The term ‘Autism’ literally means ‘self-ism’, as those affected may appear locked in their own world. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can also be referred to as Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and it now has a 3-tier diagnosis banding, based on severity of symptoms. 

The mainstream medical community has described autism as “a lifelong developmental disability which affects how people communicate and interact with the world” (National Autistic Society).

There is an inextricable link between how we behave and how healthy our body is. 

At The Key Clinic, we aim to support those with autism by optimising their overall health, while attempting to reduce hypersensitivities.

Autism is diagnosed when children show deficits in social and verbal interactions and display repetitive behaviours such as hand-flapping and spinning.

Children may show autistic traits within their first year of life, such as poor eye contact, while some children appear to develop normally in their first year and then regress between 18 months and 24 months, potentially losing the ability to speak and interact.

Some people aren’t diagnosed until adolescence or adulthood and miss out on receiving care when they are younger. Girls with autism are particularly adept at ‘masking’ or imitating others socially, in an attempt to blend in. This can be exhausting and can mean they do not get diagnosed until much later. 

Many physically debilitating factors may also be seen in those on the spectrum, but these do not currently form part of the assessment. Areas of active research include gut pain/poor digestion, weakened detoxification, dysregulated immune functioning, and hypersensitive hearing. 

There is currently no medical test for autism, so diagnosing it can be difficult for doctors, who have to rely on children’s behaviour and subjective reports from parents.

Importantly, many wonderful autistic traits can also exist: the ability to hyperfocus, integrity, musical and/or mathematical ability, and logical thinking, to name a few.

No, you do not need a diagnosis to participate in one of our therapies.

If you or your child has been receiving treatment, do not stop or suspend their treatment program without consulting their doctor.  Our approach is intended to complement any medical treatment, rather than replace it.

ADHD and autism used to be viewed as completely separate conditions, but more recently, the medical community has acknowledged that symptoms can overlap and that the two conditions may co-exist in one individual. A new term ‘AuDHD’ has recently been coined to describe this. They may have poor focus, poor impulse control poor organisation skills, time management, and social skills.

A child with autism may potentially appear hyperactive or may have an ‘autistic rage’ or meltdown. This can be very hard to distinguish from a similar outburst or hyperactive behaviour witnessed in a child with ADHD.

However, the underlying, contributing factors can vary. This is why we take the time to assess each child as an individual.

Source: https://chadd.org/about-adhd/adhd-and-autism-spectrum-disorder/

We always recommend discussing your concerns with your GP. While mainstream medicine has little to offer those diagnosed with autism, there may also be comorbidities that require medical investigation.

You may also have heard of ABA therapy, which some parents find helpful. It aims to ‘train’ a child to behave in a more neurotypical manner, masking underlying traits. However, other parents report it can increase stress and anxiety levels.

The Key Clinic’s approach is complementary to these mainstream approaches. We aim to rebalance the body and brain as one functioning whole because the brain does not function in isolation. We aim to give the body what the brain needs to function well.

Every child is different and our approach is fully tailored to each child’s needs. Any supplements are prescribed following lab testing to certify that any doses above the RDA are required due to a deficiency.

Learn more about our Individually Tailored Support here.