The Autism Mums PodcastWhen Behaviour Starts in the Body: Understanding the Gut-Brain Connection in Autistic Children with Dr Amber Brooks
A child's digestion, sleep, sensory responses, mood, attention, and behaviour may look like separate concerns, but they are often connected.
In this episode of The Autism Mums podcast Victoria and Natalie are joined by Amber Brooks, DC, APRN, FNP-C, CACCP, BCIP, MAPS who explains the gut-brain connection in clear, parent-friendly language. She shares how communication between the digestive system, immune system, nervous system, and brain can influence how children feel, function, and respond to their environment.
Listeners will learn how to recognise patterns, understand behaviour as communication, and move beyond addressing symptoms in isolation. The goal is not to blame the gut for every concern, but to help parents see the whole child and know what questions to ask next.
About Dr Amber Brooks
Amber Brooks, DC, APRN, FNP-C, CACCP, BCIP, MAPS is an Integrative Pediatric Wellness Coach and the founder of Healing Roots Pediatrics. She has spent nearly 20 years helping children and families navigate developmental delays and complex health concerns through an integrative, whole-child approach.
She holds a Doctorate in Chiropractic, a Master's degree in Nursing, four Bachelor's degrees, and advanced certifications in pediatric and functional wellness. Her work helps parents understand how digestion, sleep, nutrition, sensory responses, behavior, and development may be connected.
Rather than focusing on symptoms in isolation, Amber helps families recognize patterns, understand what their child's body may be communicating, and identify clear next steps. Her goal is to give parents the education, guidance, and structured support they need to move forward with greater clarity and confidence
Key Takeaways
The gut-brain connection is a constant conversation between the nervous system, immune system, and the chemicals the gut helps produce
When a child's gut is uncomfortable or inflamed, it can show up in how they feel, how they sleep, and how they behave, not just as digestive symptoms
Mood, attention, sleep, and behavior are often connected rather than separate issues requiring separate solutions
Children with developmental delays or autism typically experience some combination of constipation, restricted eating, sleep problems, or other digestive concerns
Tracking food, mood, poop, and sleep for five days can reveal patterns that connect seemingly unrelated symptoms
Posturing behaviours such as leaning over furniture, pressing on bellies, or hanging upside down can be signs of digestive discomfort rather than silliness
The pickier the child, the more pain they are likely experiencing
Finding food swaps that look similar to preferred foods is more effective than forcing new foods and risking negative associations
Parents should avoid trying multiple supplements and dietary changes all at once without professional guidance
Starting with small, consistent routines around sleep or bathroom tracking is a safe and practical first step
Parents should trust their instincts if they feel something is off, even when told to wait and see
No one needs permission to seek an evaluation or ask for help
A Free Gift from Dr Amber for listeners of The Autism Mums Podcast
Your child may be telling you something. For parents of children with developmental delays and Autism: a free guide to the gut-brain connection, with a Body Clues Checklist and a 7-day tracker to help you spot what may really be behind the meltdowns, the sleepless nights, and the short list of foods. https://get.healingrootspediatrics.com/autismmom
Connect with Dr Amber Brooks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healingrootskids/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HealingRootsPediatrics/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HealingRootsPediatrics
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@healingrootskids
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/HRPkids/
Connect with The Autism Mums
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【お家で稼ごう！🏠】漫画家・冷え田やっこの子育て在宅ワーク奮闘ラジオ。
