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April is Autism Awareness Month

April is Autism Awareness month—a perfect time to recognise the inspiring teamwork of the Integrative Health practitioners and their ASD patients in addressing physical health challenges that are common in those with Autism.

A recent 2023 Cambridge University study found that “autistic adolescents and adults experience increased rates of chronic physical health conditions across all organ systems.” The study concluded that autistic individuals had higher rates of 33 specific conditions compared to non-autistic peers, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), coeliac disease, gallbladder disease, endometriosis, eczema, temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ), migraine, myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), fibromyalgia and iron deficiency anaemia.

This research adds to a growing body of evidence showing that Autism is associated with a heightened risk of multiple chronic illnesses.

Mindd Foundation’s Commitment

For 20 years, Mindd Foundation has been dedicated to improving the quality of life for autistic individuals by raising awareness of the underlying physical health issues and connecting families with experienced clinicians trained in Integrative and Functional Medicine. WIth the help of global experts, we train practitioners and educate families on how to address overlapping conditions such as allergies, asthma, anxiety, food sensitivities, CFS, PANS, PANDAS, POTS, and a range of metabolic, immunological, neurological, digestive, and developmental issues – many of which affect the mind.

Functional doctors and integrative practitioners – including MDs, naturopaths, nutritionists, nurses, and dietitians – focus on identifying the root causes of autism symptoms and effectively treating physical illness, particularly immune dysregulation, metabolic disorders, and microbiome imbalances. Given their broad knowledge base, these clinicians draw from a range of science-based therapies (medical, nutritional, natural, neuro, and energy) to select treatments with the most benefits and least side effects; addressing the cause rather than simply medicating the symptom.

MIF25 – Mindd International Forum 2025

Since 2005, the Mindd International Forum has brought together experienced practitioners and distinguished scientists to present on traditional therapies as well as cutting-edge, science-based solutions for the treatment of chronic illness._This year’s theme, Empowering Community to Treat and Prevent Chronic Illness, includes lectures and panels on Functional Medicine, Natural and Neuro Therapies, Food as Medicine, and Regenerative Living. While the focus is paediatrics, much of what will be covered is relevant to patients of all ages especially prenatal moms and dads.

This year we are excited to partner with MAPS (The Medical Academy of Pediatric and Special Needs), the global leader in training practitioners in Integrative Healthcare and Functional Medicine for children. Top MAPS faculty will be travelling to Australia to train practitioners from all over South East Asia including Dr. James Neuenschwander, Dr. Liz Mumper (author of Kids and COVID) and Dr. Nancy O’Hara (author of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS). Collectively, these three paediatricians bring 110 years of clinical experience treating chronic conditions, as well as 6 decades at the podium training practitioners and educating families.

Many experienced Australian-based integrative clinicians specialising in naturopathy, nutrition, chiropractic, speech, and natural and energy therapies, will also be presenting on effective treatment strategies for chronic illness.

As with previous forums, MIF25 will feature two tracks that both cover personalised, precision healthcare that treats and prevents a range of illness including; autism, ADHD, allergies, anxiety, asthma, bi-polar, chronic fatigue, depression, diabetes, digestive disorder, eating disorders, infections, learning delay, Long Covid, Lyme, mould illness, PAIS, PANS/PANDAS, POTS, schizophrenia and more.

Practitioner Training offers continuing education (CPE) points and a practitioner directory listing for certified MDs, NDs, Osteopaths, nutritionists, nurses, chiropractors and dieticians.

Community Education is offered to parents, patients, educators, and allied therapists, and will_include cooking demonstrations as well as a panel on Regenerative Living featuring 8th generation farmer Charlie Arnott and nutritionist/farmer Cyndi O’Meara.

Free and Online Support

Mindd Foundation also provides ongoing support to patients, parents, educators, and advocates through:

Mindd Health social media (FB, LI, IG)
A weekly newsletter featuring the latest in healthcare research
Mindd Health Hub – a digital education platform with on-demand lectures

Over the years, demand for Functional Medicine and Integrative Healthcare has skyrocketed, especially among autism families seeking effective treatments for chronic illness. We congratulate the ASD individuals who have successfully improved their quality of life by addressing physical health conditions. And we invite you to join us at the Mindd International Forum (in person or livestream), May 1-3 at the ICC in Sydney’s Darling Harbour, to explore the latest in effective chronic illness treatment solutions.

We hope to see you May!