It is our belief that knowledge is power and as such, we aim to empower our readers. To this end, this column will explore integrative healthcare topics and treatment information, based on the latest research and evidence-based ideas.
Autism is the tip of the iceberg in a range of chronic diseases that are affecting children at younger and younger ages. It is at the point where large numbers of children are dealing with allergies, asthma, anxiety, diabetes, obesity and even arthritis. This dramatic increase in childhood conditions poses an alarming threat to our children and society.
Autism is the ultimate multi-faceted disorder that requires an integrative approach to treatment. Research shows that best practice for ASD is a team approach involving parents, carers, educators, family and expert health professionals.
For this reason, Mindd Foundation recommends a doctor or health professional specialising in nutritional medicine as the first step. These practitioners are adept at personalised care and cellular health; removing what is bad and putting in what is good in order to benefit the cells that make up the body.
They are also very skilled at treating other conditions that individuals with autism often have, including ADHD, allergies, anxiety, arthritis, asthma, deepression, diabetes, dyslexia, dyspraxia, eczema, food sensitivities, infections, inflammation, learning and language delay, metabolic dysfunction, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), oppositional defiance disorder (ODD), Oxidative Stress, sensory processing disorder (SPD), sleep and eating disorders, mood and behavioural disorders and many more.
The acronym for MINDD – Metabolic, Immunologic, Neurologic, Digestive and Developmental – refers to the inter-connectedness of seemingly separate conditions. The Mindd Foundation promotes effective, evidence-based treatments, including the education of the community, encouraging best practice for all individuals.
However, with integrative healthcare in its infancy, parents and patients have often had to be the case managers and manage their own care.
Since 2005, Mindd Foundation has assisted educating parents and patients by providing information on a range of conditions and effective treatments, including lifestyle.
At the same time, with the assistance of world experts, the Mindd Foundation has been training practitioners in evidence-based nutritional medicine and other relevant therapies. We have also partnered with other practitioner training programs to promote certified practitioners well-trained in the latest in Integrative, Functional and Natural therapies. Visit our Practitioner Directory to find a practitioner near you.
Because connecting educated patients with well-trained practitioners leads to optimal healthcare outcomes.
References
Mitchell GK, Tieman JJ, Shelby-James TM. Multidisciplinary care planning and teamwork in primary care. Med J Aust. 2008;188(8 Suppl): S61-4.
Wilkinson LA. Best practice guide to assessment and intervention for Autism and Asperger syndrome in schools. London, GBR: Jessica Kingsley Publishers; 2010. p52
Frye RE, Rose S, Slattery J, et al. Gastrointestinal dysfunction in autism spectrum disorder: The role of the mitochondria and the enteric microbiome. Microb Ecol Health Dis. 2015;26:27458.
Angelis MD, Piccolo M, Vannini L, et al. Fecal microbiota and metabolome of children with autism and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified. PLoS One. 2013;8(10).