Definitions
Here are a few definitions to help explain how we practice
as the lack of diagnosable disease in each of these and defines health as
each of these organ systems. Often  disease in each of these organ each of
these organ systems. Often  disease in each of these organ systems. Often
pharmaceuticals are in each of these organ systems. Often pharmaceuticals
are then organ systems. Often pharmaceuticals are then prescribed
determined prescribed determined by the patient's diagnosis. Conventional
the patient's diagnosis. Conventional medicine often has difficulty
approaching patient's without a diagnosis.
difficulty approaching patient's without a diagnosis.

medicine often has difficulty approaching patient's without a diagnosis.
approaching patient's without a diagnosis.


Functional medicine, also known as the biomedical model, is an
approach to patient care in which the patient's health is understood as
the balance of multiple biochemical and immunologic systems which
interact to affect patients' feelings of well-being and their ability to
function. Functional balance is determined by a combination of
genetics, nutrition, and toxin exposure. Interventions used in
integrative medicine include specific biochemical testing, nutritional
supplementation and manipulation, and herbal medications.

Alternative medicine considers the role of  non-biomedical therapies,
such as energy therapy, acupuncture, massage, etc., in the
maintenance of optimal function.

Integrative medicine is holistic, drawing from each of the above to
provide an individualized, and hopefully more effective, approach for
each patient.

Autism is a word describing the behavior of some children.  The
behaviors include marked deficiencies in language and social
interaction together with abnormal interests and behaviors.  In my
opinion, autism is a description and not a diagnosis.  About half of
children with autism have mental retardation and seizures, and a few
have identifiable genetic abnormalities such as Fragile X Syndrome.
Clearly, many different genetic and environmental factors influence
development and behavior and a limited therapeutic approach is likely
to have limited therapeutic impact.

Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified(PDD-NOS)
or autism spectrum disorder (ASD): PDD-NOS describes children with
autism-like symptoms, but not enough symptoms to be called autism.

Asperger syndrome is a distinct pattern of phenomena characterized
by relatively normal language development, deficiencies in social
function, unusual interests, and clumsiness. Asperger Syndrome can
be associated with other identifiable conditions such as ADD, anxiety,
and depression.

ADD/ADHD is called "Attention Deficit Disorder with or without
hyperactivity". A more appropriate name would be "Attention
Dysregulation Disorder". Like autism, ADD is defined by symptoms,
and probably reflects a variety of conditions that interfere with
effective regulation of the brain. About 80% of children and adults
satisfying criteria for ADD will benefit from treatment with stimulants
such as Ritalin or Adderall with significant improvements in function.
Less well studied are approaches involving dietary changes and
nutritional supplementation.  The most serious and common
complication of ADD is failure, and early failure can have a significant
impact on the rest of a child's life.

Behavioral disorders are defined as behaviors that result from
interactions between the child and his environment.  They are a
reflection of temperament, tolerance of environmental stimulation, and
parenting style. The understanding of behavioral disorders depends
on the accurate observation of the circumstance surrounding the
behavior and the emotion exhibited by the child. Behavioral disorders
often respond to parenting coaching, sensory interventions, and
possibly modulation of temperament with supplements, nutritional
interventions, or medication.