Ep. 27: "ASD, ADHD, Sensory Processing, SDB, & ENT Issues with Dr. David McIntosh, MD, ENT"

⚠️ 𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐈𝐌𝐄𝐑: NO MEDICAL OR DENTAL ADVICE. Nicole Goldfarb and Airway Answers with Nicole Goldfarb does not give medical advice. The information provided in this video is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Reliance on any information provided in this video is solely at your own risk. We make no representations or warranties about the accuracy or completeness of the information presented. You should not use these materials to diagnose or treat any health issues, illnesses or diseases. In addition, we do not recommend or endorse any provider of health care or health-related products, items, or services. 

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Welcome to the "Airway Answers with Nicole Goldfarb: Expanding your Breath of Knowledge". In this episode, Nicole Goldfarb, M.A. CCC, SLP- COM® interviews the pediatric ENT, Dr. David McIntosh, and they talk all about "ASD, ADHD, Sensory Processing, SDB, & ENT Issues ” and the impact of these issues on the airway and sleep.  Dr. McIntosh sheds light on the crucial connection between ENT health, sleep-disordered breathing, and neurodevelopmental conditions like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

The conversation explores the complex interplay between ear, nose, and throat health and neurodevelopmental disorders, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and a holistic approach to diagnosis and treatment.

🤧 👂 👄This is Part 3 of a multiple-part ENT series. Don’t forget to watch Part 1, which was “ALL ABOUT ALLERGIES”, and Part 2 “ASTHMA, REFLUX, TONSILS/ADENOIDS, EAR INFECTIONS". 👀As a practitioner, patient, or parent, this ENT series is a must watch! 👀

🔑Key takeaways from this interview include 🔑:

✅ Strong Link Between ENT Issues, Sleep, and Neurodevelopment: There's a significant connection between ear, nose, and throat health, sleep-disordered breathing (especially OSA), and neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD and ASD. 👂👃🧠😴

✅Sleep-Disordered Breathing Mimics and Worsens Symptoms: Untreated sleep-disordered breathing can mimic ADHD, leading to misdiagnosis, and can exacerbate symptoms in both ADHD and ASD. Addressing OSA can significantly improve or resolve ADHD-like symptoms in many children. 😴🤧🥴

✅Sensory Processing Vulnerability: Children with ASD and ADHD are particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of poor sleep and unresolved ENT issues due to differences in sensory processing. This can lead to hypersensitivity (being easily overwhelmed) or hyposensitivity (under-responsiveness) to sensory input. 🎧😖😫

✅Early Intervention Is Crucial: Early detection and treatment of sleep-disordered breathing and ENT problems are critical. Even short periods of sleep disruption in early childhood can have a lasting impact on brain development and function. ⏰🏃‍♀️🏃

✅Holistic Approach to Care: A team approach involving parents, pediatricians, ENTs, sleep specialists, and other healthcare providers is essential to provide comprehensive and individualized care for children with ADHD, ASD, and related challenges. 👨‍⚕️🤝👩‍⚕️

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ABOUT THE GUEST: Dr. David McIntosh is a Pediatric ENT Specialist with a particular interest in airway obstruction, facial and dental development and its relationship to ENT airway problems, and middle ear disease.  Dr. McIntosh has undertaken advanced surgical training in ENT and Head and Neck Surgery and Paediatric training at Starship Children’s Hospital in Auckland, New Zealand.
His books include: * Don’t Ignore the Snore (2020)* Snored to Death (Are You Dying in Your Sleep) (2020)* Sleep-Disordered Breathing: A Parent Guide (2023)* A Parent&