Is Your Child's Genetics A Major Culprit In Their ADHD or Autism Symptoms?

As parents of children with ADHD and/or Autism, I know that you are often searching for answers as to why your child struggles when other children seem to be able to live a more "normal" life. You see other children eating whatever they want, spending as much time as they wish on their screens, and still doing relatively well at school and at home. You know this has never been the way for your child. And this leaves you wanting to better understand the "why" behind your child's struggles while finding effective solutions. While the underlying factors of ADHD and Autism can be complex, genetics can play a monumental role. That's where specialized genetic testing comes in – and it can be a powerful tool for understanding your child's unique needs.

Understanding the Make-up of Your Child

Imagine having the equivalent to a car's owner manual for your child's body that reveals exactly how your child's brain and body work on a genetic level. Genetic Testing does just that. You may learn:

• How your child's brain functions on a genetic level
• What specific neurotransmitters imbalances your child may have
• If they have a predisposition to higher neuro-inflammation levels
• Do they need extra support for their immune system
• Does their body have predispositions to poor detoxification of harmful chemicals in their environment

Genetic testing can offer invaluable insights into how specific gene variations (mutations) may influence your child's ADHD and/or Autism symptoms. 

For instance, children with ADHD often experience difficulties with focus, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Other children with ADHD can have a great deal of anger and aggressiveness. And others still may experience more anxiety and depression symptoms. Despite the same diagnosis, these children are all very different. This is where genetics comes into play and can show you the "Why" behind your child's symptoms and behaviors.

Key Genes and Their Impact

Let's take a closer look at a couple of genes that are often relevant in ADHD and Autism:

• COMT Gene:
  • The COMT gene plays a role in breaking down neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine, which are all crucial for focus, impulse control, motivation, and learning.
  • Variations in the COMT gene can affect the levels of these three neurotransmitters, leading to differences in how a child experiences focus and emotional regulation.
  • Some COMT variations cause slower breakdown of these neurotransmitters which can lead to higher levels of these chemicals. While other COMT variations cause a much faster breakdown, leading to lower levels of those neurotransmitters. This creates very different symptom presentations.
  • Children with a SLOW COMT variation may be more prone to all of the symptoms of HIGH Dopamine, Norepinephrine, and Epinephrine This would include hyper-focusing, agitation, anxiousness, and even aggressive behavior.
  • Children with a FAST COMT variation may be more prone to all of the symptoms of LOW Dopamine, Norepinephrine, and Epinephrine. This would include poor focus, poor motivation, poor impulse control, and lower cognitive function.
• MTHFR Gene:
  • The MTHFR gene is involved in methylation, a process essential for numerous bodily functions, including neurotransmitter production and detoxification.
  • MTHFR gene variations can impact the body's ability to process folate (Vitamin B9), a vital nutrient for brain health, red blood cell production, and detoxification.
  • When a child has a SLOW MTHFR variation it can greatly impact their ability to process folate which can negatively affect the child's neurotransmitter levels and the ability to detoxify harmful chemicals in their environment. Poor detoxification can lead to inflammation throughout the brain and body contributing to symptoms of ADHD and Autism.

These are just two important genes amongst many others in your child's brain health. A Functional Genetic Analysis can look at these genes and others in helping you to understand your child's symptoms.

Beyond the Genes: Co-factors and Lifestyle

It's important to remember that genes don't operate in isolation. They interact with various co-factors, such as vitamins, minerals, and various other chemicals of the body. Understanding your child's specific gene variations can help you and the practitioner you are working with in creating a very targeted supplementation, food, and lifestyle plan to support optimal gene function.

For example, if your child has a SLOW MTHFR gene variation, they may benefit from supplementing with specific forms of folate and other B vitamins to help your child's body in accomplishing what it is not doing very well on its own. With the added form of folate, the child may have healthier detoxification, inflammation levels, and overall brain health. We may also want to lessen the child's interaction with harmful chemicals such as pesticides, synthetic food dyes, and nitrites as we know through their genetics that their detoxification may not be as optimal as another child's.

Another example is for the child with the SLOW COMT gene variation. They may benefit from COMT's co-factor which is magnesium. Magnesium may help to speed-up the SLOW COMT gene enzyme allowing for proper breakdown of dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. This may help to reduce symptoms in the child such as hyper-focusing, anxiety, and anger. A child such as this would also likely do well with eating foods higher in magnesium while living in an environment that teaches healthy stress management through relaxation techniques and reduced screen time.

What Genetic Testing Can Reveal:

• Nutrient Needs:
  • Identify specific vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and various other chemicals that may be essential for your child's unique genetic makeup.
• Lifestyle Recommendations:
  • Gain insights into lifestyle modifications, such as screen time limits, dietary changes, and stress management techniques, that can support optimal gene function.
• Personalized Supplementation:
  • Tailor supplement recommendations to address specific gene variations and support overall brain health.
• Understanding Symptom Presentation:
  • Understand why your child's symptoms present in the way that they do.

Empowering Parents with Knowledge

Genetic testing empowers parents with valuable knowledge, allowing for a more personalized and targeted approach to supporting their child's ADHD and/or Autism symptoms. By understanding the genetic factors involved, you can work with healthcare providers to develop comprehensive wellness programs that address the root causes of your child's challenges.

If you're considering genetic testing for your child, give us a call at (407) 755-3135. We have worked extensive experience in analyzing the most comprehensive genetic tests that are available and helping parents of children with ADHD and Autism improve their brain health.

Much Love to Your Family,

Dwight Franklin, MSOM, AP, "The Brain Health Detective"