4 ORGS · 45 ACTIVITIES ← all strategies ·
theory of action →

Nutrition-First Biomedical Model

By addressing neurodevelopmental and genetic conditions through targeted nutritional and biomedical interventions, we improve health and behavioral outcomes, because underlying metabolic, gastrointestinal, and nutritional imbalances are root contributors to symptom severity. This strategy treats developmental disorders not solely as neurological or behavioral conditions, but as physiological states that can be modulated through biochemical correction. It emphasizes individualized, science-informed supplementation, dietary modification, and metabolic support to address root causes rather than symptoms. Unlike purely behavioral or educational approaches, this model prioritizes physical health as foundational to cognitive and emotional functioning.

4
orgs running it
45
activities of those orgs
9
clusters touched
who runs it

organizations running this strategy · 4

what it looks like in practice

activities of orgs running this strategy

A sample of programmatic activities from the orgs above. These are what the strategy looks like on the ground.

  • Co-founded and directed Surfing with Nixon for Autism TEAM EASTON FOUNDATION
    direct service
    Co-founded and served as original director of Surfing with Nixon for Autism in 2013, an initiative using surfing as a therapeutic and engagement activity for individuals with autism.
  • Conducting and disseminating autism nutrition research Autism Nutrition Research Center
    research
    Conducts research on nutritional interventions for autism, including a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study showing that ANRC Essentials Plus improves nutritional status in children and adults with autism. Also provides 10 evidence-based nutrition recommendations for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and supports prenatal care guidelines for healthy brain development.
  • Conducting research on autism and nutrition Autism Nutrition Research Center
    research
    The organization conducts research, including studies on the efficacy of their supplements in improving nutritional status in individuals with autism, and develops evidence-based guidelines for prenatal care to support healthy brain development.
  • Conducting research on nutrition and autism Autism Nutrition Research Center
    research
    The organization conducts research, including randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies, to develop and evaluate nutritional interventions for individuals with autism. They also provide evidence-based nutrition recommendations and guidelines for prenatal care to support healthy brain development.
  • Conducts and disseminates autism nutrition research Autism Nutrition Research Center
    research
    Conducts clinical research on nutritional interventions for autism, including randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies supporting the efficacy of ANRC Essentials Plus. Develops evidence-based nutrition recommendations for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and prenatal care guidelines to support healthy brain development.
  • Developing and selling nutritional supplements for autism Autism Nutrition Research Center
    direct service
    The organization develops and sells specialized nutritional supplements, such as ANRC Essentials Plus, which is an improved vitamin/mineral supplement designed for individuals with autism. They also offer a lithium-free version to comply with Canadian regulations.
  • Developing and selling nutritional supplements for autism Autism Nutrition Research Center
    direct service
    The organization develops and sells specialized vitamin/mineral supplements, such as ANRC Essentials Plus, which have been shown to improve nutritional status in individuals with autism. They also offer a lithium-free version for Canadian customers.
  • Distribution of specialized nutritional supplements Autism Nutrition Research Center
    direct service
    Sells ANRC Essentials Plus Capsules, which can be opened and used as a powder, and offers eGift cards for purchase that can be used exclusively on the ANRC Store to access these and other products. Also created a lithium-free version of their multivitamin/mineral to comply with Health Canada’s regulations for Canadian customers.
  • Distribution of specialized nutritional supplements Autism Nutrition Research Center
    direct service
    Produces and sells ANRC Essentials Plus, a vitamin/mineral supplement designed to improve nutritional status in children and adults with autism, available in capsule form that can be opened and used as a powder. Also offers eGift cards redeemable exclusively for products in the ANRC Store.
  • Fundraising and awareness events Autism Nutrition Research Center
    advocacy
    Organizes an annual charity walk at the Phoenix Zoo to raise funds and increase public awareness for autism research.
  • Hosting educational and fundraising events Autism Nutrition Research Center
    direct service
    Hosts an annual charity walk event at the Phoenix Zoo to raise funds and awareness for autism research and has hosted educational webinars, such as the "Nutrition for Autism Webinar" in March 2026.
  • Hosting educational webinars Autism Nutrition Research Center
    capacity building
    The organization hosts webinars, such as the "Nutrition for Autism Webinar," to educate the public on topics related to nutrition and autism.
  • Hosting educational webinars Autism Nutrition Research Center
    capacity building
    The organization hosts webinars, such as the "Nutrition for Autism Webinar," to educate the public on topics related to nutrition and autism.
  • Organizing charity events Autism Nutrition Research Center
    advocacy
    The organization hosts an annual charity walk event at the Phoenix Zoo to raise funds and awareness for autism research.
  • Organizing charity events for fundraising and awareness Autism Nutrition Research Center
    advocacy
    The organization hosts an annual charity walk event to raise funds and awareness for autism research.
  • Public education and outreach Autism Nutrition Research Center
    direct service
    Hosts webinars such as the "Nutrition for Autism Webinar" to educate the public and provides modified product formulations (e.g., lithium-free multivitamins) to meet regulatory requirements in different regions like Canada.
  • Conducting clinical research on HAP CAPS and Down syndrome WARNER HOUSE INC
    research
    Conducted multiple research studies on the effects of HAP CAPS in individuals with Down syndrome, including open case studies, measurement of amyloid beta and P-tau levels, and observation of physical, cognitive, and immunological outcomes such as increased height/weight percentiles, normalized facial features, reduced infection rates, and improved biomarkers compared to untreated individuals.
  • Developing and Distributing HAP CAPS Nutritional Supplement WARNER HOUSE INC
    direct service
    WARNER HOUSE INC formulated and distributes HAP CAPS (High Achievement Potential capsules), a nutritional supplement containing L-Glutamine, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin B complex, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, and Co-Q-10, designed to aid cellular defenses with antioxidants and treat metabolic abnormalities in children with Down syndrome. This supplement received FDA approval in 1986.