Functional Medicine for Children
The Functional Medical Approach
At the Peirson Center, our functional medical approach to neurodevelopmental and genetic conditions such as Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and related conditions focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of both cognitive and physical symptoms.
These underlying factors may include imbalances in oxidative stress, methylation, mitochondrial function, endocrine health, neurotransmitter balance, digestion, heavy metal burden, and nutrient status. We also take into account each child’s genetic and epigenetic influences, which can further shape how these systems function and interact.
Our Philosophy
When supporting children with Down syndrome, it is important to emphasize that our goal is not to fix, cure, or change who they are. Rather, we aim to optimize health and function by identifying and treating issues that may have nothing to do with the presence of an extra chromosome.
Many challenges, such as nutrient deficiencies, immune dysfunction, and neurological symptoms, often arise from actionable, treatable conditions like under-treated hypothyroidism or unrecognized gastrointestinal dysfunction. By identifying and addressing these underlying issues, we can meaningfully improve your child’s overall health, comfort, and developmental progress. To learn more, please read Dr. Peirson’s blog post: Customized Treatment for Children with Down Syndrome and Medical Neglect of Children with Special Needs.
Collaborative Care
We do not replace your child’s primary care physician. Our role is to serve as an adjunct provider, offering a deeper level of functional assessment and support that complements conventional care. We do not provide emergency or on-call services.
Treatment plans are individualized and multifaceted, often incorporating diet and lifestyle modifications, targeted nutritional supplementation, detoxification support, and other evidence-based interventions.
Each child begins with a comprehensive assessment, including detailed health history, physical exam, and laboratory testing. Testing may involve saliva, urine, blood, or stool analysis depending on the child’s unique presentation.
For more information about the types of testing we offer, please see the Testing section below.
Potential benefits of biomedical treatment include:
At the Peirson Center, our functional medical approach to neurodevelopmental and genetic conditions such as Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and related conditions focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of both cognitive and physical symptoms.
These underlying factors may include imbalances in oxidative stress, methylation, mitochondrial function, endocrine health, neurotransmitter balance, digestion, heavy metal burden, and nutrient status. We also take into account each child’s genetic and epigenetic influences, which can further shape how these systems function and interact.
Our Philosophy
When supporting children with Down syndrome, it is important to emphasize that our goal is not to fix, cure, or change who they are. Rather, we aim to optimize health and function by identifying and treating issues that may have nothing to do with the presence of an extra chromosome.
Many challenges, such as nutrient deficiencies, immune dysfunction, and neurological symptoms, often arise from actionable, treatable conditions like under-treated hypothyroidism or unrecognized gastrointestinal dysfunction. By identifying and addressing these underlying issues, we can meaningfully improve your child’s overall health, comfort, and developmental progress. To learn more, please read Dr. Peirson’s blog post: Customized Treatment for Children with Down Syndrome and Medical Neglect of Children with Special Needs.
Collaborative Care
We do not replace your child’s primary care physician. Our role is to serve as an adjunct provider, offering a deeper level of functional assessment and support that complements conventional care. We do not provide emergency or on-call services.
Treatment plans are individualized and multifaceted, often incorporating diet and lifestyle modifications, targeted nutritional supplementation, detoxification support, and other evidence-based interventions.
Each child begins with a comprehensive assessment, including detailed health history, physical exam, and laboratory testing. Testing may involve saliva, urine, blood, or stool analysis depending on the child’s unique presentation.
For more information about the types of testing we offer, please see the Testing section below.
Potential benefits of biomedical treatment include:
- Improved immune function
- Healthier digestion and gut balance
- Better quality sleep
- Reduced eczema, hives, and dry skin
- Increased speech, eye contact, and social awareness
- Fewer challenging behaviors (such as stimming, difficulty with transitions, aggression, or inappropriate laughter)
- Enhanced overall growth and development
- Improved cognitive function and focus
Evaluation
Each child’s evaluation begins with a comprehensive and individualized health history that looks far beyond current symptoms. We start by discussing the child’s prenatal and early life history, including the mother’s health at the time of conception, pregnancy, and delivery. These early factors often provide valuable insight into the root causes of later imbalances.
From there, we explore a wide range of areas that influence your child’s overall health and development, including:
From there, we explore a wide range of areas that influence your child’s overall health and development, including:
- Digestive function and nutrient absorption
- Growth patterns and physical development
- Sleep quality and daily energy levels
- Behavior, mood, and social interaction
- Skin health and signs of inflammation
- Muscle tone, coordination, and gross motor skills
- Temperature regulation and circulation
- Immune resilience and frequency of illness
- Dietary intake and tolerance to various foods
Testing
The following is a list of tests often used.
Routine blood work
Routine blood work
- TSH
- free T4
- free T3
- revere T3
- TPO/TgAb/TSI
- CBC w/ differential and platelets
- Iron panel (serum iron, % saturation, TIBC, ferritin)
- Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
- Zinc and copper
- Serum B12
- Magnesium, RBC
- Vitamin D
- Histamine
- Homocysteine
- Tissue Transglutaminase
- Anti-streptolysin O antibodies
- Anti-DNase antibodies
- IGF-1
- IGFBP-3
Organic Acid Testing - Click this link for a list of resources about the many benefits of this testing.
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The Folate Receptor Antibody Test (FRAT) detects antibodies that block folate from entering the brain, leading to low brain folate levels even when blood folate is normal. These antibodies are found in a high percentage of children with autism, and we are also finding them frequently in our patients with Down syndrome. Identifying them helps guide targeted folate therapy to support brain and nervous system function.
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GI Effects is an innovative stool test measuring premier biomarkers of gastrointestinal function, providing valuable clinical insight into digestive performance, gut inflammation, and the gut microbiome — areas affecting not only GI health, but overall health as well.
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- Hydrogen and methane breath test to detect presence of bacterial overgrowth of the small intestines
- The Toxic Element Clearance Profile is a toxic exposure test which measures urinary excretion of a diverse range of potentially harmful elements, such as mercury, aluminum, sulfur, lead and others.
Supplements
Multivitamin
Benfotiamine
Riboflavin
Methylcobalamin (B12)
Quercetin
Lithium Orotate
Liposomal Glutathione
Phosphatidylcholine
L-Carnitine
CoQ10
Benfotiamine
Riboflavin
Methylcobalamin (B12)
Quercetin
Lithium Orotate
Liposomal Glutathione
Phosphatidylcholine
L-Carnitine
CoQ10