There are so many changes happening during childhood. For some children, behavioural or emotional issues may present additional challenges, such as autism, ADHD, sleep issues, or other behavioural issues.

Gaining a professional diagnosis is an important first step. If you think that your child is showing signs of a developmental disorder or another health problem, a health professional can help you to determine the likely cause and appropriate treatment.

Behaviour is part of a child’s way to communicate. There are many different causes behind behavioural issues, and many of them are complex and multi-faceted. So, a holistic approach can be helpful.

From a natural medicine perspective, some childhood behavioural or emotional issues might be reduced through diet or nutritional changes. For instance, your child might have an undiagnosed intolerance or allergy. In these cases, you might hear certain recommendations from your natural health practitioner.

Natural health practitioners look at your child’s health from the perspective of their diet, genes, environment, and lifestyle. For example, some practitioners consider the effect of mineral deposits, such as copper, as being important in some health issues.

You can learn more about your child’s nutritional needs through testing. Nutritional testing can tell you about potential deficiencies or dietary needs that your child may have. These tests can help to inform a nutritional plan that can nourish your child.

Gene testing is a related area of assessment. Your child’s unique patterns can tell you more about their individual characteristics. Everyone is different, so everyone responds differently to treatments and diets. Some practitioners will also recommend hair analysis. This is another step in a natural health assessment looking at your child’s nutritional needs.

MTHFR testing is another health assessment. This test looks at your child’s ability to metabolise folate, which is an important nutrient. In some situations, this test might be recommended.

Different tests provide different kinds of information. These are just some of the options that a natural health practitioner might recommend, depending on your child’s unique needs. Taken together, health assessments can help you to learn more about your child. By forming a holistic picture of your child’s dietary needs, you can take steps that might address some behavioural issues.

Of course, every child is different. If you are concerned about your child’s behaviour, development, or emotions, it’s a good idea to speak to a health professional. This way, you can be informed about their individual needs and risk factors.