“Trust your gut – literally”: How One Mum Turned Her Son’s Autism Diagnosis Into a Breakthrough in Holistic Health

When Dr Heather Way’s son lost his speech, eye contact, and appetite almost overnight, she was told he’d never speak again. But Heather refused to accept that as the end of his story—or theirs.

Today, she’s not only a leading researcher in personalised genomics but also the founder of TACGA (The Australian Centre for Genomic Analysis), where she helps families around the world navigate the biological roots of autism using science, nutrition, and a whole lot of heart.

This is her story.

From the Lab to the Lounge Room

Heather was already a scientist working with CSIRO when her son’s regression at age four changed everything.

“He had a severe reaction—he lost his speech, stopped making eye contact, regressed in toileting, and eventually stopped eating altogether,” she shares. “Years later, I discovered it was a reaction to aluminium. But at the time, we were told he’d never talk again. I knew there had to be more to it.”

Armed with her background in genetics and a mother’s instinct, she set out to uncover what triggered the sudden change. What she found would lay the foundation for her future work and impact hundreds of other families just like hers.

Unlocking the Gut-Brain Connection

The lightbulb moment came when her son developed chronic constipation following his regression.

“I knew something diabolical had happened,” she says. “That’s when I started diving into the gut-brain connection through genomics.”

Heather’s team developed a microbiome sequencing test specifically for autistic children, revealing a consistent pattern: gut inflammation, immune dysfunction, and what was essentially IBS in many of the children they worked with.

“When the gut is inflamed, it doesn’t just affect digestion—it impacts sleep, focus, mood, and behaviour. Parents might think their child is acting out, but it’s their biology speaking.”

Personalised, Not Prescribed

At TACGA, Heather’s approach is refreshingly individualised.

“There’s no one-size-fits-all. Every child’s biology is different,” she explains. “We start with saliva and stool testing to understand their genes, gut bacteria, and how they process nutrients or detox. From there, we build a personalised plan that works with their system, not against it.”

That plan includes everything from anti-inflammatory foods to supplements that support detox pathways. “It’s about tuning into their body and giving it what it needs to function optimally.”

What She Sees in Clinic (And At Home)

The most common symptoms Heather sees in autistic children? Constipation, diarrhea, extreme fussy eating, sleep issues, anxiety, and sensory overload.

“These are all connected through the gut-brain axis,” she says. “By addressing inflammation and supporting the gut, we’ve seen incredible improvements in behaviour, focus, and emotional regulation.”

What to Feed (and What to Ditch)

When it comes to food, Heather is clear: what you eat matters.

“Most of these kids don’t tolerate gluten and dairy well. Additives, colours, soy, preservatives—they all contribute to inflammation,” she says. “We slowly remove those, and introduce healing foods: vegetables, clean proteins, bone broth, fermented drinks like kombucha. But we always go at their pace.”

The goal? A gradual shift—not a crash diet.

Debunking the Myths

According to Heather, the biggest myth about autism and health is that “nothing can be done.”

“That’s simply not true,” she says. “Autism is a combination of genetics and environmental triggers. We’ve identified over 700 genes linked to autism. Through food and natural support, we can calm inflammation and restore balance. There is hope. There is help.”

Speaking at the Mindd International Forum

This May, Heather will be speaking at the Mindd International Forum in Sydney (May 1–3), where she’ll share cutting-edge research on how a child’s genetics influence their gut, brain, and immune system.

“We’ll be diving deep into conditions like PANDAS and mould illness—things many of these children are susceptible to, often without proper diagnosis. We’re showing how we can make measurable change through targeted, natural approaches.”

Her Message to Parents

For families who feel overwhelmed or lost in the process, Heather’s advice is simple but powerful:

“You’re not imagining it. What you see in your child is real. There’s a biological basis behind the behaviour—and there’s something you can do. You just have to start small, trust your gut, and take that first step.”

Because sometimes the best breakthroughs begin at home.

Dr Heather Way (PhD) is a geneticist, researcher, and founder of TACGA. She will be speaking at the Mindd International Forum in Sydney, May 1–3.

To learn more, visit mindd.org