If you’re a parent of a child with ADHD, learning difficulties or behavioral challenges, you’ve likely spent hours researching solutions. Maybe you’ve tried different diets, therapy approaches or even medication, however the results have been hit or miss. What if there was a way to understand exactly what your child needs—based on their unique genetic makeup?
Genetic testing is transforming the way we approach ADHD and behavioural concerns in children. Experts like Dr. Ben Lynch, Dr. Margaret Smith, and other leading scientists in the field of nutrigenomics have uncovered how specific genetic variations influence brain chemistry, nutrition, detoxification and even the way children respond to certain foods and environments.
By looking at your child’s genetic blueprint, we can start to identify the root causes behind their challenges—and design a highly personalised approach to nutrition, lifestyle and supplementation that supports an improvement in focus, mood stability and cognitive function naturally.
Here’s how DNA testing can provide the missing puzzle piece in your child’s ADHD and behavioural wellness journey.
ADHD is closely linked to dopamine regulation, the brain’s “motivation and reward” neurotransmitter. When dopamine function is impaired, children struggle with focus, impulse control and motivation.
🔬 Science Behind It:
Genes like COMT, DRD2 and MAOA influence how efficiently a child’s brain produces, breaks down and utilises
dopamine and serotonin.
📌 What DNA Testing Can Reveal:
✅ Whether your child’s dopamine pathway is overactive or underactive.
✅ How they respond to caffeine, sugar and stimulants (which can either help or worsen symptoms).
✅ Personalised dietary and supplement strategies to balance dopamine levels naturally.
Have you ever noticed your child becomes more hyperactive after certain foods, chemical exposures or even stress? Their ability to detoxify and process neurotransmitters could be a key factor.
🔬 Science Behind It:
The MTHFR gene plays a critical role in methylation, a process that affects brain function,
detoxification and mood regulation. If methylation is impaired, it may lead to:
❌ Difficulty clearing out toxins and food additives
❌ Poor neurotransmitter balance (dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine)
❌ Increased inflammation, affecting focus and emotional stability
📌 What DNA Testing Can Reveal:
✅ Whether your child has an MTHFR mutation affecting methylation and detoxification.
✅ If they need specific B vitamins (like methylfolate and methyl-B12) for brain support.
✅ How to adjust diet and lifestyle to reduce toxic overload and improve cognitive clarity.
Many parents notice that certain foods make ADHD symptoms worse—but how do you know exactly what to avoid? DNA testing can uncover food sensitivities and gut health factors that influence mood, focus and energy levels.
🔬 Science Behind It:
Genetic markers related to HLA (gluten sensitivity), DAO (histamine intolerance) and FUT2 (gut microbiome health) can
determine:
📌 What DNA Testing Can Reveal:
✅ Whether gluten, dairy or artificial additives are triggering ADHD symptoms.
✅ The best probiotics and prebiotics for their unique gut microbiome.
✅ Personalised diet adjustments to reduce inflammation and improve brain function.
Does your child struggle to fall asleep, wake up at odd hours or seem constantly fatigued? Their genetics might be influencing their circadian rhythm and melatonin production.
🔬 Science Behind It:
Genes like CLOCK, PER3 and ADA influence how well your child regulates sleep-wake cycles and produces melatonin.
📌 What DNA Testing Can Reveal:
✅ Whether your child needs additional melatonin or magnesium for sleep support.
✅ The best bedtime routine and sleep environment based on their genetics.
✅ How to adjust light exposure, blue-light habits and morning routines for better sleep.
Ever feel like your child goes from bouncing off the walls to crashing in exhaustion? Their ability to process carbohydrates and regulate blood sugar may be the reason.
🔬 Science Behind It:
Genes like TCF7L2 and SLC2A2 impact how efficiently a child’s body processes sugar.
📌 What DNA Testing Can Reveal:
✅ Whether sugar and high-carb foods trigger ADHD-like symptoms.
✅ How to adjust meals for better blood sugar stability.
✅ The best protein-to-carb ratios to keep energy steady throughout the day.
Every child is different—so why should we rely on a one-size-fits-all approach to managing ADHD and behavioral challenges? DNA testing takes the guesswork out of the equation, helping parents and practitioners identify the exact factors affecting their child’s focus, mood and energy levels.
At Radiate Wellness, we offer the smartDNA Genomic Wellness test, designed to provide personalized insights into your child’s unique genetic blueprint.
📩 Contact us today to learn how DNA testing can help your child thrive!