There has been a notable increase in the identification and diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). In fact, autism rates have skyrocketed from 1 in 10,000 in the 1970s to as high as 1 in 30—or even 1 in 20—in some regions today. This alarming trend raises significant concerns about the underlying factors contributing to these increases, as it suggests that a growing number of children may face challenges in their development and daily functioning. There is, therefore, an urgent need for comprehensive research to explore the potential causes of this rise, as well as the development of effective interventions and support systems to assist affected families and ensure that these children can thrive in their educational and social environments. And today, I'm joined by the incredible Beth Lambert, director of the Documenting Hope Project, who is a passionate advocate for children’s health and a true pioneer in the field. Her dedication to uncovering innovative solutions for kids with autism and ADHD is nothing short of inspiring.
Rise in ADHD and Autism Rates
We’re witnessing a significant rise in ADHD, autism, autoimmune conditions, and life-threatening allergies, and while there are many theories, no single cause explains this increase. This increase is linked to the concept of “total load” which refers to the cumulative impact of health and environmental stressors in modern life. It’s not just one factor but a complex array of variables that contribute to these conditions, from chronic stress to chronic inflammation and nervous system overload, which we’re seeing more frequently. Beth, with over 30 years of experience, notes that while awareness of mental health has improved, it’s frustrating that research guiding natural solutions and parenting methods isn’t being fully utilized. Many parents are left to search for solutions on their own, which can be overwhelming, especially as the impact of chronic stress affects both parents and children alike. Chronic inflammatory issues, not just infections like PANS and PANDAS, but full-body inflammation and food reactivity, are becoming more common in this landscape.
Challenges and Solutions for Parents
Parents often feel overwhelmed when they begin searching for solutions to their child's health issues, especially with the rising complexity of conditions like autism and ADHD. Many dive into tangible steps such as trying supplements, changing diets, or detoxifying their homes, all in an effort to reduce the total load of stressors impacting their child’s health. However, one of the most important factors that is often overlooked is the power of mindset. The belief that a condition is reversible can be a game changer. If parents are told that conditions like autism or ADHD are purely genetic and unchangeable, they may feel powerless and less likely to pursue solutions. But understanding that these conditions result from the interaction between genes and the environment opens the door to action. A shift in mindset not only empowers parents but also helps them regulate themselves, which in turn helps them co-regulate with their child. This emotional regulation is a critical piece of the puzzle, as it allows parents to create a more supportive environment for their children. Programs like Autism Parenting Secrets focus on this, teaching parents how to take charge of their mindset, believe in the possibility of change, and work on self-regulation to support their child’s healing journey. This leads to better outcomes by addressing both the physical and mental aspects of the conditions while fostering a healthier dynamic between parent and child.
The Reversal of Autism Study
Having the right mindset is essential when navigating challenges associated with autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions. Embracing the potential for improvement fosters a hopeful and proactive approach, encouraging parents to view symptoms not as fixed or unchangeable but as areas for growth through targeted interventions and support. Interestingly, the subtitle of my book “It's Going To Be Okay” was originally supposed to be “Research-Based Ways to Reverse Symptoms”. However, Amazon would not allow it, citing it as false promotion. This highlights the resistance to the idea that conditions like autism can be reversed, even though the goal was to teach and inform, not mislead. Many people, especially those in the medical and mental health communities, view autism as a genetic condition, which leads to skepticism or even anger toward natural interventions that aim to reduce symptoms. However, I think it's important that we shift the focus to understanding that while genetics play a role, the environment and other factors heavily influence the expression of these conditions. That’s why it’s vital for us to address the root causes. The Documenting Hope Project’s study followed a family who applied functional medicine, nutritional interventions, and autism coaching to support their twin daughters. By addressing underlying imbalances and improving their environment, the family significantly reduced the children's Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) scores, with one twin achieving a score of one, indicating minimal to no autism symptoms. The study, published in the Journal of Personalized Medicine, garnered both positive responses from parents eager for new information and criticism from those who found the notion of reversing autism controversial. It emphasized the importance of addressing symptoms through a holistic, personalized approach, challenging the belief that conditions like autism are fixed or unchangeable. A crucial element in the family’s success was a mindset shift encouraged by autism parent coaching, which empowered the parents to advocate for their children and approach their conditions with optimism. The coaching helped them view autism in a new light and take a proactive role in their children's development. Nutrition was central to their strategy, with the family focusing on nutrient-dense foods and removing those that might trigger neuroinflammation. Specialized supplements further supported brain health, underscoring the profound impact that diet and nutrition can have on neurodevelopmental conditions. Beyond nutrition, the family engaged in rehabilitative therapies to address developmental milestones that may have been delayed due to external factors like toxins or infections. Working with an occupational therapist trained in the Moskatova Method, they reintegrated primitive reflexes, a critical step in their children’s progress. The study highlighted that addressing neurodevelopmental conditions requires a personalized, multi-faceted approach, and that no single solution exists.
The Documenting Hope Conference
The upcoming Documenting Hope Project will feature a diverse array of essential topics for parents and practitioners, including PANS/PANDAS, methylation, mitochondrial health, microbiome health, and ancestral nutrition. The attendees will also have the opportunity to engage directly with leading experts in the field, fostering meaningful connections and discussions. Additionally, this gathering fosters connection among families who often feel isolated in their experiences, creating a supportive community where they can share insights and resources. I will be discussing self-regulation and neurofeedback, focusing on how to rewire the nervous system through various techniques. This event, which takes place at a family-friendly hotel in Orlando this November, offers a fantastic opportunity for both parents and practitioners to learn about holistic approaches to healing neurodevelopmental conditions. We'll explore a 360-degree view of what affects children's health, emphasizing that every child’s needs are unique. In addition to the conference sessions, attendees will gain access to a new online community called Healing Together, designed to support parents in exploring natural solutions and symptom reversal. This community features live Q&A sessions with integrated physicians and health coaches, offering guidance and support for families navigating health challenges. Participants will learn to evaluate and reduce their children's total load, equipping them with actionable steps toward improved health and well-being in a supportive environment. The community is rooted in insights from the Flight Study, a research initiative focused on disease reversal in children. Through this program, parents will be introduced to a structured approach, called the Healing Trail Map, which provides a step-by-step path for managing health concerns. By connecting with experts and fellow parents, attendees will gain valuable resources to help them implement meaningful changes in their families' lives.
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Don't miss the chance to empower yourself with knowledge and resources that can significantly impact your child's health and well-being: https://documentinghope.com/
For more information, you may check the following resources:
● Dysregulated Behavior in kids
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