Cerebral Folate Deficiency in Practice
CEREBRAL FOLATE DEFICIENCY IN PRACTICE: ASSESSMENT, INTERPRETATION, AND NUTRITION INTERVENTION
Cerebral folate deficiency (CFD) is an emerging and often under-recognized contributor to neurological and neurodevelopmental dysfunction. While standard serum folate markers may appear normal, disruptions in folate transport and utilization within the central nervous system can significantly impact cognition, behavior, and overall neurological function.

This webinar will provide dietitians with a practical, clinically grounded framework for recognizing patterns consistent with cerebral folate deficiency in complex cases. Participants will learn how to identify key clinical indicators, understand the limitations of conventional lab markers, and interpret advanced testing related to folate transport and metabolism, including the role of folate receptor autoantibodies.

Emphasis will be placed on the dietitian’s role in supporting folate-dependent pathways through nutrition strategies, monitoring response to interventions, and collaborating with the healthcare team when medical therapies are indicated.

Through real-world clinical insights and case-based application, this session will help practitioners bridge the gap between emerging research and everyday practice—equipping them with actionable tools to support patients with complex neurological presentations.
Upon successful completion of this course, the participant should be able to:
  • Describe the role of folate transport and metabolism in central nervous system function and its relevance to neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions.


  • Identify clinical patterns and patient presentations that may be consistent with cerebral folate deficiency in practice.


  • Interpret conventional and advanced laboratory markers related to folate status, including the role of folate receptor autoantibody (FRAT) testing within a collaborative care model.


  • Apply nutrition-based strategies to support folate-dependent metabolic pathways and monitor patient response within the dietitian’s scope of practice.
Live Webinar Date: Jun 11, 2026   (04:00 PM - 05:00 PM Eastern Time) (US and Canada)
Performance Indicators/Learning Objectives: 5.1.2, 7.2.3, 9.1.1, 10.3.1
Target Audience: RDs, DTRs, Health Professionals
Number of Credits: 1.0
Total Cost: 1 Site Credit
About the Presenter: Patricia Simonds, MS, RDN, LD
Patricia Simonds

Patricia Simonds is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner specializing in pediatric neurodevelopmental and metabolic health. Through her practice, Nutrients for Hope, she takes a root-cause, whole-child approach to supporting conditions such as autism, ADHD, OCD, and complex gut-brain dysfunction.

Her work integrates advanced functional laboratory analysis—including organic acids, micronutrients, and microbiome testing—within a thoughtful, terrain-based clinical framework to guide individualized care. As a Microbiome Clinical Science Practitioner (MCS-P), Patricia incorporates microbiome-centered strategies alongside targeted metabolic and nutrient support to help restore balance and function.

With nearly two decades of experience in higher education as a Senior Lecturer at Emory University, Patricia focuses on translating complex science into clear, practical steps that families and practitioners can actually use. She is deeply passionate about helping others understand the “why” behind symptoms and equipping them with tools that bridge biochemistry, clinical insight, and real-world implementation in complex pediatric cases.