01/29/2026
Why These Tests Are So Helpful for Neurodevelopmental Kiddos
When a child is struggling with focus, behavior, sensory issues, anxiety, or learning differences, we always ask one big question:
👉 What’s happening underneath the surface?
These labs help us move beyond guesswork and truly understand a child’s biochemistry, brain–gut connection, and environmental exposures.
Here’s why each one matters 👇
✨ Nutrients
The brain needs specific nutrients to grow, communicate, and regulate emotions. Deficiencies in iron, zinc, magnesium, B vitamins, or essential fatty acids can directly impact attention, mood, sleep, and development.
🧪 OATS (Organic Acids Test)
This is one of our favorite “metabolic snapshots.” It gives insight into: • Mitochondrial energy production
• Neurotransmitter pathways
• Yeast/bacterial overgrowth
• Vitamin needs
• Detox capacity
It often explains why a child is tired, foggy, irritable, or struggling to regulate.
🦠 Gut Microbiome
The gut and brain are deeply connected. An imbalanced microbiome can affect: • Behavior and mood
• Anxiety and irritability
• Immune activation
• Nutrient absorption
• Neuroinflammation
Supporting gut health often leads to noticeable changes in cognition and behavior.
☣️ Heavy Metals
Even low-level exposures can interfere with neurological development, attention, and emotional regulation. Identifying metals allows us to reduce the body’s burden safely and support detox pathways.
🧬 MaxFunction Genetics
This shows us how a child is wired — including methylation, detox, neurotransmitter breakdown, oxidative stress, and nutrient needs. It helps us personalize care instead of guessing or over-supplementing. Gives us lots of genetic information (MTHFR, COMT, SNPS and more)
🧠 Neurotransmitters
Neurotransmitters influence focus, motivation, mood, sleep, and stress response. Measuring them helps us understand patterns behind anxiety, ADHD-like symptoms, emotional dysregulation, and burnout.
💛 The goal isn’t labels — it’s clarity.
These tests help us create a gentle, individualized roadmap to support a child’s brain, body, and nervous system as they grow.
Because every child is unique — and their care should be too.
