Autism Support
Helping autistic children feel their best through gut health, nutrition and sleep support, with a care plan built around your child and your family.
Supporting the whole child
Many autistic children also live with digestive problems, very selective eating, poor sleep or nutrient gaps. These can leave a child uncomfortable, tired and unsettled, and they are often overlooked.
Our Autism Support program looks for these underlying health issues and builds a practical plan to address them, so your child can feel more comfortable and get more out of every day.
Our promise to families
This program supports your child’s physical health. It does not aim to cure or change autism, and it works alongside, not in place of, your child’s paediatrician, therapists and other care.
Is it time to talk to someone?
Answer a few quick questions about your child. This is not a diagnosis. It helps you notice signs that are worth discussing with a professional.
How old is your child?
Your answers stay on this device. Nothing is sent or saved.
This check is for general education. It is not a validated screening tool and cannot diagnose autism or rule it out. If you have any concern about your child’s development, please speak to your doctor.
Common, and often missed
Autistic children are much more likely than other children to live with physical health problems that can go unnoticed, especially when a child finds it hard to say what hurts.
children worldwide are autistic
World Health Organization, 2023
more likely to have digestive problems such as constipation and tummy pain
McElhanon et al., Pediatrics, 2014
more likely to have feeding challenges, including very selective eating
Sharp et al., J Autism Dev Disord, 2013
of autistic children have difficulty falling or staying asleep
Cortesi et al., Sleep Med Rev, 2010
The gut–brain connection
The gut and brain are in constant conversation. When the gut is uncomfortable, it can show up as poor sleep, irritability or harder days.
The vagus nerve
A direct line of nerves runs between the gut and the brain, carrying signals both ways, including feelings of discomfort and pain.
Immune signals
Inflammation in the gut releases chemical messengers that travel through the blood and can affect how the brain and body feel.
Gut bacteria
Trillions of bacteria in the gut help digest food and make substances the body uses. Diet strongly shapes which bacteria thrive.
Why it matters: research into the gut–brain connection is still growing, but one thing is clear. A child in discomfort cannot feel or do their best, so easing digestive problems is always worth it.
How small problems feed each other
Physical health issues rarely travel alone. Each one can make the next one worse, so we look at the whole picture instead of one symptom at a time.
Breaking the cycle
We work on every link at the same time
Tummy discomfort
Constipation or pain that is hard to put into words
Poor sleep
Discomfort and restlessness disturb sleep
Harder days
Tiredness lowers patience and makes coping harder
Fewer foods
Stress narrows the foods a child will accept
Nutrient gaps
A limited diet leaves gaps in fibre, iron and more
Tummy discomfort
Constipation or pain that is hard to put into words
Poor sleep
Discomfort and restlessness disturb sleep
Harder days
Tiredness lowers patience and makes coping harder
Fewer foods
Stress narrows the foods a child will accept
Nutrient gaps
A limited diet leaves gaps in fibre, iron and more
Breaking the cycle
We work on every link at the same time
When behaviour may be saying “something hurts”
Many autistic children show pain or discomfort through behaviour rather than words. These signs don’t always mean a physical problem, but they are worth checking.
Pressing or holding the tummy
Leaning the belly against furniture or holding it can be a sign of pain.
Changes in stools
Hard, painful, infrequent or very loose stools.
A very short list of foods
Accepting only a handful of foods, or dropping foods they used to eat.
Restless nights
Trouble falling asleep, frequent night waking or very early rising.
Sudden behaviour changes
New distress, aggression or self-injury, especially around meals or the toilet.
Often tired or unwell
Low energy, pale skin or frequent infections.
Recognise some of these in your child?
Join the Autism Support Program
We combine functional testing, child-friendly nutrition and ongoing guidance for parents to address the health issues that most often affect autistic children.
Whole-Child Assessment
A detailed review of your child’s health history, diet, digestion, sleep and daily routine with our functional medicine team.
Gut Health Testing
Stool analysis to look for imbalances, inflammation and digestive issues behind tummy pain, constipation or loose stools.
Nutrient Assessment
Lab tests for iron, vitamin D, B12, zinc and other nutrients that are often low in children with restricted diets.
Picky Eating Nutrition Plan
A practical plan that works with your child’s food preferences and sensory needs to widen their diet step by step.
Sleep Support Plan
Routines and nutrition strategies to help with trouble falling asleep, night waking and early rising.
Ongoing Family Support
Regular check-ins to track progress, adjust the plan and answer your questions along the way.
Nutrients we check
Selective eating can quietly leave gaps. A simple blood test shows what your child needs, so we only supplement what is actually low.
Iron
Energy, focus and restful sleep
Vitamin D
Bones, muscles and immunity
Vitamin B12
Nerves, energy and red blood cells
Zinc
Appetite, taste and immunity
Omega-3
Brain and eye health
Calcium
Strong bones and teeth
Your family’s journey
Clear steps, at a pace that suits your child.
- 1
Consultation
Share your child’s story, health history and your main concerns.
- 2
Testing
Gut and nutrient tests, with home sample collection where possible.
- 3
Your plan
A personal plan for food, sleep and supplements where needed.
- 4
Ongoing support
Regular check-ins to adjust the plan as your child progresses.
- 5
Review
We repeat key tests and look at progress together.
Program features
Child-Centred
Every plan is built around your child’s needs, sensory preferences and pace.
Evidence-Informed
We use lab testing and current research to guide every recommendation.
Family Focused
Practical guidance that fits real family life, with support for parents and carers.
Works With Your Team
We complement therapy and medical care your child already receives.
Common myths and concerns
Myth: Autism is caused by parenting.
Fact: Autism is a lifelong developmental difference with strong genetic roots. It is not caused by anything a parent did.
A common concern: “My child changed after their vaccines.”
What we know: Many parents first notice signs of autism between 12 and 18 months, the same age children get several routine vaccines, so the timing can feel like more than coincidence. What you saw is real, and any change in your child deserves a doctor’s attention. Studies following millions of children have found autism is just as common in children who were not vaccinated, which tells us vaccines are not the cause.
Myth: A special diet can cure autism.
Fact: No diet cures autism. Good nutrition can ease tummy problems, sleep and energy, which helps a child feel better.
Myth: Autistic children don’t feel pain.
Fact: Many feel pain but show it differently, often through changes in behaviour rather than words.
What families can expect
More Comfortable Digestion
Less tummy pain, constipation and digestive upset.
Better Sleep
More restful nights for your child and the whole family.
A Wider Diet
Gradual progress towards a more varied, nourishing diet.
Clear Answers
Test results that explain what is happening and a plan for what to do next.
Ready to Support Your Child’s Health?
Book a consultation and we will talk through your child’s needs and how we can help.
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