In the evolving landscape of autism and ADHD treatment, functional medicine provides a personalized approach that looks beyond symptoms to uncover root causes. Dr. Novlet Davis, blending clinical expertise with personal experience, shares her insights on treating these conditions through a methodical and patient-centric approach.
A Personal and Professional Journey
Dr. Davis’s journey into functional medicine began in 2015 when her son was diagnosed with autism. Determined to find the best treatment, she attended numerous conferences and collaborated with specialists in gastroenterology, neurology, and other disciplines. This unique blend of medical expertise and personal experience has shaped her holistic approach to autism and ADHD care.
"If you see one autism person, you've seen one autism person." – Dr. Novlet Davis
This philosophy underscores her belief in individualized treatment, recognizing that each person’s condition is unique.
Identifying Root Causes: The Key to Effective Treatment
A fundamental aspect of Dr. Davis’s approach is identifying the underlying cause—or etiology—of symptoms rather than merely treating them. She illustrates this with insomnia, a common issue among neurodivergent individuals:
Some patients benefit from GABA or melatonin supplementation.
Others find relief through magnesium-infused detox baths.
For some, nighttime waking results from inadequate protein intake and excess simple carbohydrates.
Dr. Davis emphasizes, "The symptom may be the same, but the cause varies for each person."
A Systematic Testing Approach
Dr. Davis follows a structured, data-driven approach to diagnosis, ensuring a strong foundation before proceeding with treatment:
Comprehensive Blood Work
Assesses liver, kidney, and thyroid function
Evaluates electrolyte and iron levels
Checks copper and mineral balance, crucial for neurotransmitter function Example: Dr. Davis recalls cases of severe anemia where low hemoglobin levels (as low as 7) caused sleep disturbances. Without addressing iron deficiency, sleep aids would have been ineffective.
Comprehensive Stool Analysis
Analyzes gut microbiome health ("All diseases start in the gut.")
Identifies parasites and inflammation markers
Measures levels of beneficial bacteria
Organic Acid Test (Urine)
Examines neurotransmitter metabolites
Detects mold, Candida, and bacterial imbalances
Hair Analysis
Identifies heavy metal toxicity
Assesses mineral deficiencies affecting brain function
Additionally, Dr. Davis often recommends food sensitivity testing to pinpoint dietary triggers.
The Patient Journey: A Step-by-Step Process
Dr. Davis has designed her practice to be highly structured, ensuring thorough assessments and tailored treatment plans.
Step 1: Initial Consultation & Comprehensive Paperwork
Before the first appointment, patients complete detailed paperwork outlining their medical history, symptoms, and expectations. This allows Dr. Davis to maximize appointment time for problem-solving rather than information gathering.
During the initial consultation, she:
Reviews patient challenges
Discusses potential root causes
Provides dietary recommendations
Orders appropriate lab tests
Step 2: Personalized Treatment Plan
Once test results are in, Dr. Davis crafts an individualized plan that may include:
Dietary modifications ("Food is medicine.")
Targeted supplementation based on deficiencies
Lifestyle adjustments to improve sleep, digestion, and overall well-being
Ongoing monitoring with scheduled reassessments
Step 3: Tracking Progress
Dr. Davis uses objective tools to measure improvement:
ATEC Scores (Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist) to track behavioral changes
Quarterly reassessments to ensure continuous progress
Symptom logs to fine-tune treatment strategies
"Every three months, we redo the score. If numbers aren’t improving, we reassess the approach." – Dr. Davis
Digital Support for Patients
Recognizing that patients may struggle to retain all consultation details, Dr. Davis provides a digital patient portal with:
Step-by-step dietary recommendations
Explanations of recommended interventions
Implementation guides
Tracking tools for ongoing progress
"This portal allows patients to revisit information at their own pace, ensuring they fully understand their treatment plan."
Conclusion
Dr. Novlet Davis’s functional medicine approach to autism and ADHD is a game-changer, offering a root-cause-focused, personalized path to healing. By leveraging systematic testing and individualized treatment plans, she goes beyond symptom management to restore balance and optimize health.
For parents seeking a comprehensive and science-backed approach to autism and ADHD treatment, Dr. Davis’s method provides clarity, structure, and hope—all informed by both medical expertise and personal experience.
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