmission. Chemical-free diets can work wonders for these children. - Prenatal and Neonatal Life:
Prematurity and infections (including Rubella, Zika virus, Herpes Simplex virus, Varicella virus, Cytomegalovirus and Group B Streptococcus bacteria) during the in utero period or early neonatal life are well-established causes of developmental disorders. However, the apparently more subtle problems of nutritional deficiencies actually have a powerful effect on both maternal genes and the health of the embryo and growing foetus. Zinc, copper, selenium, iron, vitamins B9, B12, A and D are all critical to DNA transcription, translation and gene expression. The importance of maternal AND paternal prenatal nutrition, for at least 6 months before conception cannot be stressed enough. This is the time for doing all you can to safeguard the genome of your offspring.
If concerns are apparent after screening, then children will undergo a full developmental evaluation. This is often performed by developmental paediatricians, developmental psychologists or a paediatric neurologist.
"Parents who have children with special needs- also have special needs. They need to know more than the average parent. They need to do more than the average parent. They need more patience than the average parent... and so much more". – S.Zajicek, Parents Supporting Parents.
The MINDD Foundation offers information and support to help achieve optimal outcomes for an individual dealing with a developmental condition. It begins with a strong team of Integrative practitioners who can guide the patient on an individualised path best suited to their unique combination of genetic and environmental factors. Whether you are a parent, practitioner or carer, you are not alone in your quest for information and support.
References
Centres for Disease Control (CDC) (2016). Act Early Checklist. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/pdf/checklists/all_checklists.pdf
Centres for Disease Control (CDC) (2016). Developmental Milestones: Learn the Signs. Act Early. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/index.html
Grandjean, P. and Landrigan, P. (2006). Developmental neurotoxicity of industrial chemicals: A Review. The Lancet. 368, (9553): 2167-2178.
Kerstjens, J. M., Bocca-Tjeertes, I. F., de Winter, A. F., Reijneveld, S. A., & Bos, A. F. (2012). Neonatal morbidities and developmental delay in moderately preterm-born children. Pediatrics, 130(2), e265-e272.
Shevell, M. I., Ashwal, S., Donley, D., Flint, J., Gingold, M., Hirtz, D., ... & Sheth, R. D. (2003). Practice parameter: Evaluation of the child with global developmental delay Report of the Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology and The Practice Committee of the Child Neurology Society. Neurology, 60(3), 367-380.
