Dr. Sonya Doherty, N.D.

I would like to tell you why I am so passionate about biomedical treatment.  In my first year of practice I wrote an article on AD/HD.  My personal experience with AD/HD motivated me during my extensive research and I discovered the mountain of evidence the biological aspects of ASD and AD/HD.  The research and evidence continues to build about biochemical and physiological abnormalities in children with AD/HD and Autism Spectrum Disorder.  I realized that this research was changing the way that developmental disorders are viewed and managed by the medical community.  I began seeing children with developmental issues and my experiences with them changed my view of medicine and continues to shape me as a professional, individual and as a mother.
One of the first children I treated with ASD, was a little boy who was non-verbal.  He, like many children with autism, was so overwhelmed by stimuli that he did not want physical contact with his loved ones, including his loving parents.
During the first visit, we discussed the potential benefit of methyl-B12 injections.  After thorough assessment , a 4 week B12 trial was one of the treatments that was indicated.

Biomedical treatment has the ability to change lives.  This young boy with autism began to speak using single words after the first month of treatment.  The next month, he was able to tell his mother “love mommy”.  Instead of pulling away from affection, he began to seek it out from his parents and siblings.  After 3 months of treatment he could speak in short sentences.  He no longer experienced digestive pain and his self-stimulating behaviour had decreased by 85%.

Biomedical treatment created the potential for change for this little boy and has the potential to help the majority of children on the autism spectrum.  Not all children who are non-verbal will be able to gain language with treatment; but many will.  There are consistent and significant benefits for children undergoing treatment.

I believe strongly that hope is fragile and should be treated respectfully.  As a mother, I would never talk about hope if the potential for dramatic improvement did not exist.  I urge you to learn about, and research biomedical treatment.

Challenge your medical professionals, read books and be the advocate that your child needs to maximize their potential.

  

My biography

Hello, I am Dr.  Sonya Doherty.  I am a Naturopathic Doctor specializing in Autism Spectrum Disorder and AD/HD and have been practicing as a Naturopath since 2003, after completing my pre-medical studies at the University of Western Ontario and my post graduate naturopathic training at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine.  I am a board certified Naturopathic doctor and member of the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors.

Naturopathic medicine, as well as biomedical treatment, takes a functional approach to medicine which means each child is assessed and treated on an individual basis.  Functional medicine is changing the way naturopathic doctors and medical doctors view and treat disease.

I have completed The Autism Research Institute’s Level I and II Defeat Autism Now! training, providing me the research and expertise necessary to help every child reach their developmental potiential.  Biomedical treatment is extremely important to me both as a mother and as a professional and I am committed to staying current on research and treatments that can benefit children with developmental concerns.

I am often asked why I have chosen to focus on treating autism.  Many doctors involved in autism treatment have children on the spectrum.  I have three children who are neurotypical.  As I have watched them grow it has become more and more important to me that all children are given the opportunity to reach their potential.  Mounting evidence is showing that autism is a biological disorder which means that many children can benefit from treatment of underlying weaknesses.  Evidence has also identified environmental toxicity as playing a key role in causing autism and other developmental disorders.  I am extremely passionate about helping children achieve their maximal potential with respect to development.  As environmental toxicity continues to threaten our children, it is essential that all parents come together to advocate together.  It devastastes me that some children are protected against environemental toxins and some children, who are more at risk, must struggle with development.

Biomedical treatment can unlock the potential within for children with developmental disorders.  Below is a link to an online article that I wrote for Alive Magazine about biomedical treatment of autism and my experience as a DAN! doctor and mother.


Alive Magazine article
http://www.alivemagazine.org/article.php?catId=&objectid=9

I practice in Burlington at the Natural Care Clinic, a clinic owned and operated by my sister Dr. Carissa Doherty who specializes in fertility and women’s health (www.healthyfertility.ca).  Natural Care Clinic is a multi-disciplinary clinic with naturopathic medicine, chiropractic care, registered massage therpy and far-infrared sauna treatment.

www.naturalcareclinic.ca