Why search for the root cause of ADHD and Autism? When it comes to supporting a child with ADHD or Autism, parents often find themselves juggling diagnoses, therapies, and medications—sometimes without the progress they hoped for. What if the key to real progress lies not in managing symptoms, but in finding out what’s causing them in the first place?
Every child is unique, and so is their path to wellness. That’s why discovering the root cause of ADHD and Autism isn’t about checking boxes—it’s about becoming a detective. It does take some work, but this process of investigation helps parents and providers uncover the deeper “why” behind the behaviors.
Step One: Understand the Symptoms, Not Just the Label
While a diagnosis of ADHD or Autism can open doors to important services, it’s not the full picture. The first step is understanding a child’s individual symptoms—whether they’re hyperactivity, meltdowns, difficulty focusing, or sensory issues.
We can ask questions like:
- Is the child frequently constipated?
- Are there periods of intense anger or focus?
- Do symptoms change with the seasons or after eating certain foods?
This helps us map out potential areas of imbalance: brain health, gut health, lifestyle triggers, and environmental exposures.
Step Two: Look for the “Usual Suspects”
Every child’s story is different, but we often see the same underlying culprits. Here are some of the most common:
1. Diet & Nutrition
Food dyes and sugar are well-known contributors to behavioral changes—but reactions aren’t always from what kids eat. A child could have an extreme meltdown after using tattoo stickers due to chemical exposure through the skin. Another child’s focus can worsen from high-carb meals, which spike serotonin and lower dopamine.
2. Environmental Toxins
Things like mold in the home, harsh cleaning products, or even bath products can trigger symptoms.
3. Genetic Predispositions
Genetic testing helps identify how a child processes neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. For example, if a child naturally retains dopamine longer due to genetic variations, they may have prolonged emotional reactions. With this insight, we can fine-tune supplements like magnesium, L-tyrosine, or even curcumin to bring balance.
4. Screen Time Overload
Many parents are surprised to learn that too much screen time can worsen focus and behavior. It spikes dopamine—leading to crashes, mood swings, and meltdowns afterward. Some kids can tolerate more screen time than others. Knowing your child’s limits is key.
5. Medications and Side Effects
While stimulant medications can help with focus, they may also cause side effects like anger, insomnia, or low appetite. It’s not about stopping medications cold turkey—in fact, we always recommend talking to your prescribing doctor—but it’s crucial to recognize when a medication is pushing the child out of balance. In some cases, natural alternatives can offer similar benefits without the side effects.
Step Three: Test, Track, Adjust
Healing starts with the right information. Begin with one or two targeted lab tests—such as neurotransmitter panels or gut health testing—based on the child’s most pressing symptoms. Testing for food allergies/sensitivities can also be done. Genetic testing often reveals whether a child is predisposed to neurotransmitter imbalances and inflammation in the brain.
From there:
- Implement specific supplements and dietary changes
- Track symptoms through journaling and regular check-ins
- Adjust protocols based on real-time feedback
This methodical, step-by-step approach helps families feel empowered, not overwhelmed.
Real-Life Examples of Finding the Root Cause of ADHD and Autism
🧠 The Case of Explosive Anger and Hidden Triggers
In one case, we traced a young girl’s intense outbursts to something unexpected: skin contact with artificial dyes. Her parents had already eliminated dyes from her diet, but she would occasionally receive items like tattoo stickers or scented bath products. Even minimal contact with these dyes triggered five straight days of explosive behavior (yes, some kids are THAT sensitive to artificial dyes). We took a close look at everything she touched—bath wash, toothpaste, and other personal care items—and eliminated all possible sources. That helped, but we didn’t stop there.
We looked at neurotransmitter and genetic testing which revealed she had elevated dopamine levels and a COMT gene variant. The COMT gene helps break down dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. In her case, this gene wasn’t functioning efficiently—essentially, her brain was holding on to too much dopamine, contributing to agitation and hyperfocus. Magnesium can support COMT activity, but not just any magnesium. After some careful detective work, we found magnesium chloride was the most effective form for her. Within days of starting the right dose, her anger issues dramatically improved—almost to the point of disappearing.
📉 The Boy Losing Focus (and Momentum)
Another child came to us with no major behavioral concerns—his primary issue was low focus, particularly at school. He had been responding well to dopamine-boosting supplements for a while, but his academic progress plateaued. After digging deeper, we found that the supplements were being given inconsistently, and his diet had become heavily reliant on high-carb foods like white bread and pasta.
This child also had a significant MTHFR gene mutation, which made it difficult for his body to process folic acid—the synthetic version found in most enriched flours. So not only was he eating foods that made it harder to focus, but his body couldn’t detox or regulate neurotransmitters effectively. Once he began avoiding folic acid and reintroduced supplements consistently, his focus improved significantly. His test scores jumped, and the idea that he might be held back in school quickly became irrelevant.
🏡 A Mold Mystery Behind Behavior Swings
That same girl with the explosive anger later developed new symptoms: congestion, facial tics, and emotional volatility—not related to dopamine this time. Her previous improvements were holding steady until late winter, when everything suddenly changed. Upon closer review, her parents realized this regression began around the same time mold growth began blooming in their home’s HVAC system.
This led us to investigate environmental causes, and sure enough, mold was a major factor. Mycotoxins from mold can inflame the brain and worsen symptoms like anxiety, aggression, and cognitive dysfunction. Once the family addressed the mold issue and supported her histamine pathways with supplements (she also had a gene that made her a poor histamine processor), her symptoms began to improve again. This case highlights how healing is rarely linear—and how staying alert to environmental changes can be crucial.
Finding the Root Cause of ADHD and Autism Takes Patience—and a Plan
Parents often ask: “Do we have to change everything forever?” The answer is no—but some changes may need to become a way of life. For example, a child with a gene mutation that prevents proper processing of folic acid may need to permanently avoid enriched flours.
The good news? Once you understand what your child truly needs (and what they don’t), things get easier. Less trial and error. More confidence in your decisions. And better outcomes for your child.
Final Thoughts: Be the Detective Your Child Needs
Finding the root cause of ADHD and Autism isn’t about chasing a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s about listening closely, asking the right questions, and working with a provider who treats your child as an individual—not a diagnosis. Whether you’re just starting the journey or looking to refine your current plan, remember: the more you uncover, the more progress you can make. Discover what’s really going on beneath the surface—so your child can thrive.
Special thanks to Dwight Franklin, Doctor of Oriental Medicine and The Brain Detective, for his help with this article. Dr. Franklin is the owner of Franklin Family Wellness Institute. He is a graduate of the Florida College of Integrative Medicine, where he received a master’s degree in Oriental Medicine and a bachelor’s degree in Health Studies. Over the course of his career, Dwight has worked alongside both pediatricians and psychiatrists in the treatment of ADD, ADHD, Autism, and various other common childhood and mental disorders through the practice of Oriental Medicine, Nutritional and Lifestyle changes, and Craniosacral Therapy. Call (407) 755-3135 or visit his website here: https://www.myffwi.com/
