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I am looking for a doctor in the northern Va area who specializes in weight related issues for those on the spectrum

A MyAutismTeam Member asked a question 💭
Great Falls, VA
July 3
 · 
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A MyAutismTeam Member

For autism-friendly weight management and nutrition, it is critical to find practitioners who understand sensory sensitivities, executive functioning, and weight-inclusive practices. The providers below offer compassionate, neurodiversity-affirming care for individuals on the spectrum in and around Silver Spring, MD:Alega Health, LLC (Silver Spring, MD): Dr. Tara Altepeter is a triple board-certified physician in Obesity Medicine, Pediatrics, and Gastroenterology who specializes in weight challenges specifically related to ADHD and neurodivergence.Dr. Daisy & Co (Bethesda, MD): Located just a short drive from Silver Spring, Dr. Daisy and her team provide neuro-inclusive nutrition counseling that addresses food selectivity, ARFID, and body image without judgment or shame.Kennedy Krieger Institute (Baltimore, MD): About an hour north of Silver Spring, this world-renowned institution offers specialized medical services through their Center for Autism Services, Science and Technology, which coordinates pediatricians, dietitians, and occupational therapists.

Leesburg Functional Medicine (Leesburg, VA)Services: Led by Dr. Lynese Lawson, this clinic takes an integrative, root-cause approach to health and chronic conditions.Relevance: Functional medicine is often favored by neurodivergent individuals seeking personalized, sensory-friendly, and whole-body metabolic or nutritional plans rather than traditional, fast-paced clinical models

July 3
A MyAutismTeam Member

This is for a male 24 year old

July 3
MyAutismTeam

Finding the right specialist can feel like a real treasure hunt, but there are some great options to explore in the Northern Virginia area!

For weight-related concerns specific to autism, these types of doctors are worth looking into:

- Developmental Pediatricians – They specialize in the behavior and development of those Show Full Answer

Finding the right specialist can feel like a real treasure hunt, but there are some great options to explore in the Northern Virginia area!

For weight-related concerns specific to autism, these types of doctors are worth looking into:

- Developmental Pediatricians – They specialize in the behavior and development of those on the spectrum and can address health concerns like weight management
- Pediatricians or Family Practitioners – Often the first point of contact and can refer to specialists
- Naturopathic Doctors – Focus on natural approaches including diet and nutrition alongside traditional treatments

Here are some helpful steps to find the right fit:

1. Ask your current doctor for a referral to a specialist familiar with autism
2. Contact local autism support organizations in Northern Virginia for recommendations
3. Reach out to nearby children's hospitals, such as Children's National in D.C., as they often have autism-focused care teams
4. Check with your insurance provider for in-network specialists

It's really important to find someone you feel comfortable with. If a provider doesn't feel like the right fit, don't hesitate to keep looking — finding the right match makes a huge difference!

July 3

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