Autism Specialist

Autism is currently a lifelong condition without a cure. However, early treatment can make a big difference and there's always hope with Ayurvedic and functional therapies that naturally heal the many physical issues associated with autism. At the Trinergy Center for Integrative Psychiatry, Aruna Tummala, MD, specializes in whole-person treatments that integrate psychotherapy, advanced treatments like hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and natural supplements and herbs to promote healing. To schedule an in-person or telepsychiatry appointment, call the office in New Berlin, Wisconsin, or book online today.

What is autism?

Autism (autism spectrum disorder) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that begins in early childhood and lasts throughout adulthood. The disorder exists on a spectrum that includes people with a wide range of symptoms and abilities.

Some people with autism don't speak, while others talk constantly. The spectrum includes children with low and high IQs, people who need extensive 24/7 support, and those who only need occasional support.

What core challenges define autism?

Everyone with autism spectrum disorder deal with two core challenges:

Difficulty with communication and social skills

Your child may have a flat tone or fail to show emotions. Many on the spectrum struggle to share others’ interests. They often don’t know what to talk about other than their one interest.

Some autistic children may have speech and language disorders. For example, pragmatic language disorder makes it hard to have back-and-forth conversations.

Repetitive and restrictive behaviors

Most people on the autism spectrum need to follow a predictable routine, have one special interest, and prefer to engage in just one activity or focus on a single topic. They need consistent, positive therapy to help them accommodate changes in their routine or learn to take interest in other activities.

How is autism diagnosed?

Diagnosing autism requires an in-depth psychiatric consultation. However, as an integrative psychiatrist, Dr. Tummala goes beyond the basics. She specializes in getting to the root problems commonly found in autism. 

Dr. Tummala evaluates the gut-brain axis and runs diagnostic tests to identify potential problems such as:

• Gut microbiome imbalances
• Hormonal imbalances
• Immune system health
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Mitochondrial dysfunction
• Bodywide inflammation
• Heavy metals
• Environmental toxins

After identifying the many physical factors associated with autism, Dr. Tummala develops an individualized treatment plan.

How is autism treated?

Children with autism need early intervention with therapies that minimize their core symptoms. Many children participate in therapies such as:

• Applied behavior analysis (ABA)
• DIRFloortime®
• Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)
• Pivotal response treatment (PRT)
• Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT)
• Social skills therapy
• Speech therapy
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy

While many children take psychiatric drugs for co-occurring problems such as aggression, depression, and anxiety, these drugs often cause serious side effects. For this reason, Dr. Tummala turns to Ayurveda and natural treatments to treat autism symptoms and underlying health problems.

A few examples of natural treatments available at Trinergy Center for Integrative Psychiatry include:

• Nutritional supplements
• Dietary recommendations
• Ayurvedic herbal medicines
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT)

For supportive mental and physical care for autism, call Trinergy Center for Integrative Psychiatry or book an appointment online today.