Autism Functional Medicine Resources

PANS and PANDAS can cause sudden and dramatic changes in a child's behaviour, including anxiety, OCD, aggression and tics. Learn how infections, immune dysregulation and neuroinflammation may affect brain function, and why recognising these changes is so important.

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.

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.

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.

By Amanda Downsborough - Brain Kids. 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 will grow