See us for autism treatment in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Maple Shade, New Jersey, Bala Cynwyd , Pennsylvania, and the surrounding areas. The Falcone Center uses functional medicine to treat autism and other chronic medical conditions.

What Is Autism?

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, is a neurological disorder that affects behavioral development. Usually evident from about the age of two or three years old, it is typically associated with issues dealing with social interaction to verbal and nonverbal communications, intellectual disabilities, difficulties with attention, and repetitive behaviors. Physical health conditions such as sleep and digestive issues play a role as well.

According the Center for Disease Control, it is estimated that one in 68 children fall on the autism spectrum and that it is more likely to occur in boys. Additionally, it is estimated that while those with autism have difficulty in many aspects of their capabilities, about 40 percent have average and above average intellectual abilities.

What Causes Autism?

The cause of autism has been under scrutiny for more than a decade with some determination that this disorder is a combination of genetic and environmental conditions that affect brain development.

Key imbalances in the systems of children suffering from autism may play a role in the extreme behaviors and mood changes associated with autism. These imbalances show themselves through bloated bellies, smelly bowel movements, frequent illnesses such as colds and ear infections, and allergies to foods and other influences, which may provide a link to how their brains function.

What Are the Early Signs of Autism?

Because those with autism have such a wide range of symptoms and effects from the disorder, there is not a standard set of indications. Instead, there are early signs of autism of which parents need to be aware. Some of the more prevalent signs are as follows:

  • Inability to make eye contact with others
  • Failure to respond to facial expressions such as smiles
  • Inability to express or mimic nonverbal communications such as waving gestures and facial expressions
  • Inability to show affection
  • Inability to interact with others

While some of these characteristics may be found in many children, autistic children tend to show them collectively rather than only one or two.

How Does Functional Medicine Treat Autism?

With functional medicine, the goal is to determine the factors that may affect how children with autism think and behave and to remove those factors which are usually intolerances or sensitivities to certain foods and allergens. Tests show that following food-elimination diets, controlling allergens, and taking certain medications (antivirals, antibiotics, SSRIs, and others) combined as a consistent regimen can provide a cumulative effect to help the body’s systems regain balance and potentially return to a more normal level.

Our approach is to redesign the patient’s diet by replacing any missing nutrients necessary for the body and removing food allergies and sensitivities, as well as to control outside allergens. It is also necessary to address any sources of inflammation, support the immune system, and identify and eliminate toxins or anything else that may contribute to the condition so that a rebalance of the internal systems in the body may take place.

It is important to understand that treating autism using functional medicine is as individual as each patient. The results are often dramatic but can take some time in determining the specific approaches to recovery and treatment.

What Is the Cost of Treating Autism with Functional Medicine?

At the Falcone Center, the cost for treating patients in Philadelphia, PA, Maple Shade, NJ, and the surrounding area is based on the appointment. Deposit is due when scheduling initial appointment.

It is important to note that the Falcone Center does not accept insurance as it is considered an “out-of-network provider” by most major insurance plans. While we cannot file insurance claims on our patients’ behalf, we can easily provide them with receipts and the necessary paperwork to file for reimbursement. We suggest that our patients determine whether their plans cover functional medicine prior to making an appointment.

Why Choose the Falcone Center to Treat Autism?

At the Falcone Center, we understand how conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder benefit from treatment through functional medicine. At the Falcone Center, we evaluate each patient to determine the underlying causes of autism so that we can design an effective treatment plan that addresses the causes and promotes the healing process.

What Are the Steps to Begin Autism Treatment with Functional Medicine?

To begin treatment for autism at the Falcone Center, you should schedule your initial consultation. Please take the time to fill out our new patient paperwork before your appointment so that we can review it and have a plan for your first visit. The forms may be quite detailed with certain conditions and take time to complete. Additionally, if the appointment is for a child, it is important that two people attend the initial appointment. One adult will focus on talking with the doctor while the other attends to the needs of the child if necessary.

Dr. Victoria Falcone, director of The Falcone Center, is board certified in Family Medicine. She is licensed in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and is a member of The Institute of Functional Medicine, The American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS), and The American Academy of Family Practice. Dr. Falcone offers a unique approach to health, wellness, and rejuvenation, helping men, women and children look and feel better both inside and out. Please call today to schedule your initial consultation!