Research Presented at AADPA Conference, 2025

“Why isn’t nutrition included in every early intervention plan?”

This question drove my research into 25 children aged 3-5 with ADHD, and the results are changing how we think about early intervention.

The Problem We Discovered

Despite most children with ADHD experiencing developmental delays having access to NDIS Early Intervention funding, nutrition support is rarely included. This is a missed opportunity during the most critical years when:

• Dietary habits are forming
• Brain development is at its peak
• Early intervention has the greatest impact
  
  

The reality? At baseline, only 1 in 25 families described their child’s eating as having “okay quantity and variety.” The rest? Picky, restrictive, highly processed diets that were fueling the very symptoms we’re trying to manage.

What the Research Revealed

My study of 25 children aged 3-5 with ADHD uncovered something remarkable: nutritional therapy during these early years doesn’t just improve symptoms, it transforms outcomes.

The Results Speak for Themselves:

• Significant improvement in ADHD symptoms
• Better medication tolerance (for those on medication)
• Reduced comorbidities
• Lower long-term disease risk
  
  

These are real children who could finally participate fully in their classrooms and communities.

The Science Behind the Solution

This isn’t about telling parents to “just eat more vegetables.” Our research confirms what emerging science has been showing us:

The gut-brain connection is real. Nutritional deficiencies directly impact neurotransmitter function, the very chemicals that regulate attention, mood, and behaviour.

Supplements work synergistically. Saffron enhances stimulant medication effectiveness. Magnesium and L-theanine support sleep and emotional regulation. These aren’t alternatives to treatment; they’re powerful teammates.

Early intervention is everything. The 3-5 year window is critical. This is when we can set the foundation for lifelong health.

Why This Matters for Your Family

If your child has ADHD, you’ve probably been told about behavioural strategies, possibly medication, and maybe occupational therapy. But has anyone asked about their nutrition?

Here’s what we know:

• Nutritional deficiencies are common in children with ADHD
• These deficiencies can worsen with medication
• Addressing them early prevents years of struggle
• The right nutritional support improves not just ADHD symptoms, but overall health and development
  
  

The Call to Action

Our research led to one clear conclusion: nutrition must become standard practice in ADHD early intervention.

This isn’t just about what happens in our clinic, it’s about changing the system. Every child with ADHD deserves access to nutritional support during these crucial early years.

For Healthcare Professionals

Clinical nutritionists can work alongside GPs and paediatricians to address nutritional deficiencies and functional concerns that traditional approaches miss.

For Families

Don’t wait. The earlier we intervene nutritionally, the better the outcomes. Your child’s future health starts with the choices we make today.

Ready to Rewrite Your Child’s Health Story?

This research confirms what I’ve seen in the clinic for years. Nutrition isn’t just part of the puzzle, it’s often the missing piece that makes everything else work better.

If you’re ready to explore how nutrition could transform your child’s ADHD journey, let’s connect. Because every child deserves to thrive, not just survive.

Book a Discovery Call to learn more about how nutrition impacts ADHD.

This research was presented at the Australasian ADHD Professionals Association (AADPA) Conference, 2025. For the full research details or professional collaboration opportunities, contact Court.