The biomedical approach to treating patients with conditions such as Down syndrome, ASD (autism spectrum disorders), ADD (attention deficit disorder), and others addresses the root cause of the cognitive and physical symptoms of these conditions. The root cause can be imbalances in areas such as oxidative stress, methylation, mitochondrial function, endocrine function, neurotransmitters, digestion, heavy metal toxicity, nutrient deficiencies, to name a few. We want it made very clear that when helping children with Down syndrome our goal is not to fix, cure or change them. Many of their health issues, nutrient deficiencies, immune dysfunction and even neurological issues can have nothing to do with having an extra chromosome. Often these issues are due to hypothyroidism that is under-treated or gastrointestinal dysfunction that isn't even recognized. Please read Dr. Peirson's blog post "Customized Treatment for Children with Down Syndrome" to find out more. Treatment methods employed are often multifold and include, but are not limited to, diet, life style, supplements and detoxification. Patients are carefully assessed with a thorough health history, physical exam and testing of saliva, urine, blood and f***s. Determination of which tests to run depends on the presentation of each individual patient. For a complete list of testing options used in our clinic please refer to the "Testing" section below. Potential benefits of biomedical treatment include:
Improved function of the immune system
Improved digestion
Better sleep
Reduced eczema, hives, and dry skin
Increased speech, eye contact and social awareness
Decrease in negative behaviors (stimming, difficult to transition, aggression, inappropriate laughing)
Increased overall growth and development
Improved cognition
Evaluation
Evaluation starts with a thorough history that includes questions going all the way back to the health of the patient's mother at the time of conception. Other areas often discussed include digestion, growth, sleep, behavior, skin, gross motor skills, muscle tone, body temperature, circulation, immune system, diet and many others. Testing
The following is a list of tests that Dr. Peirson often uses in her practice. Routine blood work
TSH
free T4
free T3
revere T3
TPO/TgAb
CBC w/ differential and platelets
Iron panel (serum iron, % saturation, TIBC, ferritin)
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
zinc and copper
serum B12
vitamin D
