Neurodivergent and Thriving: A Functional Medicine Conversation with Dr Susan Ward

ADHD? Autism? Sensory overload? Trouble focusing or managing emotions?

Our CEO Shannon Chabaud speaks with Dr Susan Ward, a medical doctor at Thrive Wellness and an expert in functional and integrative medicine, about neurodivergence in adults—and how it’s often overlooked until burnout, chronic stress, or life transitions bring it into focus.

Whether you’ve struggled with executive burnout, emotional dysregulation, making friendships, or relationship struggles, this interview offers insight and support.

With her extensive experience treating both children and adults with neurodivergence, Dr Ward explains how functional medicine can uncover the biochemical, hormonal, genetic, and environmental factors that impact focus, mood, and resilience.

“Neurodivergence doesn’t need to be masked or fixed. With the right support, it can be your greatest strength.” – Dr Susan Ward

Neurodivergent and Thriving: A Functional Medicine Conversation with Dr Susan Ward

Shannon: More adults are realising they may be neurodivergent—but many still don’t understand what that really means. Can you walk us through it?

Dr Susan Ward: Neurodivergence refers to brain wiring that differs from the mainstream. That includes ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), dyslexia, dyspraxia, and sensory processing issues. It’s not about dysfunction—it’s about difference. People who are neurodivergent often experience the world more intensely, think outside the box, and feel deeply—but they may also struggle with:

• Forming and maintaining friendships

• Romantic relationships

• Emotional regulation and overwhelm

• Functioning in traditional workplace settings

Often, these challenges are misunderstood or labelled as personality flaws, especially in women who mask symptoms for years.

Functional Medicine: Uncovering the Why Behind the Struggles

Shannon: How does functional medicine support neurodivergent people, particularly adults?

Dr Susan: It helps us get to the root cause. We’re looking at what’s going on biochemically, hormonally, and environmentally that may be impacting brain function, mood, and resilience.

This is especially important for adults who present with:

• Chronic stress and executive burnout

• Anxiety and mood swings

• Fatigue, gut issues, or poor sleep

• Difficulty with focus or sensory overwhelm

• Hormonal changes—especially perimenopause or menopause

We also consider genetic factors—for example, variants in MTHFR, COMT, and dopamine receptors—which can influence how someone processes stimulation, nutrients, and emotions.

Neurodivergence Often Emerges at Life Transitions

Shannon: Why do so many people only discover this in adulthood?

Dr Susan: Life stages like parenthood, menopause, or career pressure often unmask neurodivergence that’s been camouflaged for years. Women in particular may come in feeling overwhelmed, scattered, and exhausted—and think it’s just stress or ageing, when in fact it’s unrecognised neurodivergence compounded by hormonal shifts and burnout.

Supporting Both Adults and Children with Neurodivergence

Shannon: You also treat children—how does that shape your perspective?

Dr Susan: I’ve worked with many neurodivergent children and teens over the years, and it’s taught me that early support is everything. But adults need support too—many of them were the undiagnosed kids who were told they were “too sensitive” “lazy” or “not working to potential”. When we work with adults, we’re not just treating symptoms—we’re often helping them heal a lifetime of misunderstanding and self-doubt.

Treatment Options for Neurodivergent Adults (and Teens)

Dr Susan: We always personalise care, but common tools include:

 1. The Walsh Protocol 

This evidence-based system assesses methylation, zinc/copper balance, and oxidative stress—all of which affect mood, focus, and sensitivity. Tailored nutrients can dramatically shift symptoms.

 2. Vitamin & Nutrient Therapy 

We often see deficiencies in magnesium, B vitamins, zinc, and vitamin D. Oral supplementation and dietary changes can improve this. Liposomal and IV nutrient therapy bypasses digestive absorption issues and helps restore clarity, energy, and nervous system regulation.

 3. Gut, Hormones, and Food 

We support:

• Blood sugar balance to regulate attention and mood

• Gut-brain axis repair to boost serotonin and dopamine

• Anti-inflammatory nutrition to calm the nervous system

Hormonal balance in perimenopause and menopause, where neurodivergent symptoms often spike

Real Support for Real People

 4. ADHD Medications 

For some, stimulant or non-stimulant medications provide crucial support. We consider them when appropriate, and combine them with lifestyle and nutritional approaches to reduce side effects.

 5. Peptides 

Peptides like Selank, Semax, and Cerebrolysin offer neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing benefits. They’re particularly helpful for adults dealing with focus issues, anxiety, or executive dysfunction.

Shannon: You’ve said before that the goal isn’t to change someone—but to support their system. Can you expand?

Dr Susan: Neurodivergent people don’t need fixing. What they need is a nervous system that feels safe, a gut that absorbs nutrients, hormones that work for—not against—them, and a lifestyle that respects their unique wiring. That’s what functional medicine offers.

Final Thoughts

Shannon: Any advice for someone who might be wondering if they’re neurodivergent?

Dr Susan: If you’ve struggled with feeling misunderstood, burning out at work, emotional volatility, or relationship breakdowns—you’re not broken. You may simply be wired differently. And there’s real power in understanding and supporting that difference.

🌿 Functional Medicine for Neurodivergence at Thrive

🧪 Walsh testing & functional diagnostics 🧬 Genetic and hormonal support   💉 Nutrient therapy & peptides

& peptides 💊 Medication guidance where appropriate 👩‍⚕️ Personalised care from someone who understands

Book with Dr Susan Ward at Thrive Wellness 📍 Central, Hong Kong 📞 +852 9177 1562 | 🌐 www.thrivewellness.com.hk