Neurodevelopmental disorders
At my practice, I address a range of disorders, including PANS/PANDAS, OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder), ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder), ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), and Autism Spectrum Disorders. I focus on identifying underlying factors in the body that influence brain function, such as systemic inflammation, brain inflammation, immune system issues, autoimmunity, mitochondrial health, infections (viral, bacterial, and fungal), the gut and nasal microbiomes, DNA and DNA methylation, toxic metals, Lyme disease, and co-infections, among other areas.
Together, we will develop a comprehensive understanding of the events in a child’s life that may have contributed to the onset of these disorders, and co-create a personalised plan that addresses the root causes. This approach aims to reduce symptoms in the child and alleviate stress for the family.
With both personal and professional experience in dealing with these developmental disorders, I have lived through these challenges myself. This experience equips me to better support and guide families on their journey.
PANDAS (Paediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder associated with strep) and PANS (Paediatric acute onset neuropsychiatric syndrome):
Children with PANS/PANDAS often experience sudden and severe behavioural changes due to toxins, infections, and immune system dysfunction. This can lead to OCD, tics, anxiety, and a wide range of neurological and psychiatric symptoms. While these two disorders share similar symptoms, they differ in their underlying triggers and have slightly different diagnostic criteria.
Managing PANS/PANDAS can be an extremely challenging experience for both the child and their family. I provide support through personalised guidance, supplement recommendations, and interpretation of lab results. I advocate for a multidisciplinary approach, which may include supplements, pharmaceutical interventions, and holistic therapies such as cranio-sacral work.
There is hope for these children and their families, as the condition is treatable, and many children go on to lead fulfilling lives.
How do I address these conditions?
I perform a detailed intake and history of symptoms from before birth to compile a story unique to each client. I can then order tests (below) to look further for clues to these layered complex issues. With this information we co-create a protocol (evidence based) taking leads from parent intuition (which is vital).
Here is a synopsis of how we can restore health from root cause:
1) I look at genetics and which genes are being expressed - we are born with our genotype (certain genes) and when you wash that over with exposure, we get the phenotype - which is what we see when we look at ourselves - including disease states and is referred to as gene expression.
2) I look at the life exposures which may be influencing the phenotype (expression of genes) - things like:
Lifestyle, clean air, water, food, pollution, medication, environmental toxins and xenobiotics
Metabolic byproducts (lipid peroxidase, oxidative stress, organic acids), inflammation, and the microbiome (gut, nasal, lungs)
Mental: thoughts, beliefs, fears, phobias, stressors.
3) Look at pathogens and stealth pathogens (those which hide and persist low level):
The biology of these pathogens
the pathophysiology - biofilm production, interactions with the immune system, how they can evade the immune system
4) Patterns emerge which inform us as to why infection has become a problem in this case, as opposed to other individuals. The question is, why is this person having a response to infection (strep/lyme/viruses/mould), but others can have no response, or a more acute response with resolution and then recover? Restoration of health lies in these answers, and once we remove these obstacles the body is trying to deal with, the body heals.
Functional Medicine Testing - I can order and interpret the following tests:
Coeliac Antibody Profile and Celiac Gene Test (HLA DQ2 & HLA DQ8)
DNA Gene Profile Testing
Environmental Pollutants Testing for Chemical Toxicity
Faecal Microbial Analysis (Comprehensive Stool testing: for beneficial & dysbiotic bacteria, clostridium, candida & yeast, secretory IgA, Lactoferrin, White blood cells, Mucus, Pancreatic Elastase, pH & details of possible food digestion impairment of fats)
Food Intolerance testing
Heavy metal assessment – hair tissue mineral analysis (mercury, lead, cadmium, arsenic, aluminium etc.)
Helicobacter pylori
Histamine testing
Inflammatory marker- Blood test (CRP, ESR, Cytokines)
Insulin – blood test
Intestinal Permeability testing
Liver functional detoxification testing
MTHFR gene mutation tests
Methylation testing (Methionine, Cysteine, homocysteine, SAMe, SAH etc.)
Organic Acids test
Pyrroles & Porphyrins
Hormone testing (Cortisol, DHEA, Oestrogens -E1, E2, E3, progesterone, androgens, testosterone, melatonin)
Parasite testing (Blastocystis hominis, Dientamoeba fragilis, Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium)
SIBO (Small intestinal bacterial/microbial/fungal overgrowth)
Zonulin testing