Functional Medicine Testing for Kids with ADHD, Autism and Sensory Issues: A Parent's Guide to Testing Not Guessing
Wondering if testing can help your sensitive child, or child with ADHD or autism? Here's what functional medicine testing reveals and how it creates a personalised plan for your child's unique needs.
You're Not Alone in Feeling Overwhelmed
If you're parenting a child with ADHD, autism, or a highly sensitive nervous system, you've probably been down the rabbit hole. You've listened to podcasts about gut health for neurodivergent kids, read countless articles about toxins and their impact on the brain, bought supplements hoping they'll help with focus, meltdowns, or sensory overload... and you're feeling more confused than ever.
Which supplement should you try? Is it gut dysbiosis? Heavy metal toxicity? Nutritional deficiencies? Are you even addressing the right thing?
This is why I believe in testing, not guessing - especially for kids with ADHD, autism, and sensory processing challenges.
Why Testing Matters for Neurodivergent and Sensitive Kids
Children with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and sensory sensitivities often have underlying biochemical imbalances that contribute to their symptoms. Research shows that many neurodivergent kids have:
Gut dysbiosis and digestive issues
Mineral deficiencies (especially zinc, magnesium, and iron)
Heavy metal toxicity
Mitochondrial dysfunction
Food sensitivities causing inflammation
Impaired detoxification pathways
These aren't just buzzwords - they're real, measurable issues that can worsen attention, behaviour, emotional regulation, sensory processing, and overall wellbeing.
Not Every Child Needs Testing
Let me be clear: not every child with ADHD, autism, or sensory issues needs functional medicine testing. But if you're a parent who wants real answers, and your child's symptoms persist despite interventions, testing helps us understand what's actually happening inside your child's body and what they specifically need.
After 12+ years of using functional medicine testing with neurodivergent and sensitive kids, I've seen miraculous changes happen when we get the right supplementation and plan based on actual test results. It takes the guesswork out and gives us a clear roadmap.
The Problem with Guessing
Here's what I see often with parents of kids with ADHD and autism: they try supplement after supplement, change diets, cut out gluten and dairy, follow advice from online autism and ADHD communities... and sometimes things improve a little, but often they don't know if it's truly helping or if they're just throwing money at the wall hoping something sticks.
Testing gives us clarity. Instead of wondering if your child with ADHD needs magnesium or zinc, or if your autistic child's gut issues are from yeast overgrowth or food sensitivities, we can see exactly what their body is lacking, what's out of balance, and what's interfering with their ability to regulate, focus, and feel well.
It's the difference between driving in the fog and turning on the headlights.
The Good News: Most Testing is Simple and Non-Invasive
Most of the tests I use are easy and done at home - perfect for kids who struggle with medical appointments or sensory sensitivities. We're talking about collecting hair, urine, or stool samples. No needles (except for one food test option), no stressful clinic visits, no sensory overwhelm.
You'll get clear instructions, and the process is straightforward even for kids with additional needs.
Functional Medicine Tests for ADHD, Autism and Sensitive Kids
Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) for Neurodivergent Kids
How the test is done:
A small sample of hair collected from the back of the head, close to the scalp. Simple, non-invasive, done at home. Great for sensory-sensitive kids.
What it shows:
Mineral levels and imbalances (zinc, magnesium, calcium, iron and more)
Heavy metal exposure (lead, mercury, aluminium, arsenic, cadmium)
Adrenal and thyroid function patterns
Metabolic rate and energy production
Stress patterns and nervous system balance
Copper-zinc ratio (often imbalanced in ADHD and autism)
Why this matters for kids with ADHD, autism and sensory issues:
Research shows children with ADHD and autism often have significant mineral imbalances. Low zinc is extremely common and affects focus, impulse control, immunity, and sensory processing. Magnesium deficiency contributes to hyperactivity, anxiety, sleep problems, and emotional dysregulation. High copper relative to zinc can worsen irritability, anxiety, and sensory overwhelm. Heavy metals like lead and mercury can impact cognitive development, attention, and behaviour. This test shows us exactly what's depleted, what's excessive, and how much stress their nervous system is under, so we can restore balance with targeted mineral supplementation.
Organic Acids Test (OAT) for ADHD and Autism
How the test is done:
A urine sample collected at home, typically first thing in the morning. The collection kit comes with clear instructions.
What it shows:
Gut health markers including yeast and bacterial overgrowth (common in autism)
Neurotransmitter metabolites (serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine pathways)
Nutritional deficiencies (B vitamins, antioxidants, amino acids)
Mitochondrial function (cellular energy production)
Detoxification capacity
Oxalate levels (often elevated in autism)
Why this matters for kids with ADHD, autism and sensory issues:
The OAT is one of the most valuable tests for neurodivergent kids. Many children with autism have gut dysbiosis, including yeast overgrowth (Candida) that can worsen behaviour, hyperactivity, brain fog, and aggression. Neurotransmitter markers reveal imbalances in dopamine (critical for ADHD and attention) and serotonin (affecting mood and anxiety). Mitochondrial dysfunction is common in autism and contributes to fatigue and developmental challenges. High oxalates can worsen pain sensitivity, urinary issues, and behaviour problems in autistic children. This test gives us a comprehensive picture of gut-brain dysfunction and nutritional deficiencies so we can create targeted interventions with specific probiotics, nutrients, and dietary changes.
Complete Microbiome Mapping for Gut-Brain Connection
How the test is done:
A stool sample collected at home using the provided collection kit with easy-to-follow instructions.
What it shows:
Comprehensive analysis of gut bacteria (beneficial and harmful)
Parasites, pathogens and infections
Digestive function markers (enzyme levels, absorption capacity)
Inflammation levels in the gut
Immune system markers
Gut barrier integrity (leaky gut indicators)
Why this matters for kids with ADHD, autism and sensory issues:
The gut-brain connection is crucial for neurodivergent kids. Research consistently shows that children with ADHD and autism have altered gut microbiomes compared to neurotypical children. Gut inflammation affects neurotransmitter production, worsens brain fog, impacts mood regulation, and can intensify ADHD and autism symptoms. Parasites and pathogenic bacteria contribute to chronic digestive issues, nutrient malabsorption, immune dysfunction, and behavioural challenges. Leaky gut allows inflammatory compounds to enter the bloodstream, affecting brain function and behaviour. When we heal the gut with targeted interventions based on this test, parents often report improvements in focus, emotional regulation, anxiety, sleep, digestive issues, and overall behaviour.
Food Sensitivity Testing (IgG) for Allergies, Eczema, ADHD & Tummy Troubles
How the test is done:
You have two options:
Finger prick - At-home collection using a lancet (provided) to collect a few drops of blood
Blood draw - Standard blood collection by a healthcare professional
What it shows:
Food sensitivities and delayed immune reactions (IgG)
Individual reactions to 90+ common foods
Hidden food triggers affecting behaviour, mood, and physical symptoms
Why this matters for kids with ADHD, autism and sensory issues:
Many children with ADHD and autism have undiagnosed food sensitivities that worsen their symptoms. These aren't the immediate allergic reactions (IgE/anaphylaxis), but delayed IgG reactions that cause inflammation, digestive discomfort, headaches, eczema, mood swings, hyperactivity, brain fog, and behaviour issues 2-48 hours after eating the food. Common culprits include gluten, dairy, eggs, soy, and corn - but every child is different. When we remove foods triggering their immune system, parents consistently report better focus, improved behaviour, reduced anxiety, better sleep, clearer skin, and fewer meltdowns. This test gives you a clear, personalised list so you're not eliminating entire food groups unnecessarily.
How Testing Creates a Personalised Plan for Your Child
Once we have your child's test results, I create a targeted protocol specifically for their unique biochemistry. No more guessing if that supplement you saw on an autism parent forum is right for your child. No more wondering if you should try the GAPS diet or low-oxalate protocol.
We'll know exactly what their body needs, and we'll address it step-by-step.
This means:
✓ Clear answers about your child's specific imbalances - not general advice
✓ Targeted interventions addressing root causes of ADHD, autism, and sensory symptoms
✓ No wasted money on supplements your child doesn't need
✓ Faster improvements because we're working with accurate data
✓ A plan designed for your child's unique biochemistry and needs
✓ Measurable progress we can track with repeat testing
Investment in Your Child's Health
Test Cost
Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA). $151
Organic Acids Test (OAT). $330
Complete Microbiome Mapping. $399
Food Sensitivity Testing (IgG). $291
Pricing current as of January 2025. All costs exclude postage fees. Contact me for the most up-to-date prices.
Success Stories: What Parents of Neurodivergent Kids Report
After over 12 years of functional medicine testing with children who have ADHD, autism, and sensory processing challenges, I've witnessed transformations that parents describe as "life-changing" and "miraculous."
When we work together to address your child's unique imbalances, here's the kind of transformation parents see:
Needing constant reminders → focusing on homework independently
3-4 meltdowns a day → maybe one a week
Covering ears at every sound → handling normal noise levels without overwhelm
Waking multiple times a night → sleeping through for the first time in years
Daily battles with constipation → regular, easy bowel movements
Playing alone and avoiding eye contact → initiating conversations and playing with other kids
Bouncing off the walls at dinner → sitting through the whole meal
Constant irritability and mood swings → a happy, calm child
Catching every cold → only one illness all winter
Testing doesn't "cure" ADHD or autism - these are neurodevelopmental differences that are part of who your child is. But testing helps us support their biochemistry so they can feel their best, regulate more easily, and thrive in their unique way.
You Don't Have to Navigate This Alone
I know how exhausting it is to search for answers when your neurodivergent or sensitive child is struggling. The overwhelm of conflicting information, the confusion about which intervention to try next, the constant worry that you're missing something important that could help your child feel better.
Functional medicine testing for ADHD, autism, and sensory issues won't solve everything overnight, but it gives us a clear starting point and a personalised roadmap forward. After over a decade of watching neurodivergent kids transform with the right support based on actual test results, I've seen firsthand how powerful it is to work with real data instead of guessing.
If you have questions about which tests might benefit your child with ADHD, autism, or sensory challenges, or if testing is even necessary for your child's situation, let's talk. I'm here to help you make informed decisions and finally get some clarity on what's happening inside your child's body.
Ready to move from guessing to knowing?
I’m here to help parent’s in Perth and all over Australia via online appointments. Book a free discovery call with me (click here) to find out how testing can help your child thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions About Testing
Q: Will these tests diagnose ADHD or autism?
No. These tests don't diagnose ADHD or autism - that's done by developmental paediatricians or psychologists. These functional medicine tests identify underlying biochemical imbalances that may be worsening symptoms and preventing your child from thriving.
Q: Should we do all the tests at once?
Not necessarily. We can discuss your child's specific symptoms and challenges to determine which test(s) would be most beneficial to start with.
Q: How long until we see results from interventions?
Every child is different, but many parents notice improvements within 2-3 weeks of implementing the personalised protocol based on test results.
Q: Can these tests help if my child is already on ADHD medication?
Yes. These tests can complement existing treatments and may help optimise your child's overall health and functioning alongside medication.
Q: Are these tests covered by Medicare or Private Health?
No, these are out-of-pocket expenses. However, many parents find the investment worthwhile for the clarity and targeted support it provides. In the long-run saving wasted money on trying different supplements and more consultation visits.