The gut-sleep-behavior loop, unraveled — so overwhelmed families can breathe again.
Restless nights. Tummy troubles. Meltdowns. One pattern — and a path to sleep, steady digestion, and parents who finally feel reassured and in control.
Pediatric-informed integrative health coaching for families of neurodivergent kids, based near Austin, Texas and working online with parents across the U.S.
Who I Help
I work with families of neurodivergent kids who are dealing with gut, sleep, and behavior challenges—and the overwhelm that comes with all of it.
When I say “neurodivergent,” I mean kids whose brains work differently. This can include:
Autism
ADHD
Learning or developmental differences
Sensory processing challenges
And other unique neurodevelopmental profiles
Many of the families I support are navigating:
Restless nights and frequent wake-ups
Meltdowns, especially in noisy or unpredictable environments
Tummy troubles like gas, constipation, or frequent stomach aches
Feeling dismissed, blamed, or brushed off when they ask for help
If you recognize your child in this—and you’re feeling tired, unsure what to try next, and ready for a clearer plan—you’re in the right place.
At Total Vitality, I support overwhelmed parents of neurodivergent kids who are juggling gut, sleep, and behavior challenges. By taking a pediatric-informed, root-cause approach, I help families see the full picture and move forward with more clarity, confidence, and calm.
Instead of throwing random tips at the problem, we work together to:
Understand what’s really going on in your child’s body and brain
Connect the dots between gut health, sleep, behavior, and sensory needs
Create a realistic, family-friendly plan you can actually follow
Feel less alone, with someone walking alongside you as you make changes
How I Help Tired, Overwhelmed Parents
“Helping neurodivergent kids move from restless nights, meltdowns, and tummy troubles to more restful sleep, calmer behavior, and parents who finally feel reassured and in control.”
What Can Change
Sleep:
From hours awake in the middle of the night and everyone exhausted…
To more sound sleep, calmer days, and parents who finally feel some relief.
Meltdowns & Sensory:
From frequent meltdowns in noisy situations and parents constantly bracing for impact…
To fewer, less intense meltdowns and afternoons that feel more predictable and connected.
Gut & Tummy Troubles:
From gas, constipation, and constant worry…
To more regular bowel habits, fewer stomach aches, and parents who feel reassured and more in control.
Meet Karen Hairston
Integrative Health Practitioner
I’m an integrative health coach specializing in neurodivergent kids, and I use a pediatric-informed, root-cause approach to support families dealing with gut, sleep, and behavior challenges. After seeing too many parents feel dismissed, blamed, or left to figure it out alone, I created the Calm & Clarity Gut-Brain Method to connect the dots between your child’s body, brain, and daily life—so you have a clear plan and someone walking alongside you.
I have worked as a pediatric PT for 21+ years and am certified as an integrative health practitioner level 2. Not only that, I am a mother of a child with autism, cerebral palsy, and intellectual disability. I have been in your shoes and completely understand.
Real Families, Real Change
Gut + behavior + regulation improvements
My daughter was given antibiotics at birth, and from ages 2 to 3 her pediatrician frequently treated her ear infections with antibiotic shots. I believe this contributed to gut issues that affected her eating habits, sleep, behavior, and even her dental health. Our dentist has mentioned that these issues may have impacted her teeth as well.
After completing the gut reset, we noticed that her breath had improved significantly. Even more surprising, at her most recent dental appointment she had no cavities. This was a huge shock because she had always had five or more cavities at each visit. She also had improved behavior, less outbursts, and was willing to try more foods. - Chyanne I
I also support caregivers in improving their own health, because caring for yourself helps you care for your child.
Energy, Inflammation, and physical health improvements
After working with Karen, I quickly realized her knowledge and encouragement gave me the tools needed to make life changes. These changes have led to healing outside the conventional doctors office. Healing that lasts longer and is a wiser use of money in the long run….I joined with zero expectation of change. Just wanting to dip my toe in. But by staying committed to Karen's plan, I am off the asthma inhaler, have not taken allergy medicine in months, and put on my wedding dress from 20 years ago! I love how the process was slow and steady, helping me form habits that have lasted! - Erin C
Emotional + pain + lifestyle transformation
“I was so used to pain in my back, hips, and feet that I just accepted it like a new normal. After just one week on the liver detox and with Karen’s coaching, most of my body aches subsided completely. It was amazing!" … “I also saw improvements in brain fog, focus, energy, overall mood, and mornings without headaches. I’m so thankful for Karen, who was a gentle encourager, ready to answer any questions I had.” - Shalyn C
Ready for more calm and clarity?
You don’t have to keep guessing or managing symptoms in isolation. We’ll start by mapping the bigger picture and identifying clear next steps for your child and family.
We’ll explore what’s going on, connect the dots, and map out your next steps—so you don’t have to do this alone.
“My goal is to ensure you feel comfortable, heard, and assured that I will do everything possible to make your goals a reality. Together, we will formulate a realistic plan that’s based on your unique needs and desires to allow you to achieve the vision you have for your health, body, and life. I want you to experience the amazing way our bodies are created to heal when given the proper care.”
-Karen Hairston, MPT, IHP2
Frequently Asked Questions
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As an IHP, I’m trained in both functional medicine and natural health to uncover and rebalance the underlying root causes of dis-ease—not just mask symptoms. I use lab testing, lifestyle guidance, and personalized protocols to support the whole person—body, mind, and spirit.
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I work with all ages, but the functional labs I run are not available for children under 3 years of age. We can still work on lifestyle changes and I may be able to refer you to a lab for younger children if appropriate.
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No, integrative care and health coaching works alongside MDs and therapists to help your child reach their full potential. My job is to find the underlying root causes of your child’s challenges and address those. We are on the same team.
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I commonly support clients with autism, cerebral palsy, digestive issues, emotional imbalances, learning difficulties, sleep problems, ADHD, and more—by addressing the underlying root causes.
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Not always. While functional lab tests offer powerful insight into what’s happening beneath the surface, we can absolutely begin with a symptom-based approach and personalize your protocol as we go.
I use a combination of in-depth assessments and ongoing feedback to guide your healing journey—lab testing is highly encouraged, but never required.
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Everybody is different. Some clients feel better within weeks, while others need several months to see bigger changes. My goal is lasting results, not quick fixes—so I focus on sustainable healing.
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Yes! I work alongside your current care to support your healing naturally. I always recommend speaking with your prescribing doctor before adding or changing any supplements or wellness routines.
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“Neurodivergent” is a broad, respectful term that simply means a person’s brain works differently from what’s considered typical. In my work, this can include autism, ADHD, learning differences, developmental delays or differences, sensory processing challenges, or a mix of these traits—even without a formal diagnosis.
You don’t have to have an official label to belong here. If your child’s brain seems to work differently and you’re noticing sleep, behavior, sensory, or gut challenges, we can still explore root causes and build a plan that fits your family.
