Overwhelming evidence suggests that nutritional deficiencies may be a contributing factor in Autism and ADD. SpectraCell Laboratories has developed highly specialized Micro Nutrient Testing (requires a blood draw) to measure 33 vitamins, minerals and antioxidants in your body and evaluates how well your body actually absorbs and utilizes each nutrient.
Even if you decide not to try GAPS, I would recommend you RUN to the nearest lab and get this testing done. In disorders like Autism and ADD, the potential improvement of symptoms when even a single deficiency is corrected can often be quite dramatic.
Practitioner MNT wholesale cost is approximately $199 US (with insurance submission) or $290 MNT patient self-pay (w/o insurance).
As an Integrative Nutrition Heath Coach, I will typically order the Micronutrient test along with a few other panels to get a complete picture of the child’s nutritional status. (+ CardioMetabolic, Thyroid, CBC, CMP, Iron, Lead)
It takes time and expertise to achieve repletion – which is achieved through diet and supplements. Retesting is recommended every 6 months until all deficiencies are corrected. (regular retesting is key because it takes most clients 2-3 years to fully correct all nutrient deficiencies.) And, regular testing will give you peace of mind to know as you are doing GAPS (which is obviously a restricted diet) you aren’t inducing any new deficiencies.
Below are example test results to give you an idea of what to expect:
Micronutrient Test Results
CardioMetabolic Test Results