Autism functional medicine looks beyond the diagnosis to understand the individual child and the biological factors that may be influencing their health, development and day-to-day functioning. Rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach, functional medicine considers areas such as nutrition, gut and immune health, metabolism, mitochondrial function, inflammation, environmental exposures and individual biochemistry. Where appropriate, clinical assessment and specialised testing can help identify areas that may benefit from additional support. At Brain Kids, functional medicine is combined with an understanding of brain development and neuroimmunology, allowing us to look across different body systems and bring the findings together into one clinical picture.

Not at all. I work with children who have an autism diagnosis, children who are currently undergoing assessment, and children whose parents have concerns about their development, behaviour, learning, communication, sensory processing or overall health. If you feel that something isn’t quite right, you don’t need to wait for a diagnosis before seeking support. Early intervention matters, and the earlier we identify and address factors that may be affecting your child’s health and development, the better.

Because it’s taken me 27 years, MASSIVE dedication and passion, and approximately the price of a house to get here! There isn't one qualification that teaches you how to do this work. It requires knowledge across multiple areas including child health, nutrition, biochemistry, genetics, immunology, gut health, functional medicine, and brain development and, importantly, the ability to bring all of those pieces together for one individual child. That takes serious skill in critical thinking, problem-solving, and pattern-recognition. My knowledge has been built over decades of clinical practice, university and postgraduate education, specialist training, conferences, mentoring, research, many thousands of hours of study, and a fairly relentless determination to understand more. Autism is extraordinarily complex. Understanding the biological factors that may be influencing an individual child's health and development requires looking across multiple systems and connecting dots that are often considered separately. I absolutely love this work. I’m enormously passionate about these children and their families, and I'll never stop learning for them.

FRAT (Folate Receptor Autoantibody Test) is a specialised blood test that detects antibodies against the folate receptor alpha (FRα). These antibodies can interfere with the transport of folate into the brain, potentially resulting in low levels of folate within the central nervous system even when blood folate levels appear normal. Folate receptor autoantibodies have been identified in 70-75% of children with autism.

If you are considering Folate Receptor Autoantibody (FRAT) testing, please speak with your practitioner before ordering the test through an Australian provider. There have been recent public reports from consumers describing significant delays in receiving results, difficulty obtaining communication after payment, and concerns regarding fulfilment of testing services. For this reason, Brain Kids does not currently recommend ordering FRAT testing independently through Australian providers until laboratory processing and reporting can be appropriately verified.

Not through Australian providers at this time. FRAT testing can provide useful information about folate receptor autoantibodies. However, I am currently aware of patients who have paid for FRAT testing through an Australian provider and experienced significant difficulties obtaining their results or receiving communication regarding their testing. Please speak with me before ordering a FRAT test in Australia, even through your doctor. In most cases, I prefer to consider the child's clinical history and presentation and, where appropriate, use a carefully monitored trial of folinic acid. A child's response can provide useful clinical information without automatically adding the considerable expense of FRAT testing.

Yes. Folinic acid is an intervention I use frequently in my clinical practice and is considered for some children with autism, particularly where folate metabolism or transport may be relevant. Where appropriate, I can arrange compounded folinic acid through a pharmacist and provide an individualised plan for its introduction and use. Folinic acid recommendations are made according to each child’s individual history, presentation and relevant testing.

Folinic acid is an active form of folate (vitamin B9) that can be readily used by the body. Unlike folic acid, it does not need to be converted by the enzyme DHFR before entering folate metabolism. Folinic acid supports important processes including DNA synthesis, methylation, neurotransmitter production and healthy brain development. It is also known as Leucovorin or calcium folinate and has been studied in children with autism, especially in relation to folate receptor autoantibodies and cerebral folate availability.

No. Although they are both forms of vitamin B9 (folate), folinic acid and folic acid are not the same thing. Folic acid is a synthetic form of vitamin B9 that must undergo multiple conversion steps before the body can use it effectively. Folinic acid is a reduced form of folate that bypasses the DHFR conversion step required by folic acid. Importantly, folinic acid can contribute to the pool of reduced folates transported into the brain. This is particularly relevant when folate transport into the brain is impaired, such as in cerebral folate deficiency or when folate receptor autoantibodies interfere with folate receptor-alpha (FRa).

Folinic acid is generally well tolerated, especially when introduced gradually. Some children may experience a temporary increase in activity or excitability. Less commonly, irritability, sleep difficulty, headaches, nausea or other gastrointestinal symptoms may occur. Some children may appear temporarily more unsettled or dysregulated. For this reason, I introduce folinic acid gradually and monitor the child's individual response rather than starting at a high dose. Any significant or persistent change should be discussed with the child's treating practitioner.

Yes, absolutely. Gut health is a huge factor that affects many children with autism and is a key factor in helping them regain optimum health. I regularly see children experiencing constipation (most common!), diarrhoea, bloating, abdominal discomfort, reflux, changing stool patterns, restricted eating, and other digestive concerns. These should never be automatically dismissed as simply being "part of autism". Every child is different and I dive into health history, symptoms, and overall clinical picture to determine whether gut health may be an important area to investigate further.

Gut problems affect how a child feels, sleeps and behaves. For some children with autism, particularly those with difficulties communicating pain or discomfort, a change in behaviour may be one of the first signs that something isn't right. The gut and brain communicate constantly through several pathways, including the vagus nerve, immune signaling and chemical messengers. This two-way communication means that what is happening in the gut can influence brain function, while the nervous system can also influence digestion and gut function. Gut bacteria also produce and influence a range of metabolites involved in neurotransmitter (brain chemicals) and B-vitamin pathways, adding another layer to this complex gut-brain relationship. Constipation, reflux, abdominal pain and other gastrointestinal problems can contribute to irritability, disrupted sleep, reduced appetite, distress or changes in behaviour. When behaviour changes, I don't automatically assume it is "just autism". Sometimes we need to look more closely at what the child's body may be trying to tell us.

There is no single "gut diet" or supplement plan that is right for every child. My approach is individualised and may include dietary changes, nutritional support, targeted supplements and other strategies depending on the child's symptoms, history, test results, and individual needs. Dietary approaches may include a gluten-free/casein-free (GF/CF) diet, low sugar, additive-free, Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD), or other individually tailored dietary changes where appropriate. I don't believe in unnecessarily restrictive diets, particularly for children who already have a limited range of accepted foods. The goal is never to apply the same protocol to every child, but to understand what is contributing to their gut concerns and develop a practical, achievable plan for that particular child and family.

PANS (Paediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) describes the sudden onset of significant neuropsychiatric symptoms in a child, particularly obsessive-compulsive symptoms or severely restricted eating, together with other abrupt changes in behaviour or neurological function. PANDAS (Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections) describes a subgroup of children whose sudden onset of OCD and/or tics is associated with a Group A streptococcal infection. Parents often describe a dramatic change in their child, sometimes overnight. This may include severe anxiety, emotional changes, sleep disturbance, urinary changes (such as bedwetting), developmental regression, tics, changes in handwriting or school performance, sensory changes or unusual movements. PANS and PANDAS sit at the intersection of the immune system and brain function. Neuroimmunology is one of my favourite topics!

Yes. PANS (Paediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and PANDAS (Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections) fall within the broader field of neuroimmunology. I work with children with diagnosed or suspected PANS/PANDAS, including children who also have autism or other neurodevelopmental concerns. Your child does not need to have an autism diagnosis to see me for PANS/PANDAS. These can be complex presentations, so I take an individualised approach that considers your child's history, symptoms, and broader health picture. Where appropriate, I also work alongside your child's GP, paediatrician, or other healthcare professionals.

Yes. PANS and PANDAS can occur in children alongside autism, just as they can occur in children without an autism diagnosis.Recognising PANS/PANDAS in a child with autism can sometimes be more difficult because new symptoms or sudden changes may be attributed to autism itself. A noticeable change from the child's usual baseline, particularly when symptoms appear abruptly or following an infection or illness, may warrant further investigation. At Brain Kids, I work with children with diagnosed or suspected PANS/PANDAS, including families who come to me based on a parent's concerns or suspicion rather than an existing diagnosis.

Yes. Functional testing may be used when clinically appropriate and when the results are likely to provide useful information about a child's individual health picture. At Brain Kids, specialised testing may include an Organic Acids Test (OAT) to explore metabolism, nutrient pathways, and energy production. The Vibrant Wellness Gut ZOomer can be used to investigate gut microbiome, digestive function, and gastrointestinal health. The Vibrant Wellness Neural Zoomer may be used to assess antibodies associated with neurological and immune pathways. Other specialised functional testing may be considered depending on the child's history, symptoms and clinical presentation. Testing, like treatment, is never one-size-fits-all. Tests are selected individually and only when the information is likely to meaningfully contribute to understanding the child's health and guide their ongoing care.

Organic Acids Testing (OAT) and comprehensive gut testing can provide additional information about a child's metabolism, nutrient needs, gut health and digestive function.An OAT looks at organic acids produced during normal metabolism and can provide clues about areas such as energy production, nutrient metabolism, oxidative stress, neurotransmitter metabolism and microbial activity. Comprehensive gut testing looks more directly at the gastrointestinal environment, including gut bacteria, yeasts, parasites, digestive function and markers relating to intestinal and immune health. At Brain Kids, these tests are not used to diagnose autism. They are used, when clinically appropriate, to help identify modifiable factors that may be contributing to a child's broader health picture and to guide more individualised care.

Children with autism can have significant differences in nutritional status, metabolism, mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, methylation and other biochemical pathways. Where these factors are identified, targeted nutritional supplementation can be an important part of addressing them.​However, there is no standard supplement protocol for autism. Recommendations are individualised according to your child’s history, symptoms, diet, testing and individual needs. ​I am very selective about the supplements I recommend for children and prioritise quality, purity and safety. I also understand that cost, taste, texture and simply getting a supplement into your child can be challenging! We will always work together to develop a plan that is both clinically appropriate and realistic for your family.

Join the club, I've been there too!​Taste, texture, smell, colour, or simply knowing that you’ve put something different in their food or drink can be enough for some children to refuse a supplement. For those with significant food restrictions, this is a HUGE deal.  For many children though, there are plenty of ways we can work around this. Sometimes we need to get creative. Very creative. Different formulations, powders, liquids, favourite foods, clever disguises and the occasional bit of parental trickery are all fair game! Sometimes we need to introduce things very slowly, and sometimes we simply need to change the plan.​

Appointments with Brain Kids can be booked online through the secure booking system. If your child is new to Brain Kids, select New Patient Consultation and choose an available appointment time that suits you. All consultations are conducted online or by telephone, so Brain Kids is available throughout Australia. Once your appointment is booked, you will receive consent and comprehensive intake forms by email. These must be completed at least 2 days before your appointment to allow time for your child's history to be reviewed.

Yes, Brain Kids provides a growing collection of free articles and educational resources to help parents better understand autism, child development, nutrition, gut health, brain health and other factors that can influence a child's wellbeing. You can explore the Brain Kids Resources page here!

Yes. While Brain Kids has a particular focus on autism and neurodevelopment, many children have complex developmental and health concerns that extend beyond a single diagnosis. Brain Kids supports children with ADHD, developmental delays, learning and behavioural concerns, PANS/PANDAS, sensory challenges, sleep difficulties gut and digestive problems, nutritional concerns and other factors that may be affecting their development and wellbeing. The focus is always on understanding the whole child - their development, health, history and individual needs, rather than looking at one diagnosis in isolation.