Session Name: Nourish the Brain: Updated Strategies in Neuronutrition for ACC and Neurodevelopmental Support
Session Date: Saturday, July 25th
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By Miriam Bernard
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Welcome to the first installment in our 2026 Conference Presenters Series, where we’ll highlight the passionate presenters shaping this year’s NODCC conference. Each feature will give you a closer look at the experts behind the sessions and what to expect when you attend. We begin with Danielle Mitchell, whose upcoming session offers a thoughtful exploration of neuronutrition: feeding one’s body and mind with emphasis on neurology – and how this can support individuals with ACC and other neurodevelopmental differences.
Alongside being a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), and Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach (FMCHC), Mitchell’s passion for this work is not only professional but personal. As a parent of a child with ACC, she brings lived experience to her practice and her teaching. This perspective adds depth and authenticity to her session, as she understands firsthand the challenges and questions that families face.
Mitchell is co-founder of The Cognizant Group, where she works alongside her husband to provide integrative care in functional medicine nutrition, neuronutrition, pediatric and special needs nutrition, and eating disorders. What distinguishes her work is not just her credentials, but her commitment to seeing the whole person from a biological, emotional, and behavioral standpoint.
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That perspective is especially meaningful in the context of her session at the 2026 NODCC conference: “Nourish the Brain: Updated Strategies in Neuronutrition for ACC and Neurodevelopmental Support.” This session will address how nutrition directly impacts brain function in individuals with ACC and other neuro-differences. Many families and caregivers navigate challenges related to attention, mood, sleep, and regulation without fully understanding how deeply these areas are connected to nutritional and physiological factors. Mitchell’s session aims to close that gap in an empowering way.
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Mitchell will guide attendees through the key elements that influence brain health, which include nutrient density, inflammation, gut health, and fatty acid balance; factors that may sound complex but will be presented in a simplified way. Her goal is to help participants understand not just what matters, but why it matters and how it shows up in everyday life. A central theme of the session is the connection between the gut and the brain. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of how gut health influences mood regulation and cognitive function. Mitchell will also connect these insights to actionable strategies, such as small, intentional changes in diet and lifestyle that can support meaningful improvements.
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Be encouraged! This session will do more than give general recommendations. Mitchell will introduce the concept of individualized biochemistry, helping participants recognize that no two people have the exact same nutritional needs. She also importantly recognizes that eating is not just biological. It is tied to emotions, behaviors, sensory experiences, and family dynamics. For individuals with ACC, these factors can be especially significant. Her session will explore how caregivers and individuals can navigate the “stages of change” in the eating process with patience and compassion, reducing stress while building sustainable habits. She will address common barriers such as time, budget, and sensory preferences. Mitchell acknowledges that even the best recommendations are only helpful if they can be implemented consistently. Change needs to feel manageable rather than overwhelming.
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Whether you are a caregiver, professional, or individual with ACC, Mitchell’s presentation provides a blend of science, strategy, and empathy that will be informative and actionable.
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If you are building your schedule for the 2026 NODCC conference, this is a session worth prioritizing. As the first feature in our 2026 Conference Presenters Series, Danielle Mitchell sets the tone for thoughtful and relevant sessions led by experts who are committed to making a difference. Stay tuned as we continue to spotlight the presenters who will shape this year’s conference experience.
