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When Medication Isn’t Enough: A Deeper Look Into ADHD, Autism, and What Your Child Really Needs

Smiling woman in a white coat beside text: "Still Struggling... Even on Meds?" with pills spilling from a bottle. Background is purple and gray.

“My child is on medication… but it’s not enough.”

I hear this almost daily from parents who are doing everything they can for their children. They’ve followed the recommendations, filled the prescriptions, and stayed consistent. But something still feels… off.

Their child still struggles with:

  • Emotional meltdowns

  • Poor sleep

  • Focus and anxiety

  • Or even concerning behaviors that seem to worsen when the medication wears off

If this is you, take a deep breath. You are not alone — and more importantly, you are not doing anything wrong. You’ve landed in the right place.

Let’s talk about what’s really going on — and what you can do about it.

The Hard Truth: Medications Have Their Limits

Medications like stimulants (for ADHD) and SSRIs (for anxiety or depression) can offer much-needed relief by reducing symptoms. They help many children focus better, stay calmer, or get through a school day with more ease.

But there’s a reality that often gets overlooked:

Medications do not address root causes. They are often temporary relief, not lasting transformation.

For many children with ADHD and autism, what’s happening underneath in the gut, the brain, and the nervous system, is where the real healing needs to begin.

“But My Child Is Still Struggling…”

Here’s what I hear often from families:

“She can focus now, but she’s anxious all the time.” “He’s on a sleep med, but still wakes up every few hours.” “He’s more calm, but now hallucinating.” “She’s still constipated and aggressive.”

Yes, medications help. But they are like a bandage. When it wears off, we’re often right back where we started and sometimes worse.

This is why we need to take a step back and ask:

What is going on inside your child’s body that’s contributing to these behaviors?


The Missing Link: Internal Imbalances

Here’s what research and experience tell us: Children with ADHD and autism often have underlying nutritional deficiencies and chronic inflammation that directly affect the brain, gut, sleep, and behavior.

Some of the most common imbalances I see:

  • Magnesium, zinc, iron, and omega-3 deficiencies

  • Gut dysbiosis (an unhealthy gut microbiome)

  • Environmental toxins and food sensitivities

  • Chronic constipation or digestive issues

  • Poor melatonin production (often due to gut issues)

And guess what? The brain and the gut are deeply connected. When the gut is inflamed or imbalanced, the brain reacts — and so does your child’s behavior.


Real-Life Change Is Possible: A Story of Hope

One of my earliest patients had both autism and ADHD. She was nonverbal, severely constipated, not sleeping, and aggressive to the point of being nearly expelled from school. Her parents were overwhelmed doing all they could, yet nothing seemed to help.

I recommended they remove gluten and dairy to reduce inflammation and support gut healing.

Within 4 months:

  • She was sleeping better

  • Her aggression significantly decreased

  • She became less constipated

  • She said her first word — "Mom."

By 6 months, she let me examine her for the first time ever.She started thriving — and so did her family.

This transformation didn’t happen from medication alone. It came from addressing the root causes  from healing the inside out.

What We Do Differently at Glow Pediatrics

At Glow Pediatrics, we look beyond the surface. We practice integrative medicine — blending conventional science with holistic, evidence-based approaches that prioritize nutrition, gut health, and the child’s entire environment.

Here’s what our approach includes:

  • A deep dive into your child’s history

  • Functional testing to identify root issues

  • A personalized plan, grocery list included

  • Parent coaching and ongoing support

  • A community of families on the same journey

We help you understand what’s going on inside your child — and how to support them without relying solely on meds.


You Are Your Child’s Greatest Advocate

We don’t believe in quick fixes, we believe in empowered parents who are equipped with knowledge, support, and a plan.

When you know what’s really happening in your child’s body, you can unlock real, lasting change not just for your child, but for your entire family.

There is hope beyond the prescription pad. There is a path to true healing.


Ready to Go Deeper?

📍 We offer telemedicine and coaching nationwide,

📍 We specialize in personalized nutrition plans and root-cause pediatric care.

📍 You don’t have to do this alone.


 
 
 

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