Hi! I’m Danielle O’Connor and I’m a Naturopathic Doctor.  I work with children newly diagnosed with autism to reach their developmental potential. I give their parents the guidance in a science-based health approach to help their child flourish in language and cognition, while improving digestion, immunity and sleep through an easy to follow step-by-step Autism-Specific Health Program.

I am passionate about supporting families touched by autism and helping simplify their journey through health.  I know that autism is not a psychological disorder and am determined in helping these children find proper support for their medical needs.  I have been a naturopath for over 15 years, graduated from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in 2003, with a prior undergrad in biochemistry,  and have further training through the Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs (MAPs).  I have been using biomedical treatment for autism in my practice for many years and have lectured internationally on autism and methylation to bring knowledge in the research of autism to the forefront of developmental medicine.  My experience in this area specifically will help children diagnosed with ASD be better supported medically so their bodies and brains can flourish developmentally.  I want parents to feel good about the choices they make for their child, and feel that the foods and nutrients that I suggest with the Autism-Specific Health Program has a direct impact on their child’s progress. 

When I’m not knee deep in research on autism development, methylation, chelation, prevention of autism, influencing factors in autism, vaccinations, and meal planning, I can usually be found spending time with my family, or at least playing my role as UberMom for my 4 wonderful children.  Whether I’m cuddled up in a blanket rink side at my son’s hockey game or bedazzling my girls at Cheer, I enjoy making traditions and memories with the ones I love most! 

Want to know more? Here are 5 fun facts you don’t know about me…

• I have a dog named Coach, he’s a golden retriever and known as ‘The Gentle Giant’. He is very stubborn on walks and thinks that every person walking by needs to pet him.
• I thrive on Intermittent Fasting. Many people say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day but I usually don’t eat until 11am, and when I do it’s a smoothie to start.
• I skated with Walt Disney’s World On Ice Aladdin Tour when I was younger and travelled around the world. This is where I caught the travel bug and still love adventures when I have the opportunity.
• My favourite supplement is magnesium. It seems that everyone is magnesium deficient and I have wonderful feedback from patients that they feel so much better taking it regularly.  I take it at night (not that I have trouble sleeping) because it makes me feel well rested in the morning.
• I am an elected council member with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario under the Ministry of Health