ADHD & Autism

Supporting neurodivergent children is about understanding the challenges that children with ADHD and Autism can struggle with, while also removing the pressure to behave in neurotypical ways.

Embracing neurodiversity is about accepting, celebrating and supporting the natural variations in the ways that our brains work.

Embracing neurodiversity

Kate is passionate about supporting neurodivergent children within her paediatric naturopathy clinic. She recognises and respects that Autism and ADHD are unique neurotypes to be accepted, included and celebrated.

Kate’s approach is rooted in the neurodiversity-affirming framework, which values the diversity of human brains and the unique strengths that come with them. However, she also understands the challenges that children with autism and ADHD can face.

Her holistic support encompasses a range of services tailored to address specific concerns. Through personalised treatment plans that may include dietary adjustments, nutritional support, herbal remedies, and lifestyle modifications, Kate works with families to optimise the well-being and quality of life for each child. She works in collaboration with parents, caregivers and their wider healthcare team to create a safe and inclusive environment that embraces neurodiversity, promoting the potential and capabilities of every child..

Areas of support

Neurodivergent children can experience struggles that may benefit from support to enhance their well-being. While it's crucial to remember that every child is different and may not exhibit all of these characteristics, some common areas where support may be needed include:

  1. Attention and Hyperactivity: For those with ADHD, maintaining attention and/or controlling hyperactivity can be challenging, affecting their school performance and daily functioning.

  2. Emotional Regulation: Difficulty in managing emotions and coping with stress or anxiety can be common. Some children may experience meltdowns, shutdowns, or exhibit intense emotional responses.

  3. Executive Function: Challenges in planning, organizing, and time management can hinder tasks like completing homework or chores.

  4. Sleep Disturbances: Many neurodivergent children may experience sleep disturbances, leading to irregular sleep patterns and disrupted sleep routines.

  5. Food Sensitivities and Dietary Preferences: Sensitivities to certain foods or textures are not uncommon, and some children may have restricted diets due to taste or texture preferences.

  6. Sensory Sensitivities: Many neurodivergent children experience sensory sensitivities, which can lead to overreacting or underreacting to sensory stimuli, such as loud noises, bright lights, or certain textures.

Naturopathic approach & considerations

Kate is dedicated to providing a compassionate and holistic approach to supporting neurodivergent children, recognising that every child is unique and deserves personalised care. Kate's approach is rooted in the principles of naturopathic medicine, which emphasise the importance of treating the whole person, addressing the underlying causes of health concerns, and promoting natural healing processes. Here's how Kate brings her naturopathic expertise to support neurodivergent children:

  1. Individualised Treatment Plans: Kate takes the time to thoroughly assess each child's health, taking into account their unique needs, challenges, and strengths. She collaborates closely with parents and caregivers to develop individualised treatment plans.

  2. Nutrition and Dietary Guidance: Kate understands the significant impact of nutrition on a child's well-being. She provides tailored dietary guidance, helping families navigate food sensitivities, allergies, and dietary preferences, ensuring that children receive the essential nutrients they need to thrive.

  3. Gut support: Recognising the importance of a healthy gut microbiome in overall health, Kate offers guidance on probiotics, prebiotics, and dietary choices that foster a balanced and diverse gut microbiome. She helps families understand the role of gut health in neurological well-being and provides strategies to maintain a healthy gut-brain axis.

  4. Nutrigenomic Strategies: Kate incorporates the emerging field of nutrigenomics, which explores the interplay between genetics and nutrition. She works to identify unique nutritional requirements and potential genetic factors influencing healt.

  5. Herbal Remedies: Kate may incorporate herbal remedies and natural therapies to support neurodivergent children in managing symptoms and improving overall health. These treatments are gentle, safe, and chosen based on the child's unique profile.

  6. Supporting Sensory Needs: Kate provides guidance on managing sensory sensitivities, helping families create sensory-friendly environments and strategies to address sensory challenges.

  7. Promoting Emotional Well-being: Kate recognises the importance of emotional well-being for neurodivergent children. She offers strategies for emotional regulation, stress management, and ways to enhance self-esteem and self-confidence.

Kate's compassionate and holistic approach to supporting neurodivergent children goes beyond addressing symptoms; it focuses on optimising their well-being and quality of life. By empowering families with the knowledge and tools to navigate the journey of raising a neurodivergent child, Kate helps create an inclusive, supportive, and nurturing environment where every child can thrive

Additional resources

  1. Neurodiversity & Neurodivergence Guide for Families - Raising Children guide for families around celebrating and supporting neurodivergent children.

  2. Neurodiversity 101 - An introduction and crash course in neurodiversity

  3. Why everything you know about autism is wrong - Autism researcher and advocate Jen den Houting explains concepts like the Neurodiversity paradigm and Social Model of Disability.

  4. Reframing Autism - Reframing the understanding of Autism through education, resources and research.

  5. ADHD Support Australia - Online resource and community for ADHD support

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References:

  1. den Houting, J. (2019). Neurodiversity: An insider’s perspective. Autism. Link

  2. McLean, S., & Chris (2021). What is the social model of disability and why is it important in child mental health? [Webinar]. Child Family Community Australia and Emerging Minds. Link

Hi, I’m Kate

I’m a degree-qualified naturopath with a passion [or maybe obsession] for anything related to the brain: how it works, why things go wrong, and what we can do to support it.

I work with kids, from toddlers to adolescents, supporting conditions such as anxiety, PANS & PANDAS, OCD, ADHD, behavioural issues, sleep difficulties and other conditions of the gut-brain axis.

I love research and science, and I want to understand deeply the how and the why of the ways our bodies work, but also respect and incorporate traditional naturopathic knowledge such as herbal medicine and functional testing when appropriate.

Outside my clinic time, I am busy being a mother to two children and two dogs, living and playing on Wurundjeri land in North Warrandyte.