Autism: Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care Can Help
Autism is one of the many neurological disorders that’s becoming more and more common. Only 25 years ago, 1 in 500 children developed autism. Today, it’s 1 in 36. That’s quite an alarming increase in a very short time. Today, there are also many adults that are living with autism since childhood and we’ve helped many in our practice, as well.
Autism is defined as “an early onset, and in most cases lifelong, neurodevelopmental condition, currently diagnosed on the basis of the clinical assessment of behavioral features.” As this is a disorder of the central nervous system, neurologically-focused chiropractic care can likely help.
According to a review from 2011, “At the heart of the core symptoms of ASD [Autism Spectrum Disorder] (i.e. impaired social interactions, deficits in communication and repetitive or restricted behavioral patterns) is abnormal sensory processing. Preliminary studies indicate that the chiropractic adjustment may attenuate sensorimotor integration based on somatosensory evoked potentials studies.”
A more recent review from 2018, concluded: “Research has shown that there appears to be a relationship between chiropractic neurological intervention and positive outcomes with improved behavior in individuals with autism.”
Many children and adults are treated with a wide rage of pharmaceutical drugs, that usually creates more problems. In fact, many of the drugs used for autism may increase the risk of seizures. According to a Scientific American article, “Many people on the [autistic] spectrum take multiple medications, which can lead to serious side effects and may not even be effective.”
Autism is a complicated disorder and chiropractic care is not a cure for autism, but by reducing subluxation patterns and neural tension, thereby improving and balancing neurological pathways, those struggling with autism can function more normally. We’ve seen this happen many times, with many of our clients of all ages.
As most health care providers are unaware of the benefits of chiropractic care for autism, parents are rarely ever exposed to this option. (Please watch this six-minute video about one mother’s experience). The gentle and specific nature of Activator Methods also makes it quite suitable for our autistic clients, as they enjoy the pleasant experience and benefits of getting adjusted this way. And more importantly, they are often able to function better and feel more human again.
by SJ NANA, DC, DrNana.co.za
Please see the following published chiropractic case studies:
Please see my previous articles related to this topic:
Muscle Cramps: Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Often Helps
Children Can Heal & Adapt More Effectively To Life's Challenges, With Chiropractic
