Can you tell me about yourself?
I became interested in natural medicine when I was in high school. I was always sick and went to see a naturopath who did great things for me. I like the balance of naturopathic medicine because it's an art and a science.

I specialize in autism, ADHD, behavior and learning disorders in children. I have a lot of patients with autism. There are a lot of autistic children. The rate has gone up considerable in the last 10 to 20 years. One in 150 children has some form of autism.

As a naturopathic doctor, I treat the individual. For every autistic child, there are different factors involved such as environmental exposure, toxins, genetic or family history, use of antibiotics, reactions to vaccinations and viral infections. I use diet therapy, nutritional supplements, herbal medicine and homeopathy. Kids are definitely improving. Sometimes digestion improves, or eye contact, sleep, language or behavior improves. Pretty soon, within 30 days of treatment, I usually start to see quite good results, although rate of improvement is very individual for each child.

What's your healing philosophy?
To address the underlying causes of a problem and to treat each person as an individual, not to just treat the disease. To not suppress symptoms but try to bring about permanent change. To let the body heal itself. Doctors are teachers; there's a lot of teaching that goes on so people can make changes in their lives.

What's your favorite hobby?
I have three kids and a husband. They're my fun and my hobby. My son has autism, so there have been a lot of years of working with him. I like traveling. I really like the sun and warm places. I like being out in nature and going for hikes and walks.

If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
It would have to do with environmental toxicity and cleaning up the environment. Cleaning up pollution in the air, water and ground, and also in what we're putting into ourselves. I see that toxicity in kids. They're the canaries. That really bothers me.

What's something you would like people to know about you?
That I understand. Most of my clients are parents of autistic children. I understand what they're going through as a doctor and a mother and I know the challenges they're facing. I work towards improving the child's health and the situation for the family. Having a child with special needs really takes a toll on the family.

Anita Bratt, ND
phone: (604) 990-1110, toll free: 1-877-299-1110
fax: (604) 990-1110
1388 Terrace Ave.
North Vancouver, B.C. V7R 1B4
Specializing in the treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders, Pervasive Development Disorder (PDD) and Asperger's Syndrome using a biomedical approach. Dr. Bratt has attended the Defeat Autism Now physician training seminar. Other areas of focus are pediatric conditions such as Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), behavioural and developmental concerns.
www.drbratt.com
info@drbratt.com

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