Autism Spectrum Support

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects how the brain processes, integrates, and responds to information from the environment. It encompasses a wide range of presentations, including challenges in social interaction, communication, behavioral regulation, and sensory processing.

Traditional care for autism often includes a combination of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), speech and occupational therapy, social skills training, and educational interventions. These therapies can be valuable for helping children build essential skills and manage daily activities.

However, these conventional approaches primarily address behaviors that result from neurological dysfunction rather than focusing on the underlying brain and metabolic imbalances that contribute to those behaviors. At Neurogenesis Brain & Spine, our goal is to complement traditional therapies with a neurological and metabolic rehabilitation approach—one that seeks to enhance the brain’s ability to self-regulate, communicate, and adapt.

A Neurological Approach to Autism

Dr. Daniel Faulk applies principles of functional neurology and neuro-metabolic optimization to address the underlying physiological mechanisms contributing to autism spectrum symptoms. This approach begins with a detailed assessment of brain function, including sensory integration, reflex development, eye movements, postural control, and hemispheric activity.

Children with ASD often present with functional disconnectivity between different regions of the brain—particularly between the frontal lobe, cerebellum, and parietal sensory integration centers. These areas are responsible for motor planning, emotional regulation, attention, and the ability to interpret sensory information. When communication between these regions is inefficient, it can result in:

Impaired body awareness (difficulty “feeling” one’s own body in space)
Sensory defensiveness (overreacting to touch, sound, or light)
Motor coordination challenges and balance issues
Speech and oral-motor delay (due to reduced facial/tongue proprioception)

At a cellular level, many individuals with autism show evidence of mitochondrial dysfunction—meaning their cells produce less ATP, the primary energy currency for all neurological and muscular activity. Mitochondria are especially critical for neurons, as the brain consumes approximately 20% of the body’s total energy output. Low mitochondrial output can impair neurotransmission, slow synaptic communication, and reduce the brain’s ability to form or strengthen new neural pathways.

Dr. Faulk’s care model aims to stimulate neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to reorganize and form new connections) by pairing targeted sensory-motor stimulation with metabolic and nutritional support to optimize cellular energy production. This integrated method helps promote more efficient signaling throughout the nervous system—laying the foundation for improved focus, behavior regulation, emotional stability, and communication.

Schedule An Autism Consultation

What Makes Our Approach Different

What sets Neurogenesis Brain & Spine apart is our commitment to root-cause neurology—addressing the functional, metabolic, and structural imbalances that limit a child’s ability to engage, learn, and connect.

Our comprehensive evaluation goes beyond surface-level symptoms and incorporates:

Functional Neurological Examination

A detailed assessment of eye movements, balance systems, reflex maturity, hemispheric dominance, and sensory integration patterns.

Autonomic Nervous System Analysis

Evaluating vagal tone and heart rate variability to measure how well the child’s nervous system regulates between “fight-or-flight” (sympathetic) and “rest-and-digest” (parasympathetic) modes.

Metabolic & Mitochondrial Assessment

Identifying nutritional or biochemical deficits affecting cellular energy and neurotransmitter production.

Neuro-Sensory

Mapping

Determining which sensory systems (visual, vestibular, proprioceptive, tactile, auditory) are under- or overactive, and designing interventions to restore balance.

Based on these findings, Dr. Faulk designs a personalized neurorehabilitation program that may include:

Targeted brain-based exercises to strengthen weak neural circuits and improve hemispheric synchronization
Sensory integration therapy to refine proprioception and tactile processing, improving how the child perceives their body and environment
Vestibular and ocular-motor training to enhance balance, coordination, and attention regulation
Mitochondrial support protocols, including nutritional supplementation and metabolic therapies aimed at improving ATP production and cellular function
Neurofeedback and neuromodulation technologies to improve brainwave regulation and promote optimal brain communication
Parent education and home reinforcement to ensure that neurological gains continue beyond the clinical setting

This model reflects a growing body of neuroscience showing that the brain is dynamic and capable of change. By directly improving the way neurons fire, communicate, and organize, children often experience measurable improvements in attention, social engagement, emotional control, and overall comfort within their own bodies.

Schedule An Autism Consultation

Supporting Families Every Step of the Way

We recognize that caring for a child with autism involves not only the child but the entire family. Parents often face emotional, logistical, and financial challenges while searching for solutions that truly make a difference.

Our mission is to provide a science-driven, compassionate environment that helps families understand why their child is struggling—and what can be done to support meaningful, long-term improvement.

Dr. Faulk’s ultimate goal is to help each child experience greater ease in their body, more clarity in their communication, and a higher quality of life through brain-based healing and functional restoration.

Neurogenesis Brain & Spine
Advancing neurological rehabilitation through science, innovation, and compassionate care for both children and adults.

Supporting Research & References

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2025). Data & statistics on autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/autism/data-research/index.html

According to CDC data, approximately 1 in 31 children aged 8 years are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in the United States.

2. Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. (2025, January 10). Is there an autism epidemic? Retrieved from https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2025/is-there-an-autism-epidemic

Reports indicate a more than 300% increase in autism diagnoses over the past 20 years, reflecting both heightened awareness and complex environmental and biological factors.

3. Advanced Autism Center. (2024, March 18). Does mold cause autism? Exploring the link between mold exposure and ASD. Retrieved from https://www.advancedautism.com/post/does-mold-cause-autism

Highlights emerging evidence that mold and environmental toxin exposure may contribute to neurodevelopmental dysregulation associated with autism spectrum symptoms.

4. Auger, P. L., Blain, R., & Cormier, P. (2020). Mycotoxin exposure and autism spectrum disorder: A review of potential links. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 11, 1143. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32819265/

Multiple studies reviewed demonstrate potential associations between mycotoxin exposure and the pathophysiology of ASD, including oxidative stress and immune activation mechanisms.

5. Almeer, R. S., & AlBasher, G. (2024). Aflatoxin B1 exposure induces neuroinflammation and chemokine activation in the brains of mice: Possible implications for autism-related neurotoxicity. Toxicology Reports, 12, 104–112. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38679149/

Experimental studies demonstrate that exposure to aflatoxin B1 triggers significant neuroinflammatory responses and chemokine elevation in the brain—mechanisms also implicated in ASD-related neuroinflammation.