Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) rates are continually rising. Nearly 1 in 36 school-aged children are affected. Currently, we look at Autism Spectrum as a psychological condition and base therapies around that model but a newer and better model looks at ASD through a biomedical approach, in other words looking at the whole body and how it affects the brain.

Many scientific studies now point to the connection between the digestive system and the brain and indeed many kids with Autism have gut inflammation and IBS symptoms. Sure enough, their behavioral and cognitive problems improve when their gut symptoms are treated. Dr. Gutierrez wrote a book on this biomedical approach to Autism called, “The Parent’s Roadmap to Autism” (linked below). This is the newer approach we discuss in today’s podcast. All parents who have a child on the spectrum need to hear this discussion.

We discuss:

• Dr. Gutierrez’s journey into pediatrics and specifically Functional Medicine.
• The increasing epidemic of ASD and what factors are contributing.
• Current conventional approaches to ASD and where they fall short.
• Looking at ASD as a medical disorder & and how we can approach patients practically.
• The 5 core areas of focus Dr. Gutierrez mentions in her book i.e. genes, gut health, toxins, immunity, nutrition.

Guest Bio:

Dr. Emily Gutierrez is the chief scientific medical liaison and formulator for Neuro Nutrients and has over a decade of clinical experience managing patients in her busy practice with Neuronutrition Associates, one of the first pediatric-focused functional medicine practices opened in the United States. Gutierrez received her doctorate from Johns Hopkins University with a focus in translational medicine as a doctor of nursing practice. She received her master's degree from the University of Texas at Austin and is board certified as a pediatric nurse practitioner. Dr. Gutierrez is also board certified through the Institute of Functional Medicine, board certified as a clinical nutritionist, and board certified as a primary care mental health specialist.

In addition to actively managing patients in her private practice in Austin, Texas, she also is adjunct faculty at Johns Hopkins University where she lectures on integrative and functional medicine. Gutierrez has published in the peer-reviewed literature multiple times, however, one of her favorite accomplishments was publishing the first chapter on integrative and functional medicine in a textbook for primary care providers. Dr. Gutierrez continues to be an active researcher, writer, and speaker, and her passion for formulating science-based nutrient compounds that meet the strictest standards of quality and efficacy continues to be her favorite tool in managing patients.

Book Link:

https://www.amazon.com/Parents-Roadmap-Autism-Functional-Medicine-ebook/dp/B07MJ9V3RX

Article Link:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35055151/

Connect with Dr. Gutierrez

Website: neuronnutrients.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neuronutritionassociates/

Connect with Dr. Akhter

Website: www.madinamedicine.com