The Importance of Outdoor Play and Physical Activity for Children with Autism and ADHD

Outdoor play and physical activity are universally important for children, but they hold particular value for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The natural environment and movement-based activities provide a multitude of benefits ranging from enhanced physical health to improved emotional regulation and cognitive functioning. This blog explores the scientific underpinnings of these benefits, providing insights into how outdoor play can support the unique needs of children with ASD and ADHD.

outdoor playWellness SpeaksDecember 1, 2024outdoor play autism, adhd, physical activity autism adhd

The Dangers of Food Additives, Hidden Heavy Metals, and Deceptive Marketing in Kids’ Foods

As parents and caregivers, it can be alarming to discover the hidden dangers in common foods marketed toward children. Often brightly packaged and cleverly advertised, these foods seem fun and enticing for young consumers but contain questionable additives, hidden heavy metals, and chemicals with potential links to serious health issues like cancer, ADHD, autism, and kidney problems. Even more concerning, many of these ingredients are banned in other countries due to health risks, yet they continue to be widely used in the United States.

Autism, Food dyes and additivesWellness SpeaksNovember 2, 2024food dyes, food dangers, adhd, behaviors

Managing Blood Sugar Spikes and Behavior in Autism and ADHD: The Importance of Protein-Rich Breakfasts

Simple carbohydrates, such as those found in sugary cereals, donuts, and pop tarts, are quickly digested and absorbed, leading to rapid spikes in blood sugar levels. These spikes are often followed by a rapid decline, or "crash," as insulin works to remove excess glucose from the bloodstream. This cycle of spikes and crashes can significantly affect mood, behavior, and cognitive function. For individuals with autism and ADHD, who may already struggle with emotional regulation and focus, these fluctuations can exacerbate symptoms and lead to challenging behaviors.

Harnessing the Power of Probiotics: A Promising Approach to Enhance Brain Health, Cognition, and Behavior in Children with Autism and ADHD

Scientific breakthroughs have shed light on the intricate relationship between our gut microbiome and brain health. Probiotics can play a major role in improving digestive health and the gut microbiome. This in turn has great benefit on brain health, cognition and behaviors in children with autism and ADHD.

Vitality of Micronutrient Testing in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD

Children with ASD and ADHD often exhibit patterns of nutrient intake that fall below recommended levels for various crucial components. These include calories, protein, carbohydrates, fat, fiber, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin C, calcium, and iron. These deficiencies can detrimentally impact growth, cognitive function, immune health, and overall well-being. Integrating comprehensive micronutrient testing into the assessment process allows for personalized dietary recommendations to rectify these shortcomings.

Wellness SpeaksAugust 28, 2023autism, adhd, micronutrients, testing

Exploring the Link Between Iron Deficiency, Behavior, and Sleep in Children with Autism and ADHD

Iron is a vital nutrient that plays a crucial role in transporting oxygen throughout the body, supporting brain development, and maintaining a healthy immune system. In children with autism and ADHD, iron deficiency can exacerbate existing challenges by contributing to behavioral issues and sleep disturbances.

The Importance of Functional Medicine Testing for Autism and ADHD

While conventional medicine offers valuable insights into these conditions, the rapidly evolving field of functional medicine testing has provided us with a deeper understanding of the intricate connections between gut health, nutrient deficiencies, heavy metal toxicity, and food sensitivities in these children.

Impact of Diet on Gut Microbiome and How it Affects Autism & ADHD

The human microbiome, consisting of trillions of microorganisms inhabiting our bodies, plays a crucial role in most aspects of our health. Recent research has shown that the microbiome's composition can be influenced by diet, leading to both positive and negative effects. In children, an imbalanced microbiome has been associated with conditions such as autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Improve Your Child's Sleep

Sleep is vital to health. Sleep deprivation has been linked to inability to focus, irritability, increased anxiety, lowered immune function, and even depression and anger. Sleep is a time for restoration, growth and healing.

Unfortunately, many kids are not getting enough adequate sleep. This is especially true for children with autism and ADHD. Kids 5 to 12 years old need 9 to 12 hours each night. Lack of sleep can lead to impaired motor coordination, loss of good judgment, slower reaction time and poor memory.

Below are some tips to optimize the best sleep for your child.