ADHD Care That Goes Beyond the Diagnosis
A Functional Medicine Approach from Dr. Shane Rainey, DO, and Emmaline Rhodes, FNP-C
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is often viewed only through the lens of symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, or emotional dysregulation. While these experiences are very real, we believe they rarely tell the full story.
At Restore + Revive, we take an integrative medicine approach to understanding ADHD in children and teens. This means we look beyond symptom management and focus on identifying and addressing any underlying contributors that may be influencing brain function, behavior, and overall wellbeing.
Our mission is simple but meaningful: To support the mind, body, and spirit of every child, moving beyond symptom management and toward a more complete, personalized approach to care.
This philosophy applies directly to how we evaluate and support conditions such as ADHD.
What Is ADHD?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how the brain regulates attention, behavior, and executive function.
This can impact:
Focus and attention span
Impulse control
Emotional regulation
Organization and task completion
Every child with ADHD is different. Some may struggle with focus and attention, while others may experience more hyperactivity or emotional reactivity.
It is also important to understand that ADHD is not simply a behavioral issue. It is influenced by brain function, nervous system regulation, sleep, nutrition, environment, and overall health.
How ADHD Is Diagnosed
ADHD is a clinically recognized neurodevelopmental disorder that is diagnosed based on established medical guidelines. Clinicians typically use criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), along with a comprehensive history, behavioral observations, and input from parents and teachers.
A diagnosis is based on:
Persistent patterns of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity
Symptoms present in more than one setting (home, school, activities)
Functional impact on daily life, learning, or relationships
In some cases, additional evaluations may be recommended to better understand learning differences, emotional health, or coexisting conditions.
What ADHD Can Look Like in Children and Teens
ADHD does not look the same in every child, and symptoms often change with age.
In Young Children
Difficulty sitting still or staying engaged in activities
Frequent movement, climbing, or restlessness
Impulsive behaviors or trouble waiting their turn
Big emotions or quick frustration
Trouble following multi-step directions
In School-Aged Children
Difficulty focusing or staying on task
Easily distracted or forgetful
Struggles with organization or completing assignments
Emotional ups and downs
Behavioral challenges in structured environments
In Teens
Trouble managing time, responsibilities, or deadlines
Decreased motivation or follow-through
Increased stress, overwhelm, or irritability
Sleep challenges
Difficulty balancing school, activities, and daily life
Our Approach to ADHD Care
A thoughtful, root-cause approach supporting the mind, body, and spirit
At Restore + Revive, ADHD care is not built around a single tool or a single solution. It is built around understanding the individual child in front of us.
We take a functional approach, we look at how different systems in the body may be influencing focus, behavior, and emotional regulation. Rather than focusing only on managing symptoms, we work to identify and address contributing factors that may be affecting how a child functions day to day.
Our process is intentional and comprehensive. It often includes diving deep into the following areas.
Nutritional Support
Supporting brain function through targeted nutrition
Nutrition plays a direct role in focus, mood, and energy regulation. What a child eats can be just as important as when they eat, therefore significantly influencing how they function throughout the day.
For example, we often see children starting their day with a high-carbohydrate, low-protein breakfast such as cereal, pancakes, or packaged snacks. By mid-morning, teachers may report that the child is “bouncing off the walls,” struggling to focus, or becoming irritable. This can be related to rapid blood sugar spikes followed by crashes, which directly impact attention and behavior.
In other cases, children may be picky eaters and have limited diets or subtle nutrient deficiencies that affect brain function and neurotransmitter balance.
In our care, we look at:
Meal timing and blood sugar stability
Protein, fat, and micronutrient intake
Potential food sensitivities that may influence behavior
Small, strategic changes in nutrition can often lead to noticeable improvements in focus, energy, and emotional regulation.
Gut Health
Understanding the gut-brain connection
The gut and brain are in constant communication, and disruptions in gut health can influence mood, behavior, and attention.
For example, a child with frequent stomach aches, constipation, or irregular bowel habits may also struggle with irritability, poor focus, or emotional outbursts. Oftentimes digestive symptoms can be linked with behavioral changes.
We also find that children with a history of frequent antibiotic use or highly processed diets, have impacted their gut microbiome imbalance. This imbalance may play a role in inflammation and how the brain processes signals.
We explore:
Digestive patterns and symptoms
Microbiome balance and diet history
Signs of inflammation
Supporting gut health can be a key step in improving both physical symptoms and behavioral patterns.
Sleep + Airway Health
Improving sleep to improve daytime behavior
Sleep is one of the most powerful, yet overlooked, factors in ADHD symptoms.
For example, a child who takes a long time to fall asleep, wakes frequently, or breathes through their mouth at night may not be getting restful, restorative sleep. The next day, this can show up as inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, or emotional reactivity.
Some parents are surprised to learn that what looks like ADHD during the day may be closely tied to poor sleep quality at night.
We assess:
Bedtime routines and sleep consistency
Night wakings or restless sleep
Snoring, mouth breathing, or possible airway concerns
When sleep improves, families often notice significant changes in focus, mood, and overall behavior.
Nervous System Support
Helping children feel more regulated and in control
Many children with ADHD are not just struggling with attention. They are struggling with regulation.
For example, a child may do well in a structured, calm environment but become overwhelmed in busy or noisy settings. This can lead to meltdowns, impulsive behavior, or difficulty transitioning between activities.
Others may constantly seek movement, fidget, or have trouble sitting still, not because they are unwilling, but because their nervous system is seeking regulation.
We can support regulation with:
Intentional movement throughout the day
Sensory strategies tailored to the child
Predictable routines that reduce overwhelming situations
Tools to support emotional regulation
When the nervous system is regulated, children are often better able to focus, respond, and engage.
Genetics & Individual Factors
Using testing to better understand how your child is uniquely wired
In some cases, we offer functional lab testing to gain a clearer picture of how your child’s body functions at a deeper level.
These insights can help us understand:
How your child processes and utilizes nutrients
Genetic variations and areas of biological susceptibility
Your child's unique genetic makeup
How they may metabolize or respond to specific medications
This type of information allows us to move beyond trial-and-error and toward more personalized, precise care.
For example, when families are exploring medication, this testing can provide helpful guidance on how a child may respond, which can support more informed and confident decision-making.
Not every child requires this level of testing, but when used appropriately, it can be a valuable tool in building a care plan that truly reflects how your child is uniquely created.
Integrative Treatment Options
Our goal is to prepare personalized plans that meets each child and family where they are
We recognize that every family comes in with different goals, preferences, and comfort levels when it comes to treatment, especially around supplements and medication.
Our role is to provide thoughtful guidance, education, and options, while partnering with you to create a plan that feels right for your child.
For some families, the goal is to take a medication-free approach, focusing first on areas such as nutrition, sleep, gut health, and nervous system support. In these cases, we build a comprehensive plan using lifestyle strategies and, when appropriate, targeted supplementation to support brain function and regulation.
For other families, medication may be something they are already using or considering, especially if symptoms are significantly impacting school, relationships, or daily life. When medication is part of the plan, we take a thoughtful approach to:
Ensuring it is appropriate and well-tolerated
Monitoring response and side effects
Supporting the body alongside medication through nutrition, sleep, and other foundational areas
In many cases, families come to us after feeling like they have “tried everything,” or they are unsure what the next right step is. Our goal is to help bring clarity to that process.
Let’s Talk About What’s Next
If your child or teen is struggling with ADHD and you feel like you’ve tried everything or you simply don’t know where to start, we’re here to help.
We take the time to understand the full picture and guide you through clear, personalized next steps.
We would love to talk with you and explore how we can support your child.
Call us at 817-720-6220 ext 2 to schedule an appointment and learn more about how we can support your child and your family.
Meet our Providers
Meet Dr. Shane Rainey
Dr. Shane Rainey is a double board-certified pediatrician with over 10 years of experience, including seven years as a pediatric hospitalist and former Division Chief of Pediatric Hospital Medicine at Banner Children’s at Desert Medical Center. He has also served in academic roles at the University of Arizona College of Medicine and the University of Illinois College of Medicine.
At Restore + Revive, Dr. Rainey takes a functional medicine approach to pediatric care, combining conventional medicine with root-cause strategies that look at the full picture of a child’s health, including nutrition, sleep, gut health, and nervous system regulation. His focus is understanding each child individually and supporting long-term wellness of the mind, body, and spirit in partnership with families.
Meet Emmaline Rhodes
Emmaline Rhodes is a pediatric nurse practitioner at Restore + Revive, trained at Vanderbilt University with a background in pediatric nursing. Her clinical experience led her to integrative medicine, where she developed a strong interest in root-cause, whole-child care.
She focuses on helping families implement practical, sustainable plans for children with ADHD and other pediatric concerns, with an emphasis on structure, regulation, and daily support. Emmaline is passionate about supporting the mind, body, and spirit of each child while helping families feel confident and supported in their care journey.