Natural Therapies for Autism: A Functional Medicine Approach to Root Causes and Support
A Personal Note from George
Natural therapies for autism can offer much more than symptom relief — they can help uncover what’s driving sensory overwhelm, emotional dysregulation, or communication struggles beneath the surface. Whether you’re a parent, carer, or neurodivergent adult yourself, we recognize that autism is a spectrum of experiences, not a one-size-fits-all condition.
At BalanSoul, we work collaboratively with you to identify underlying imbalances in brain chemistry, gut health, nutrient pathways, and stress response — using personalized, evidence-informed care that respects your story.
What Is Autism? A Functional Perspective
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) — sometimes referred to as autism spectrum disorder — is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person communicates, connects, and processes the world around them.
Symptoms can range from speech delays to sensory sensitivities, from repetitive behaviors to deep focus and creativity. Many people with ADHD or autism share overlapping traits — and sometimes both conditions coexist.
“Is autism an intellectual disability?” — Not always. While some individuals have intellectual challenges, many autistic people have average or above-average intelligence.
Families often feel frustrated by simplistic answers. At BalanSoul, we explore what’s beneath the surface — because understanding why is the first step toward meaningful support.
Root Causes & Contributing Factors
We recognize that autism is not caused by one single factor. We explore deeper influences that may affect nervous system development, behaviour, and sensory processing:
Biochemical Imbalances
- Methylation issues (e.g., MTHFR, folate/B12)
- Sulfate deficiency or poor sulfation
- Glutamate excess, excitatory neurotransmitters
- Neuroinflammation and oxidative stress
Environmental & Gut Triggers
- Food sensitivities (gluten, dairy, soy)
- Gut dysbiosis, leaky gut, Clostridia overgrowth
- Pesticide or glyphosate exposure
- Artificial colours, additives, preservatives
Genetic & Epigenetic Vulnerabilities
- COMT, DAO, MTHFR SNPs affecting neurotransmitter balance
- Histamine intolerance
- Cerebral folate receptor autoantibodies
Lifestyle Contributors
- Picky eating / sugar-heavy diets
- Poor sleep or hygiene
- Early antibiotic/medication exposure
Common Traits of Autism
- Sensory uniqueness — heightened sensitivity or fascination with textures, sounds, or visuals
- Structured preferences — strong desire for routine or predictability
- Communication differences — including variations in speech, tone, or expression
- Repetitive behaviors — such as organizing, stimming, or vocal patterns
- Deep focus — immersive interest in specific topics or themes
- Autism burnout — exhaustion from masking or navigating overwhelming environments
Signs & Symptoms of Autism
Social & Communication:
- Limited eye contact or facial engagement
- Difficulty interpreting non-verbal cues (facial expression, body language)
- Echolalia or scripting (repeating phrases)
- Challenges with back-and-forth conversation or social reciprocity
Behavioral Patterns:
- Distress with changes in routine
- Repetitive movements (e.g., rocking, flapping)
- Narrow, intense interests that may seem all-consuming
Sensory Reactions:
- Strong reactions to sound, light, texture, or taste
- Sensory-seeking behaviors (e.g., spinning, pressure) or sensory avoidance
Emotional Regulation:
- Meltdowns or shutdowns when overwhelmed
- Heightened anxiety in social or unpredictable settings
- Intense emotional responses that feel out of scale
Physical / Developmental Clues:
- Sleep challenges or night waking
- Digestive issues or dietary limitations (picky eating)
- Motor delays or coordination difficulties
How It Feels To Live With Autism
“It’s like the world is too loud, too bright, too fast.”
“They want to connect, but something gets in the way.”
Many autistic children and adults experience exhaustion from trying to fit in, or confusion about their intense reactions. Meltdowns, shutdowns, or extreme sensitivity aren’t bad behavior — they’re communication.
Client Voice: “We finally slept through the night after years of restlessness.” “We thought his lack of energy was just ‘part of autism’ — but carnitine changed everything.”
What Clients Often Say
“I didn’t realise gut problems could affect his meltdowns.”
“No one ever mentioned B6 or zinc before.”
“We finally slept through the night after two years of chaos.”
Functional Testing & Investigation
At BalanSoul, we go beyond diagnostic labels to uncover the biochemical drivers of schizophrenia. The Walsh Protocol — based on over 30,000 cases — reveals that many individuals with schizophrenia-spectrum symptoms present with specific, testable patterns in brain chemistry.
According to Dr. Walsh’s clinical database, more than 60% of individuals with schizophrenia exhibit significant methylation imbalances — often missed in standard care.
These patterns aren’t just theoretical. They affect how someone responds to medications, folate, or even basic nutrients like zinc or B6 — and often explain why conventional treatments fall short.
Let’s explore the most common biotypes seen in schizophrenia.
- Zinc and copper levels (RBC preferred)
- Histamine/methylation panels
- Pyrrole (HPL) test
- Organic acids test (OAT)
- IgG/IgE food sensitivities
- Vitamin D / iron / folate receptor antibodies
- Stool analysis (GI-MAP, Genova)
Testing helps clarify the difference between autism and ADHD, and shows how to personalize nutritional and therapeutic care.
Biochemical Clues in Autism: What Symptoms May Be Telling Us
Sometimes, what looks like “just behavior” — picky eating, meltdowns, aggression — can actually be a signal from the body. Functional testing helps us decode these clues and uncover underlying biochemical patterns that may be contributing to your child’s (or your own) experience of autism.
Here’s a quick-reference table showing how common traits may be linked to specific nutrient, gut, or metabolic imbalances:
| 🧩 Clue / Symptom | 🔬 Possible Biochemical Link |
| Picky eating, night waking | Zinc/B6 deficiency |
| High pain tolerance | Endorphin imbalance |
| Gut issues + aggression | Clostridia overgrowth |
| Language regression | Cerebral folate autoimmunity |
| Meltdowns after food dye or salicylates | Phenol/salicylate sensitivity |
| Histamine-like reactions after meals | Histamine intolerance / DAO SNPs |
| Obsessive play or vocal scripting | Elevated glutamate / methylation imbalance |
| Pale skin + fatigue | Iron deficiency / low mitochondrial function |
| Frequent infections or poor wound healing | Low zinc + chronic oxidative stress |
Natural & Integrative Support Options
Nutritional Psychiatry
- Personalized nutrient plans: zinc, magnesium, carnitine, B6, omega-3s
- Methylation and detox pathway support
Botanical Medicine
- Herbs that soothe digestion, calm the nervous system, or reduce inflammation
Therapeutic Diets
- GFCFSF (gluten, casein, soy-free)
- Low salicylate or low glutamate (case-by-case)
Nervous System Regulation
- Epsom salt baths, magnesium soaks
- Gut restoration with probiotics and enzymes
- Polyvagal and somatic tools for emotional regulation
“We co-create a care plan as unique as your child — with natural and functional strategies backed by science.”
What to Expect From Working With Us
We begin by listening. Your first consultation includes:
- Full history & intake
- Optional functional testing
- Nutrition and lifestyle plan
- Collaborative goal setting
We also offer ongoing support with:
- Practitioner-only supplements
- Personalized handouts
- Regular review and fine-tuning as your child progresses
FAQ
Is autism an intellectual disability?
Not always — many autistic individuals have average or gifted intelligence.
Can we still work with you if my child is on medication?
Yes. We support both integrative and conventional approaches.
Will autism get worse with age?
Not usually, but unmet needs or poor support can increase stress responses over time.
Is this suitable for adults with autism?
Absolutely — we personalize for all ages.
