ADD ADHD Asperger's Austism Spectrum Disorder....

As a mother, I watched my children develop with great anticipation. Ticking off what seemed like little boxes of 'expected' development that was medically desired from my growing children. I can recall intermittent conversations in my mother's group about what our children were doing. The fantastic, the strange and the 'normal' or not?

I can still hear the uncertain tone in a fellow mother's voice when telling of her child lining up and sorting toys by colour, shape, or size......nervously hoping the other children were too. It is a time of the great unknown, and a tremendous anxiety can settle in the hearts of mothers during those first 12 months of development (though less with subsequent children - phew!).

The umbrella term "behavioural/spectrum disorder" seems harsh in a world of the clinical 'norm'. Though it is common and an increasing fact that more and more children are being diagnosed with ADHD, ADD, Autism/Spectrum and Asperger's Syndrome. There are also many degrees of complexity and individual symptoms that are experienced by the children who suffer from these conditions. And heart-breakingly, whole families have to make huge emotional changes in their lives when a diagnosis is made.

There are many tailored holistic treatments in the management of these disorders, and they work! Needless to say, food intolerance's can play a huge role in the gut/brain relationship or dis-harmony. Most children I have treated have improved greatly with simple changes in their diet and some dedicated work in repairing the health of the gastro-intestinal tract. These changes allow the immune and nervous systems to regulate important neurotransmitters and stabilise behaviour.
Including foods that are rich in specific nutrients such as Magnesium, and a diet high in Essential Fatty Acids and very low in refined sugar is vastly beneficial in the management of these conditions.

You may be aware of the use of Fish oil in the general well being and health of children, but why is it so good for children suffering from Behavioural/Spectrum disorder?

Fatty acids such as EPA and DHA from fish oil, and vitamin D play important roles in a child's brain development , learning ability and cognition.
DHA is one of the major structural building blocks in the brain tissues and is required for normal neuron function. It also improves nerve signals, conduction and transmission within the brain. It can act to reduce mood disorders, such as depression and thus improve behaviour also. This is good for children of any age and of any neurological background!
These disorders can affect boys more often than girls. This is thought to be due to gene expression, among many other theories. 

Interestingly, brain development in the last trimester of a Pregnancy is at its most crucial and a time when supplementation of DHA is most effective. Especially considering this is a time when expecting  mothers can themselves be suffering from a deficiency. Breastmilk is also a fantastic carrier of Essential Fatty Acids, so it is a great time to supplement to improve milk quality and help prevent the onset of PND.