As anyone caring for children with autism would tell you, there are many forms and triggers for this distressingly common condition. Today’s focus article used computer modeling creatively in order to tease out four main subtypes of autism which might allow researchers to better identify both predisposing factors (like genetics) and external contributors to the condition. Without a relevant organization of the problem, pinpointing the genetics that predispose these children t

For many years now, both medical professionals and parents of children diagnosed with ADHD have assumed that the primary mechanism of action for most ADHD medications are its effects in the brain areas responsible for attention.  Now a study suggests that the medications work in other parts of the brain, those involved with reward and wakefulness.  This new information not only proves that science is rarely settled, but that we need to reexamine how we treat ADHD. Researchers

The Importance of Thyroid Health During Pregnancy In functional medicine, we often describe our bodies as interconnected systems, much like a web. This interconnectedness becomes even more significant during pregnancy. The health of a mother directly influences her developing baby. Whether through natural hormones or harmful toxins, a mother’s health can leave lasting effects on her child, extending into adulthood. Recent research highlights a concerning link between uncontro

Who would have thought that saffron, a culinary spice prominent in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, could be an effective therapy for ADHD? A 2023 research study   [MOU1]  showed the benefits of a therapeutic dose of saffron in children and adolescents with ADHD compared to a pharmaceutical stimulant. In fact, the dose of saffron performed just as well as the prescription medication methylphenidate. The study also showed that saffron improved hyperactivity, sleep, and execu