Case Study #5

6-Year-Old Boy — Level 3 Autism, Non-Verbal, Sensory & Motor Challenges

A 6-year-old boy diagnosed with Level 3 Autism, presenting with profound developmental and sensory challenges:

• Non-verbal, with no functional language.

• No eye contact, minimal social interaction.

• Not potty trained, unable to express basic needs.

• Extremely limited diet, with rigid food preferences.

• Heavy stimming — repetitive movements to self-soothe.

• Jerky, uncoordinated muscle movements, poor motor planning.

• Rigid play, lining up toys repetitively instead of functional play.

Genomic Findings:

His functional genomic testing revealed:

• Underlying gut and digestive pathway dysfunctions impacting nutrient absorption.

• Detoxification pathway inefficiencies, likely contributing to neuroinflammation.

• Methylation and neurotransmitter pathway variants affecting speech and motor regulation.

Personalized Interventions:

Nutritional Support:

• Expanded diet and improved nutrient absorption through gut-healing support.

• Balanced key minerals and vitamins to nourish the brain.

Detoxification:

• Gentle detox to address toxin load and support glutathione pathways.

• Supported liver and lymphatic drainage.

Neurodevelopment Support:

• Sensory therapies and primitive reflex integration.

• Photobiomodulation to calm neuroinflammation and improve neural connectivity.

Communication & Behavior:

• Parental coaching and functional communication strategies.

• Behavioral supports to reduce stimming and anxiety triggers.

Outcomes (After 6 Months):

Speech:

• Now says a few words, including spontaneously saying “I love you.”

• Can respond to simple questions and requests.

Eye Contact & Play:

• Makes meaningful eye contact with family.

• Plays with toys as they are intended, engaging in pretend play instead of repetitive lining up.

Motor Skills:

• Smooth, coordinated muscle movements, fewer jerky motions.

• Increased confidence in gross and fine motor tasks.

Behavior:

• Fewer outbursts, calmer self-regulation.

• Able to transition between activities with less resistance.

Independence:

• Progress toward potty training and improved self-help skills.

Key Insights:

This case beautifully illustrates how combining genomics, gut healing, gentle detox, and neurodevelopmental supports can unlock a child’s ability to connect, speak, and play — bringing profound changes in quality of life for both the child and the family.