Question 1

Can diet really help with autism or ADHD?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Nutrition plays a direct role in how the brain functions. Certain nutrient deficiencies (such as zinc, magnesium, omega-3s and B vitamins) can affect mood, focus and behaviour. Gut health imbalances may also impact emotional regulation, hyperactivity and sleep.

Question 2

Are your services neuro-affirming?

Accepted Answer

Yes — our approach is always neuro-affirming. That means I respect and value neurodivergent children as they are, without trying to “fix” their identity or personality. Every brain is unique, and differences in communication, learning or behaviour are valid.
At the same time, I also recognise that biological factors — such as nutrient deficiencies, gut imbalances, genetics, or blood sugar instability — can make life harder for children. These issues aren’t who your child is, but they can affect mood, focus, sleep and overall wellbeing.
By identifying and addressing these root causes, we’re not changing who your child is — we’re helping their brain and body work at their best, so they can feel more comfortable, regulated, and able to thrive in their own unique way.

Question 3

Can you work with children who are picky eaters?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Picky eating often has biological drivers — like gut imbalances, low zinc, or sensory sensitivities. We’ll take a step-by-step approach to gently expand your child’s diet while ensuring they get the nutrients they need.

Question 4

What happens in a consultation?

Accepted Answer

We’ll start by discussing your child’s medical history, presenting issues, and any previous pathology results. From there, I create a tailored nutrition and supplement plan to address underlying deficiencies, gut health, and brain support. The goal is to give you practical steps you can start implementing straight away.

Question 5

Do you see children already taking medication?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We are not anti-medication. For some children, medication can be helpful — especially when symptoms are overwhelming. However, we believe medication should never be the first or only step.
Our approach is to:
Identify root causes first (through brain mapping, functional testing, nutrient assessment, and gut health evaluation).
Support the body and brain naturally wherever possible to reduce symptoms.
Work alongside medication if it’s prescribed — many children find their medication works more effectively (and with fewer side effects) when nutrient deficiencies and gut issues are addressed.
We respect each family’s choices. Medication can be part of the plan, but it should not replace exploring what’s driving your child’s challenges underneath.

Question 6

What kind of testing do you offer?

Accepted Answer

In addition to standard blood work, we use other functional testing as well.
We can order specific Nutrient deficiency panels, Stool and microbiome analysis, QEEGs and Smart DNA testing. These tests give a clearer picture of what could be going on biologically.

Question 7

Can gut health really affect behaviour and learning?

Accepted Answer

Yes — the gut and brain are closely connected through the gut-brain axis. An imbalance in gut bacteria can lead to inflammation and reduced neurotransmitter production, especially serotonin. This can affect sleep, mood, concentration and even speech development. Supporting gut health is often a missing piece in child development.

Question 8

What foods help with focus and concentration?

Accepted Answer

Foods rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc and iron are key for brain function. Examples include: Oily fish (salmon, sardines), Eggs, Red meat (for iron and zinc), Nuts and seeds, In addition it is equally important to feed the beneficial gut bacteria  with adequate vegetable intake. These foods help fuel neurotransmitters that support attention and learning.

Question 9

How long does it take to see results?

Accepted Answer

Every child is different. Some families notice improvements in mood, sleep or energy within weeks of making changes, while speech and learning progress may take longer. Consistency and addressing the root causes are key.

Question 10

Do you provide services for adults as well as children?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we provide nutrition services for adults, teens and children. Often when I see children, parents start to realise they also may be neurodivergent and equally need support for themselves.

Question 11

Why does my child have so many meltdowns?

Accepted Answer

Meltdowns and defiance aren’t always behavioural — they often reflect things going on with the brain and body. Neurotransmitter deficiencies like serotonin can affect emotional regulation. 
Blood sugar crashes, nutrient deficiencies (like magnesium or zinc), and gut inflammation can also make it harder for children to regulate emotions. QEEGs and other testing can uncover what’s driving the behaviour.

Question 12

Why isn’t my child talking yet?

Accepted Answer

Speech development depends on healthy brain chemistry and nutrient supply. Low levels of B12, zinc, or omega-3s, as well as gut imbalances, can interfere with neurotransmitters involved in language. By identifying and correcting deficiencies, many children show progress in communication skills.

Question 13

Why won’t my child sleep?

Accepted Answer

One of the biggest influencers of sleep is the body’s production of melatonin. Melatonin is converted from Serotonin. Serotonin relies on co factors like magnesium, B6 and zinc. Gut imbalances or nutrient deficiencies can all disrupt sleep cycles. Correcting these issues helps restore healthy, restful sleep.

Question 14

What role do supplements play in managing autism and ADHD?

Accepted Answer

Supplements can be beneficial in managing autism and ADHD, especially when there are nutrient deficiencies. Omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, zinc, and B vitamins are commonly recommended. However, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen to ensure safety and efficacy.

Question 15

How does gut health influence autism and ADHD?

Accepted Answer

The gut-brain connection is significant in autism and ADHD. An imbalance in gut bacteria can lead to neurotransmitter deficiencies and inflammation, impacting mood, behaviour, and cognitive function. Supporting gut health through probiotics, prebiotics, and a balanced diet can improve symptoms.

Question 16

How can nutrition impact autism and ADHD?

Accepted Answer

Nutrition plays a crucial role in managing symptoms of autism and ADHD. Certain nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, magnesium, and B vitamins, are essential for brain function and can help improve focus, behavior, and emotional regulation. A balanced diet that includes these nutrients can support overall brain health and reduce symptoms.

Question 17

Are there specific diets recommended for children with autism and ADHD?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some diets have shown to be beneficial for children with autism and ADHD or other mental health conditions. 
The GAPs diet for example, can help reduce symptoms in some children. Although we don't specifically use any one type of diet as it is never "one size fits all", we always tailor a diet that fits the individual. Additionally, diets rich in whole foods, proteins, fats, and low in processed foods can support better brain function and behaviour.

Question 18

What is a QEEG?

Accepted Answer

A QEEG (quantitative electroencephalogram) is sometimes called a “brain map.” It is completely non invasive but can be difficult sometimes for children to sit still long enough.

It measures your child’s brainwave activity and compares it to what’s typical for their age. This helps us see if there are areas of the brain that are overactive, under-active, or not communicating efficiently.

Question 19

Why would a child need a QEEG?

Accepted Answer

A QEEG can provide insight into why a child might be struggling with things like:
Focus and attention (ADHD-type symptoms)
Anxiety or emotional regulation
Sleep difficulties
Learning or speech delays
Behavioural challenges
It doesn’t diagnose a condition, but it shows us how the brain is functioning in real time.

Question 20

How does a QEEG work?

Accepted Answer

The test is safe, painless, and non-invasive. A cap with sensors is placed on the scalp to record brainwave activity. No electrical current goes into the brain — it only measures what’s happening naturally.

Question 21

How can a QEEG help with nutrition and gut health?

Accepted Answer

The brain relies on nutrients, neurotransmitters, and a healthy gut to function well. A QEEG shows us patterns — such as excess fast waves linked to anxiety or slow waves linked to inattention — that may point to nutrient deficiencies, gut inflammation, or imbalances in brain chemistry.
 By combining QEEG insights with nutrition and functional testing, we can better target the root causes behind your child’s challenges.

Question 22

Will a QEEG change my child’s treatment plan?

Accepted Answer

Yes — a QEEG can guide us in personalising your child’s support. For example, if the brain shows patterns of over-arousal, we may look at calming nutrients, balancing gut inflammation, and supporting sleep. If under-arousal is seen, we may focus on brain-fuelling nutrients and stabilising blood sugar.
It helps ensure the plan is tailored to your child’s unique brain activity.

Question 23

What is Smart DNA testing?

Accepted Answer

Smart DNA testing looks at your child’s unique genetic profile. It helps us understand how the body processes nutrients, how they detoxify, and how their gut and brain may be affected by genetic variations.

Question 24

How is Smart DNA different from standard testing?

Accepted Answer

Standard blood tests show what’s happening right now. Smart DNA testing shows us your child’s genetic blueprint — areas where they may have a higher need for certain nutrients or be more sensitive to specific environmental factors. Together, this helps us see both the current picture and the underlying predispositions.

Question 25

How does Smart DNA testing relate to nutrition?

Accepted Answer

Your child’s genes influence how well they:
Absorb vitamins and minerals (like iron, zinc, folate, B12)
Make and break down neurotransmitters (dopamine, serotonin, GABA)
Detoxify chemicals and manage inflammation
Respond to different diets (e.g., gluten, dairy, fats, or carbohydrates)
This means we can personalise their nutrition plan to support their genetic strengths and weaknesses.

Question 26

Can Smart DNA testing guide supplements?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If your child has a genetic variation that affects folate metabolism, for example, we may recommend methylated B vitamins. If they have higher needs for omega-3s, we can prioritise fish oil. The goal isn’t to give more supplements — it’s to give the right supplements that match their biology.

Question 27

Will Smart DNA testing change over time?

Accepted Answer

No — your genes stay the same. What changes is how those genes are expressed, depending on environment, stress, gut health, sleep, and diet. That’s why nutrition is so powerful: by supporting the body in the right way, we can often reduce the impact of genetic vulnerabilities.

Question 28

🔍 Blood Tests vs. Smart DNA Testing

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