Specialist Naturopathic care for ADHD, ASD and other Neurodivergent children and adults
Naturopath Laura Hickey specialises in working with ADHD, ASD, Down’s syndrome and other neurodivergent children and adults. As the mother of a child with Down’s syndrome and ADHD Laura understands high needs children and the importance of diet and supplements as well as gut health to maximise you/your childs health and well being outcomes. Laura will usually start with an Organic Acids test – to get a comprehensive overview of what is happening in the gut, brain, toxins, neurotransmitters and other important functional aspects. From here she will prepare a treatment plan unique to you/ your child and their specific needs. Laura can help with issues including;
- Digestion and gut problems
- Allergies and sensitivities
- Behavioural regulation
- Poor sleep
- Lack of energy
- Emotional regulation
- Cognitive Function
- Fussy eating and poor eating habits
- Focus, distractibility, hyperactivity, impulsivity
- Weak immune system, recurrent illness
- Headaches/migraines
- Skin flares (eczema, acne, hives)
- Symptom flare (brain fog, sleep, mood)
- Perimenopause-related ADHD
How do we help?
,A Naturopath is a functional medicine practitioner using a combination of traditional herbal medicine, food as medicine and science based nutritional medicine. The aim is to find out why? And then work to restore balance.
For example, many neurodiverse people have issues with gut dysbiosis (too much bad bacteria in the gut, which may be asymptomatic). These bacteria can produce toxins that make it hard to concentrate or affect emotional regulation. By balancing the gut and removing the toxins, these ‘symptoms’ usually lessen or disappear.
What do we use for testing and treating?
Addressing dietary needs, reviewing diet and implementing small sustainable changes to maximise nutrient intake. Diet can be a lot around what to avoid as well as what to include. Removing antagonising, inflammatory and overly stimulating foods can result in instant improvements. Laura is here to support you through these changes. She understands many neurodiverse children can be fussy eaters and diet changes can be challenging.
Where needed nutritional supplements will be prescribed to support nervous system and gut health. These can be in chewable and powder form where swallowing may be an issue.
Herbs may be used in children at drop dose or adults full dose to support gut health, nervous system and/or sleep.
The gut generally presents as the seed and catalyst for nervous system and cognitive dysregulation and dysfunction. Once toxins from the gut are cleared and nutrient absorption improves, we get a clearer picture of what then needs additional support.
Laura will muscle test for food and phytochemical intolerances. She can also treat these in a non-invasive way, resulting in improved gut and nervous system health. Kinesiology can also be implemented for calming the nervous system and settling reflexive behaviours and emotions.
Getting to the why. Generally Laura’s first test of choice is Organic acid testing – It is brand and accurate, giving information about what to treat now and possible other avenues to be explored. Other tests she may recommend include
- Kinesiology muscle testing (in house free with initial consult)
- Oligoscan tissue mineral analysis (in house test). Can be done on anyone over 2 years, giving instant reading of vitamins and minerals in the body. Optional add on – $77
- Gut microbiome mapping
- Genetic testing to evaluate epigenetics and the impact of this on the individual
Need some help?
Targeting testing to ensure you get the right treatment
Targeted testing can result in more effective treatment plans and therefore results
Laura generally likes to begin treatment with an Organic Acids Test. This gives us a very clear look at many aspects within the body including gut health, heavy metals, toxic accumulation, allergy, mitochondrial function, parasites and more. Testing correctly means the treatment can be targeted and effective. Other testing she may suggest of required include;
- Through your GP: Iron studies, B12/folate, vitamin D, thyroid, coeliac serology.
Functional: Stool microbiome/GI testing, SIBO where indicated, genetic SNP’s
In clinic muscle testing, OligoScan tissue mineral analysis.
We interpret results and only recommend tests that could meaningfully change treatment and outcomes.
Ready to take control of your health?
Our Fremantle practice is conveniently located in Parry Street.
Book your appointment online or call us if you would like to discuss how we can help you get back to good health.
Our practitioners
- All
- Children
- Digestion
- Hormones
- Skin
Laura Hickey – Naturopath, Kinesiologist
Debbie Wilkinson – Naturopath, Wellness Couch
