Frequently asked questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.