Gluten and dairy can trigger inflammation, gut permeability, and immune reactions that affect brain function in children with autism. Removing these foods may improve digestion, behaviour, and focus by reducing zonulin, histamine, and folate receptor autoantibodies. A gluten- and dairy-free diet supports the gut-brain axis, calming inflammation and helping children thrive naturally.

Autism involves both biochemical and brain hemispheric imbalances. Inflammation, oxidative stress, and neurotransmitter disruption affect how the right and left hemispheres connect and communicate. By restoring biochemistry, supporting mitochondrial health, and strengthening neural integration, functional medicine helps rebalance the brain and unlock each child’s potential.

Folate is a big deal in people with autism. There are lots of genetics around folate metabolism, and a few other very important things to take into consideration too. This should be general knowledge for everyone.

The autonomic nervous system controls stress and calm through its two branches — sympathetic (fight or flight) and parasympathetic (rest, digest, and connect). Chronic sympathetic dominance affects brain, gut, and immune function. Supporting vagal tone through breathing, movement, and connection helps children with autism shift from survival mode toward brain and body healing, regulation, and emotional safety.

Mitochondria are critical to life. Dysfunction arises when mitochondria fail to adequately produce energy, affecting entire biological processes. So what is mitochondrial dysfunction in autism? And what can you do to help?

Sleep problems in children with autism often stem from more than bedtime routines — they involve the gut, immune system, and brain. Neuroinflammation, histamine imbalance, and poor melatonin production can all disrupt rest. Learn how calming the nervous system, reducing inflammation, and supporting gut and immune health can help your child sleep deeply, restore brain repair, and wake happier.

Artificial food colours may make snacks look fun, but research shows they can affect children’s behaviour, mood, and focus — especially in those with ADHD or autism. These petroleum-based dyes can trigger hyperactivity, irritability, sleep problems, and gut inflammation. Learn how artificial colours impact the brain and discover simple, natural swaps to help your child feel calmer, sleep better, and thrive.

Hay fever season is upon us again. Handout attached to help reduce your histamine load.

By Amanda Downsborough - Holistic Child Health. BSc, PGDip, GCert, MSc, ACAAM Parents are suffering under the scrutiny of family, friends, and strangers as their child throws flailing limbs and verbals insults, launching war on them yet again. Inside these fragile, developing brains, the delicate balance of chemicals brews like a Molotov cocktail just waiting for a trigger. We walk on eggshells to prevent another fit of rage (was it over the wrong pair of socks?), hoping they

Effective strategies to manage and resolve colic in infants.