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Food Sensitivity Testing

We finished doing a neurobehavioral assessment with Henry, due to some of the self-regulation struggles he had been displaying for the past couple of years. Interestingly, during the several-month process, he seemed to start to regulate more and more. I’m not sure if it’s from the counseling we’ve been going to weekly or the fact that his brain is continuing to develop as he gets older. In Montessori theory, we believe that children go through a huge developmental shift as they move from the first plane of development (0-6) to the second plane of development (6-12). As Henry gets closer and closer to 6, we (and his teacher) are seeing huge gains in his ability to self-regulate. Regardless, I’m continuing to follow-up with the recommended next steps, including food sensitivity testing. We have an amazing place in Austin called People’s Pharmacy. They have a wellness clinic that focuses more on holistic health. I’m also going to get Tate tested because he has a lot of eczema on his arms. 
There’s also an emerging science around genetic testing to see how the body processes various vitamins and minerals. I don’t understand it fully, but Henry’s therapist says that psychologists and psychiatrists are starting to see that supplements can significantly improve mental health and that genetic testing can help guide practitioners to know which supplements to recommend. I definitely have to do a lot more research about this, but I’m going to start by calling a doctor who was recommended by Henry’s therapist. 
Matt and I are also going to start going to parenting classes. I’ll keep you updated about what we learn! Also, I ordered this book to try out some of the activities with Henry. 
Phew! It’s a lot, but all of these feel like solid next steps. 

2 Comments

  • Thais

    could you share any things that have worked well that you learned from counseling? My 4 year old can be difficult sometimes and I'd love any tips. So far ideas from Laura Markham's book have heped

  • Sara E. Cotner

    Hi, Thais! We honestly haven't learned much from counseling because it's not family counseling–it's just counseling for Henry. However, she has talked to us about making sure we regulate ourselves in response to Henry's misbehavior (i.e., staying calm and not letting his misbehavior upset us).

    Once we start the parenting classes, I will try to share out any new ideas we come across!

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