Integrative Approach

Information may not be reliable

Some parents have only heard of these methods in relation to autism treatment because these methods have been introduced by the Autism Research Institute (ARI). These methods are not exclusively for children with autism. As a matter of fact any child and every child should be examined as a whole person, looking at all the components of dysfunction and helping to work toward wellness. Both biomedical and functional approaches work at examining the whole child, this is at the core of the philosophy. Many practitioners including MD’s, DO’s, ND’s, DC’s and nutritionists utilize these philosophies in practice as it fits into their individual realms. The biomedical approach according to Autism Research Institute (ARI) is based on the latest scientific research showing biological causes such as heavy metal poisoning, yeast infection, food sensitivity, and nutritional deficiency. In short, the biomedical approach utilizes nutrition, diet changes, and lab testing to get down to the cause of a symptom. The way in which a practitioner plans patient care and treatment depends on the type of doctor they are as well as their philosophy, this is why it is especially important for a parent to know what goals they have for their child and seek out the right fit for your family.

According to the Functional Medicine Institute, functional medicine is defined as finding the underlying cause of disease and using a patient-centered approach. This approach addresses the whole person, not just a set of isolated symptoms. A functional medicine based practitioner (MD, DC, DO, ND) is not concerned about diagnosing or labeling a symptom, but truly understanding the body as a whole and working with the patient to achieve their goals.

Both biomedical and functional approaches are philosophical based methods that set to spend time with their patients, address underlying issues, work along side other clinicians, look at environmental causes and lifestyle factors such as diet that may be making them symptomatic. Dr. Amber Brooks, DC, CACCP believes these approaches together with neuromusculoskeletal and biomechanical care support the unique expression of health and wellness for each individual.