Have you ever felt the weight of frustration and isolation when you're told that aggression is merely a byproduct of autism, dismissed as a mere behavioural quirk? It's as if your child's struggles are being trivialised; their challenges brushed aside as inconsequential. It's a form of gaslighting, a subtle manipulation that undermines the very essence of your child's experiences.  But let me tell you a story that shows how misguided this belief is and how life-changing the proper biomedical support can be. 

Meet Sultan, a 13-year-old who recently came to our clinic with a laundry list of symptoms: aggression, kicking, outbursts, speech delay, hyperactivity, and sleep issues. It's a daunting list, but it's not uncommon for us to see such challenges.

When we encounter a child like Sultan, we refuse to let a label limit what we believe is possible. Over the years, working with thousands of children, we've learned that in almost all cases, there's a significant biochemical imbalance at the root of many symptoms. Yet, society often tells us to accept and embrace these struggles as part of their identity. However, we strongly disagree with this notion as it can be detrimental to the future well-being of these children.

We put our functional medicine lens on Sultan's case, thoroughly examining what was going on 'under the bonnet.' A comprehensive stool analysis revealed signs of inflammation, bacterial imbalances, yeast overgrowth, parasites, and, notably, very low pancreatic enzymes.

We added basic enzymes and stomach acid support, and the results were nothing short of miraculous. Sultan's mother attested to the remarkable transformation: fewer outbursts, a newfound sense of calmness, and a decreased reliance on Microimmunotherapy and anti-inflammatory medication.

Why does low Pancreatic Elastase matter? 

Think of your child's body as a finely tuned machine, with pancreatic enzymes as the fuel that keeps every part running smoothly. From powering brain function to supporting a robust immune response, these enzymes are the unsung heroes behind the scenes. But when their levels dip, it's like throwing a wrench into the gears of your child's health. Not only does it impact their brainpower and immune resilience, but it also affects their digestion, energy levels, and overall vitality. Every missed nutrient is a missed opportunity for their body to thrive and flourish.

We referred Sultan to his medical team due to the severity of the lab tests, and they agreed to investigate. We're still awaiting their findings.

In the meantime, we started Sultan on Microimmunotherapy to reduce inflammation, which worked wonders. But we always have to follow this up with root cause work. Why is inflammation there in the first place?

We added basic enzymes and stomach acid support, and the results were nothing short of miraculous. Sultan's mother attested to the remarkable transformation: fewer outbursts, a newfound sense of calmness, and a decreased reliance on Microimmunotherapy.

Recently, Rosie and Aya were seen by our clinic and had symptoms that were very similar to Sultans. While their symptoms may have appeared similar to Sultan's, their paths to well-being were unique. Rosie's challenges were rooted in a streptococcal infection, while Aya's issues were linked to dairy intolerance and mould exposure. Despite their different underlying causes, Rosie and Aya found relief through personalised interventions tailored to their needs.

These cases underscore the importance of looking beyond surface-level symptoms and delving into the individualised factors contributing to each child's struggles. 

Just as no two children are exactly alike, neither are any two cases of autism, PANS, PANDAS, ADHD, depression, or related conditions identical. Each child presents a unique set of circumstances, necessitating a personalised approach.

So, as you navigate this journey with your child, remember not to lose hope if a particular intervention doesn't yield the expected results. Keep exploring, keep advocating, and keep collaborating with those who want to help find the root cause. Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, and it's our shared mission to make that possibility a reality.

Stella Chadwick, BSc (Hons) mBANT CNHC

Founder, Functional Medicine Practitioner & Registered Nutritional Therapist

Meet our practitioners
We are a unique clinic in that each of our practitioners is a parent. Many of us have a child with special needs, and we all have different passions and expertise. Please head to our website to meet Coriander, Jo, Sarah, Haley, Mémé, and Aira and get in touch if you'd like to know how to work with us.