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Dr. Heather Way

2023 Presentation(s):

Unlocking the Autism microbiome using genomic technologies to heal the gut and reduce symptoms for children on the spectrum.

The presentation will begin In:

Days
Hours
Minutes
  • Friday, September 1 2023
  • 12:00pm(EDT)
  • Diet, Gut, & Nutrition, Therapies & Strategies
  • Add to Calendar
Abstract
Previous studies show that 50-90% of children with Autism have some form of gastrointestinal symptoms such as constipation, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, bloating and reflux. These symptoms can be correlated with imbalances in particular gut microbiota. The dysbiosis may cause symptoms such as inflammation, immune dysfunction and impaired nutrient absorption. Microbiome sequencing is a method of comprehensively analysing even small amounts of a wider range of micro-organisms in the gut than traditional stool testing can identify. It can thus be even more helpful in identifying and treating gastrointestinal issues in children with Autism. Dr Way has undertaken a large research study sequencing the microbiome of children on the Autism spectrum with IBS.  160 Autistic children with IBS were screened using smartDNAglobal and compared with 200 of their reference neurotypical population with IBS as controls. The results around the altered gut microbiome diversity in children with both ASD and IBS will be discussed. By understanding what is present or absent in each child’s gut, personally tailored interventions can be given to rebalance flora and restore function. These interventions may include targeted probiotics, prebiotics, dietary changes, natural supplements, gut healing agents, fermented foods and antimicrobial treatments may occasionally be needed as well. Together, these treatments are effective in reducing symptoms and improving gut health for children on the spectrum. Learn about:
  • The association of microbes with IBS, autism, depression and anxiety.
  • Mechanisms by which microbiota can affect the brain and regulate neurodegeneration.
  • The Brain chemistry that comes with dysbiosis in ASD.
  • The use of microbes to improve cognition, regenerate neurons and rebuild the microbiome.
  • The mitochondria microbiome link.
  • The salivary microbiota of ASD differs to controls and how to fix this.
  • The main gene / gut interactions for gut permeability and how to fix them.
  • Which probiotic species can improve symptoms for people on the spectrum.
  • Easy to follow steps on how to rebalance the ASD microbiome.
Speaker Bio:

Dr Heather Way (PhD Molecular Pathology, MSc.Qual Molecular physiology, B.App.Sci, Dip Nutritional therapy, Certified Nutrigenomist and Certified GAPs practitioner) is a passionate ASD researcher, Clinician and ASD Mum. Dr Way was highly driven to help her own ASD son who was vaccine damaged as a small child and was still non-verbal in diapers at 7 years old.  Following years of intense therapies, she was often urged by specialists to institutionalise him. In 2012, with the advent of Nutrigenomics and Microbiome sequencing, Dr Way was able to combine her three great passions of Genomics, Nutrition and Autism to find the answers she was looking for. Ten plus years of painstaking research have resulted in the creation of specialised Autism genomics technologies, to deliver treatment plans personalised to the unique genes of each child. This protocol has now helped hundreds of ASD children all over the world, including her own son who is now 18 years old in a mainstream high school, studying to be a Librarian. Dr Way is the Founder, Director and Head of Research at “The Australian Centre for Genomic Analysis”. Dr Way has helped develop the world’s first dedicated Autism Spectrum Nutrigenomics test and a specialised Autism Spectrum Gut Microbiome sequencing test to help children on the spectrum reach their full potential.

Financial disclosure: Dr Way has served on the scientific board of Directors for Victus Health, SmartDNA, Fitgenes, IntellxxDNA and Nourishing Hope, though has received no remuneration for these positions.

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