Episode 22: How To Successfully Use An Integrative Approach So Your Child Can Thrive

My guest this week is Tara Hunkin, Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, Certified GAPS Practitioner, Restorative Wellness Practitioner, mother and founder of My Child Will Thrive and host of the ‘Autism, ADHD and SPD Summit’. Tara is passionate about helping parents because she has been in their shoes. After doctor visits left her with more questions than answers, Tara realized that it was up to her to figure out how to get her daughter the help she needed. 

She went on to pursue an education in nutrition with the Nutritional Therapy Association and trained with Natasha Campbell-McBride, MD as a Certified GAPS Practitioner. She is also a student of Julie Matthews, CN with the Bioindividual Nutrition Institute and has completed the Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs training, as well as, training with Dr. Mellio through IAFNR to better understand the brain and the applications of functional neurology.

In this episode, Tara and I discuss the fundamental foundations for success when parents are setting out on an integrative approach for the treatment of their child’s neurodevelopmental disorder. Children diagnosed or suspected with disorders such as autism, ADD, ADHD, dyslexia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and other learning disabilities can greatly benefit from a guided framework of the integrative approach. To learn more about Tara and access an entire community of support click here.

 

Episode Highlights

The Internet & Information Overload

• The internet provides us with so much information it can be extremely overwhelming for parents searching for ways to help their struggling children
• As a parent you need to learn many different avenues but using a framework to approach them all will save you time, money, and a lot of excess stress

 

Framework and Tools 

• By beginning an integrative approach with a framework set in place, parents are able to organize and confront treatment with more ease
• Remember: “There is no clear one solution for every child.” - Tara Hunkin

 

Fundamental Foundations of Healing 

• It is easy to forget or disregard fundamental practices before going straight into advanced healing strategies and therapies - the two must go hand and hand to prevent as many setbacks as possible
• • Nutrition is key
  • • Keeping the body well-nourished literally feeds every cell in our body and brain
    • Maintain optimal hydration with good quality water sources
  • Ensure that your child is getting enough outdoor time in the fresh air and sunlight igniting their five senses  
  • Address your environment, such as the possible toxins in and around your home
• Finding and implementing appropriate neuro-rehab programs
• • Neuro rehab examples: listening, vision, occupational, and neurofeedback therapies

 

Multiple Protocols & Record-Keeping

• You are your child's best advocate and record-keeper
• Having records to refer to for yourself and your practitioner will save you time, money, and grief
• To help Tara has created a ‘Protocol and Therapy Worksheet’
• • It sets out objectives to help track practice, advice from your practitioner and expectations
• These kinds of record-keeping are essential to approaching an integrative model of treatment
• • The more thorough the history recorded the better you and your practitioner can prepare for and execute treatment plans

 

Working With The Right Practitioner

• Make sure the practitioner is able to explain to you the aim and goals of the treatment at hand
• You shouldn’t walk out of their office more confused than when you went in
• When you understand the possibilities and outcomes you are more equipped to push through
• • When you have older children who are able to comprehend the goals and outcomes - they will feel more empowered to make the right decisions if they understand why of the situation

 

Where to learn more about Tara Hunkin...

• My Child Will Thrive Website
• Facebook Support Group
• Instagram:@mychildwillthrive
• Twitter: @mychildthrive

 

Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens on...

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Drbeurkens.com

 

Need help with improving your child’s behavior naturally? 

• My book Life Will Get Better is available for purchase, click here to learn more. 
• Looking for more? Check out my Blog and the Better Behavior Naturally Parent Program - a resource guide for parents who want to be more effective with improving their child’s behavior. 
• Interested in becoming a patient? Contact us here.