Dr. Kathryn Taketa-Wong is Hawaii's leader in the medical treatment of autism spectrum disorders, and also specializes in ADHD, Down syndrome, learning disabilities, cerebral palsy, and other special needs.  She completed training through the Autism Research Institute and the Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs.  In addition, Dr. Taketa-Wong also practices general family medicine, treating a variety of adult medical conditions and illnesses including digestive disorders, chronic fatigue, autoimmune conditions, cancer, women's health conditions, acid reflux (heartburn), and insomnia.

     Her medical training and experience is strengthened by her expertise in acupuncture and Chinese medicine, and patients love her caring approach.  At a time when most medical doctors are limited to 15 minute standard office visits, Dr. Taketa-Wong takes the time to listen carefully to her patients.  Her Standard office visit is one hour.

     "Looking back," she says, "I am grateful to have chosen to become a naturopathic physician.  My passion is educating patients and guiding them to take charge of their long term health and well-being.  I approach medicine as a partnership for health, where patients are afforded high quality supplements and specialized treatments with a foundation built on healthy food, healthy activity, and healthy emotions."

     Dr. Taketa-Wong's interest in medicine was sparked from a strong desire to help her brother, who has high functioning autism.  He had a rough start in life, with constant rounds of ear infections and antibiotics and no words until age four.  All of the doctor’s projects and reports as a youth and high school student were about autism.  Remarkably, her brother earned his Eagle Scout award, graduated from high school, completed a certificate at Windward Community College and has been working at a local diner for over 14 years.

     Born and raised on Oahu, Dr. Taketa-Wong received her medical degree in naturopathic medicine and master’s degree in Oriental Medicine from the National University of Natural Medicine in Oregon. She completed a bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology, pre-medical coursework and an endocrinology honors thesis at Brigham Young University, Utah.  She is certified in Qigong Sensory Training, a Chinese medicine-based massage shown in research studies to improve behavior, social and language skills in children with autism and developmental delays.
  
     Dr. Kathryn Taketa-Wong practices medicine with a philosophy of empowering patients to take an active role in their well being.  She has found that holistic care, for both children and adults, provides ongoing adjustments and refinements to build up a patient’s health and strength and prevent future health problems.  Dr. Taketa-Wong's mission as a physician is helping people achieve real, lasting health and includes tutoring her patients on making the healthiest choices for their future by carefully setting specific and achievable health goals.

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