We are also offering virtual consultations. Contact us to schedule an Appointment.
We are also offering virtual consultations. Contact us to schedule an Appointment.
Many patients come to us seeking help with the following conditions...
PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) PANS is an umbrella term for a group of...
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) refers to a broad range of conditions impacting, communication, behaviour, social skills...
ADHD is a condition that typically begins in adolescence and is characterized by problems with attention, impulsivity and...
Many patients come to us seeking help with the following conditions:
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) refers to a broad range of conditions impacting, communication, behaviour, social skills and development. Challenges involving speech, nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviours may also be seen.
In Canada, the prevalence of ASD is 1 in 66 Canadian children and youth (ages 5-17). Males are four times more likely to receive an ASD diagnosis compared to females.
Interestingly, patients with ASD have higher rates of epilepsy, sleep concerns, digestive issues, sensory sensitivities and impaired metabolism of food needed for energy for cellular function, particularly brain cell function. They may also experience higher rates of anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). All of which offer clues to underlying imbalances.
There is no known cause for ASD and research suggests a multifactorial etiology. As Naturopathic Doctors we investigate underlying factors that may be contributing to your child’s ASD.
Factors we assess include:
Using a biomedical approach we work on supporting the overall health of the nervous system, cognitive function, detoxification pathways, gut and immune health.
Testing options:
Supportive treatment options include herbal medicine, homeopathic medicine, diet modification, toxic metal removal, antimicrobial therapy, and nutraceutical supplementation.
PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome)
PANS is an umbrella term for a group of acute-onset cases of OCD. Possible triggers may be infectious (e.g. Mycoplasma, EBV, Varicella, Lyme and co-infections) or non-infectious (psychosocial stressors).
PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal infection)
PANDAS is a subset of PANS that is associated with Group A Beta-Hemolytic streptococcal infections (e.g. strep throat, perianal strep, strep impetigo, streptococcal pneumonia, Scarlet fever). However, not every child with a PANDAS diagnosis has a confirmed positive strep test history.
PANS/PANDAS are waxing and remitting conditions with recurrent flares that typically affect children between the ages of 3 to 14. Current theories related to the etiology of PANS include the possibility of immune cells in the brain (neuroglia) triggering brain inflammation or an antibody cross-reaction with a special part of the brain called the basal ganglia. The basal ganglia affect behaviour, emotion, learning, cognition, sensory and motor function, all of which may be impacted and produce many of the symptoms commonly seen during a flare. In the case of PANDAS, a similar autoimmune reaction may be occurring that is likely triggered by a Group A strep antibody cross-reaction with brain tissue that also produces neuropsychiatric symptoms.
A child affected by PANS or PANDAS often presents with an abrupt onset of symptoms that may include any of the following:
Testing may be required and may include:
A supportive naturopathic treatment plan may include herbal antimicrobials, anti-biofilm agents, natural anti-inflammatories, probiotics, immune support and gut healing and repair.
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
ADHD is a condition that typically begins in adolescence and is characterized by problems with attention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. Children may be predominantly inattentive having difficulty sustaining attention, making careless mistakes, forgetting, and showing disinterest when mental effort is required. Alternatively, children may be predominantly hyperactive having difficulty obeying rules, talking excessively, fidgeting, and always moving. They may also experience impulsivity demonstrated by blurting out answers, being unable to wait their turn, and interrupting others. Children may also present with a unique combination of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.
A genetic predisposition has been documented. Approximately 50% of children with ADHD also have a parent who has a history of ADHD symptoms. Other causes of ADHD may include decreased blood flow to the brain (prefrontal cortex and limbic system), a reduced arousal of the nervous system, decreased glucose metabolism throughout the brain, differences or a lag in brain development. Environmental factors may also increase a child’s risk of developing ADHD including a history of brain injury, prenatal health factors (smoking, alcohol), environmental toxins such as lead (pipes, paint) and prematurity.
ADHD testing may include:
Treatments plans are catered to the unique symptom presentation of every child with ADHD and may include diet modification, supplementation for nutrient deficiencies, detoxification and toxic metal removal, nervous system and neurotransmitter balancing, gastrointestinal treatment for weakened digestion and dysbiosis.
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