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Biomedical Autism Support

If you are doing research for a child with Autism, you are perhaps looking for something specific or this may all be very new to you and you may not know exactly what you are looking for.

There is new and mounting research that shows conditions on the Autism Spectrum (as well as Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity disorder, asthma, allergies and other similar problems) may be due to environmental exposures that aggravate small inborn problems in several body systems including: digestion, the immune system, and the nervous system, including the brain which can show up as some of the patterns associate with the Autism Spectrum.

The DAN! or Biomedical Autism Support was born out of the Autism Research Institute (ARI), which is a fantastic resource for many families. ARI was founded by medical physicians and parents and do extensive research into the triggers and therapies for systemic symptoms associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).

Dr. Kellie Ferguson

Naturopathic Physician

Dr. Kellie Ferguson (she/her) is a Naturopathic Physician (ND) licensed in British Columbia and practicing in Victoria, BC.


Dr. Kellie became interested in this type of medicine while working on her Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology at the University of Victoria. She learned about it through her Naturopthic Physician, Dr. Lisa Connoly, and she quickly realized she had found her passion. She chose to do her training at Bastyr University in Seattle because it offered science-based training but still stayed true to the natural and whole person focus.

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Dr.Kellie graduated and finished her licensing exams in 2005 and her prescription certification in 2010. She now practices Naturopathic family
medicine, with a focus in nutrition and botanical medicine. Dr. Kellie has a special interest in pediatric and women’s health, as well as mood and digestive support.

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Dr. Kellie worked through her Biomedical Autism training in 2008. She has worked with the Greater Victoria Libraries, the Victoria Brain injury Society and has done talks in Women’s and Men’s Health, Preconception, Brain injury and Diet Support, ADHD and Pediatric Nutrition.

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What To Expect From Your First Few Visits

The following is what you should expect for your child's ongoing treatment. A list of diagnostic tests is included below. 

First Visit
60 Mins

The primary focus is to collect a very detailed and complete history. It is best if your child can come to part of all of this appointment. Our office is very kid friendly with toys and space for your family to play.

Treatment Goals

1. Remove dietary irritants -GFCF Diet trial, shift to clean, whole foods
2. Replace micronutrient deficiencies – often Zinc, Calcium/Magnesium and Omega 3 Fats
3. Address most acute symptoms – often sleep, anxiety, constipation
4. Consider testing to evaluate the system most in need of support

Second Visit
30-60 Mins
In 2-4 Weeks

The goal is to evaluate progress and adjust plan to suit and to review labwork and address results. For example: a Stool analysis may suggest yeast overgrowth and low digestive enzymes and so we will treat or remove yeast and replenish enzymes, repair the digestive system.

Future Visits
30-45 Mins
Every 1-3 Months

The ongoing goal is to repair systems and replenish deficiencies. To do so, we work through lab testing and symptoms to pinpoint dysfunctions. When we are confident detoxification systems and the gut are healthy, we can move on to other areas of focus.

Testing Options

Please note that we only choose the tests that are applicable to your child.

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We use these testing options, as sometimes it takes detective work to discover the source of the concerns inherent to those on the Autism Spectrum. Some tests can be done through a family medical doctor, but to determine food allergies/sensitivities or levels of toxic metals, solvents or yeast, we recommend accredited labs in Canada and the US that specialize in these areas of testing and are considered leaders in their field.

 

Some of the diagnostic tests may be covered by extended health plans or autism funding in BC. Check with your plan or with the Ministry of Children and Families in Victoria, BC for specifics about autism coverage.

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Descriptions of some of common tests available can be found below:

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  • Urinary Organic Acids: Comprehensive analysis of metabolic function, vitamin status and gut bacteria health.

  • Complete Stool Analysis (CSA): A complete analysis of gut microbes and yeast, digestive status and inflammation. May include parasite testing.

  • Microbiology testing: Analysis of gut microbes and yeast.

  • Yeast testing: Various methods for analyzing yeast overgrowth and the immune response to yeast. This is included in the Organic Acid testing as well as the CSA and Microbiology testing.

  • IgG and IgE food testing: Various tests available for measuring food sensitivities and allergies.

  • RBC elements: Analysis of mineral status

  • WBC Micronutrient testing: General overview of nutritional status: B vitamins, some amino acids, some fatty acids, some minerals, carbohydrates, and antioxidants.

  • Fatty acids: Measure of essential Omega 3 status.

  • Urinary Amino Acids: Basic to Comprehensive amino acids testing for protein deficiencies.

  • Heavy metal analysis. Urinary test to evaluate heavy metal load. Can also be used to roughly identify nutritional element status.

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