Autism
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The dramatic rise
of autism has become an epidemic issue. Recent published
reports of a vaccine-autism link confirm what a large percentage
of parents of autistic children have claimed: their child's
autism (including behavior and personality changes) occurred
shortly after (a few days to weeks) their "well baby
visit shots." The MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine has been increasingly
targeted as the cause of autism, although a certain percentage of cases
have been described after the Hepatitis B, Pertussis and other vaccines.
Peer Reviewed Papers:
Improvement in a 3 1/2 Year Old Child with Autism Following Chiropractic Intervention to Reduce Vertebral Subluxation.
https://www.jvsr.com/abstracts/index.asp?id=345
The role of chiropractic in the care of a four-year-old
boy diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Joel
Alcantara, DC (1) and Kim
McCann-Swanson, DC, DACCP (2)
Presented
at Pangea: a Conference for the Wellness of Children.
Abstract
Background:
Autism is a complex, behaviorally defined disorder of
the immature brain. Autism is not a disease but a syndrome
with multiple non-genetic and genetic causes. Autistic
Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is a wide spectrum of developmental
disorders characterized by impairments in 3 behavioral
domains: 1) social interaction; 2) language, communication,
and imaginative play; and 3) range of interests and activities.
There are two basic types of autism: autism from birth
(classic autism once known as Kanner’s Syndrome)
and regressive autism, which generally occurs between 12
and 24 months of age after a period of normal development
and behavior. The incidence of autism from birth is low,
approximately one or two out of 10,000 births. However,
the incidence of regressive autism and associated ASDs
has soared. A recent study indicates that as many as 1
out of 150 California children may have regressive ASD.
A similar figure was reported by the Center for Disease
Control (CDC) in a study of a township on the East Coast
of the United States. ASD is of great concern to all healthcare
practitioners because of an astonishing 556% reported increase
in pediatric prevalence between 1991 and 1997. The clinical
management of ASD requires a multidisciplinary approach,
consisting primarily of speech, language, behavioral, and
educational interventions although, “ there is a
lack of clinically based evidence on which to universally
recommend a rational clinical algorithm for treatment.” The
rising incidence of ASD and the lack of well-documented
treatment options should be a “matter of urgent public
concern.” The role of chiropractic in the treatment
of children with ASD has not been well documented in the
scientific literature. This case study will address this
deficit and examine the role of chiropractic care in the
treatment algorithm for a patient with ASD.
Objective: To describe the role of chiropractic
care in the management of a patient with autistic spectrum
disorder.
Clinical features: A four-year-old boy
was diagnosed with autism at 23 months. His mother presented
him for chiropractic evaluation and possible care with
the hope that chiropractic care might help his frequent
ear infections. The mother also reported that the child
was very active but his speech and communication skills
were a challenge.
Intervention and Outcome: The patient was cared
for using the Webster toggle headpiece and Logan Basic
technique to the cervical spine and sacrum. According
to the patient’s mother, her little boy’s
speech and ability to communicate improved dramatically
following adjustments.
Conclusion: This case report provides
supporting evidence that patients with ASD may benefit
from chiropractic care characterized as Toggle Recoil and
Logan Technique. This case report encourages further investigation
into the role of chiropractic care in the integrative management
of patients with autism.
Blocked atlantal nerve syndrome in infants and small children. Gutman G. ICA Review, 1990; July:37-42. Originally published in German Manuelle Medizin (1987) 25:5-10.
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From the abstract:
Three case reports are reviewed to illustrate a syndrome that has so far received far too little attention, which is caused and perpetuated in babies and infants by blocked nerve impulses at the atlas. Included in the clinical picture are lowered resistance to infections, especially to ear-, nose-, and throat infections, two cases of insomnia, two cases of cranial bone asymmetry, and one case each of torticollis, retarded locomotor development, retarded linguistic development, conjunctivitis, tonsillitis, rhinitis, earache, extreme neck sensitivity, incipient scoliosis, delayed hip development, and seizures.
Behavioral
and Learning Changes Secondary to Chiropractic Care to Reduce
Subluxations in a Child with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder: A Case Study
Lisa Lovett, D.C. Charles
Blum, D.C. Journal
of Vertebral Subluxation Research
- Conclusion:
There are many causes to ADHD as well as other learning and behavioral
disorders; therefore conclusions cannot be conclusively drawn
by a single case study. A possible conclusion that can be drawn
in this case is that adjusting spinal lesions (e.g., subluxations)
appeared to reduce the child’s pain and discomfort, which
allowed him the ability to concentrate, learn and “sit still.” Further
studies with controls need to be conducted in this area to determine
the effectiveness of chiropractic care in aiding the symptoms
of children who are classified as ADHD.
Clinical Efficacy of Upper Cervical Versus Full Spine
Chiropractic Care on Children with Autism: A Randomized Clinical
Trial
Khaled A. Khorshid Bio,
DC, MS, MBBCh; Roy W. Sweat Bio,
DC; David A. Zemba, Jr. Bio,
DC; Brett N. Zemba Bio,
DC
Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, March 9, 2006, pp 1-7
Upper Cervical
Chiropractic Care For A Nine-Year-Old Male With Tourette Syndrome,
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Depression, Asthma,
Insomnia, and Headaches: A Case Report
Erin Elster, DC Journal
Of Vertebral Subluxation Research July
12, 2003, pp. 1-11
- Conclusion: The onset of symptoms soon after the boy’s delivery; the immediate reduction in symptoms correlating with the initiation of care; and the complete absence of symptoms within six weeks of care; suggest a link between the patient’s traumatic birth, the upper cervical subluxation, and his neurological conditions. Further investigation into upper cervical trauma as a contributing factor to Tourette Syndrome, ADHD, depression, insomnia, headaches, and asthma should be pursued.
Learning difficulties of children
viewed in the light of osteopathic concept. Frymann V
(1988). In:
Retalaff EW, Mitchell Fl Jr. (Eds). The cranium and its sutures,
Springer, Berlin Heidelberg, NY, pp.27-47.
The relationship of craniosacral examination findings
in grade school children with developmental problems. Upledger
JE, J
Am Osteopath Assoc. 1978 (Jun);77 (10):760-776
A pilot study of applied kinesiology in helping children with learning disabilities. Mathews MO, Thomas E, British Osteopathic Journal Vol. X11 1993.
- IQ scores improved and learning disabilities lessened. The British Osteopaths used applied kinesiology and Neural Organization Technique (NOT) developed by Carl Ferrari, D.C.
The effect of chiropractic
adjustments on the behavior of autistic children; a case review. Sandeful,
R, Adams E. ACA Journal of Chiropractic, Dec 21:5,
1987.
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The authors reported that 50% of all subjects under chiropractic care experienced reliable behavioral improvements, as recorded by independent observers. It is reported by those working with autistic children than any change in behavior in an autistic child is considered to be significant. Behavioral improvements were observed in such diverse areas as picking up toys, use of sign language, reduction of self-abuse and appropriate use of language.
Case Studies:
Case report: autism and chronic otitis media. Warner SP and Warner TM. Today's Chiropractic. May/June 1999.
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This is a case report of a 3 ½ year-old girl with autism. She was non-verbal, had compulsive disorders, daily rituals, head banging and violence. After chiropractic, care began within one month her parents and teacher noticed a 30% improvement socially. After one year of care, an 80% improvement was noticed. Head banging and other rituals diminished by 50% with less violent behavior. She had chronic serous otitis media and had been on antibiotics for one year. Within a one-week period after her first adjustment, antibiotic use stopped due to a 70% improvement in her otitis media.
Case Study - Autism. Rubinstein, HM, Chiropractic Pediatrics Vol. 1 No. 1, April 1994
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This is the case study of a seven year old female diagnosed with autism. The child has a history of sexual and physical abuse. The little girl would slowly turn in circles in place while singing an incomprehensible song with a glazed stare and blank expression. Spinal examination revealed a right posterior and superior C1 with a frequency of about twice a week. After ten months of care she was able to carry on conversations, carry out commands, dress and groom herself. Cognitivedevelopment progressed to where she was able to learn, read, and participate in public school.
The effects of chiropractic treatment on students with learning and behavioral impairments due to neurological dysfunction. Walton EV. Int Rev of Chiro 1975;29:4-5,24-26.
- In this study 24 learning impaired students, half received chiropractic care and the other half, who were either on medication or receiving no treatment at all, were used for comparison. The case histories that follow were obtained from the above paper.
- Case C-91: A high school student who was failing
three subjects, with a history of failure, low morale, discipline
problems, poor coordination, and a long history of clinical and
medical treatment. After chiropractic care the student was passing
all subjects, highly motivated, showing improved coordination and
able to participate in athletics. All medications were dropped.
- Case C-92: Also a high school student on 20mg.
Ritalin and on Dilantin. She was non-motivated, negative, passive,
nonverbal, and failing in high school work despite placement in
special classes. After chiropractic adjustments the student was
taken off Ritalin, began talking and expressing herself,
and showed improved reading comprehension and reading speed.
- Case CE-92: An elementary student who was extremely hyperkinetic, irritable, and he had severe behavior problems at home and school. Grades were marginal to failing. Al-though the boy was only 8 years old, Ritalin had been increased from an initial 5mg. to a total of 70mg./day with steadily diminishing results. (70mg. approaches danger level as a dosage). At the conclusion of chiropractic care, the Ritalin had been entirely discontinued and coordination was improved to the extent that the student became an able Little League ball player. His attitude was excellent, grades were up an average of one letter grade, and the student was considered free of all limiting factors. Behavior at home and school was exemplary.
- Case CE-101: An elementary student. This student was marginally passing his courses. There was a four year history of marginal accomplishment in school. He was nervous, underweight and suffered from insomnia. Medication was briefly tried but the student's emotional control became poor and he frequently wept. The medication had to be discontinued. After chiropractic care there was a marked reduction in nervousness and great improvement in emotional stability. His mother reported that his appetite was now normal and he began enjoying school during the last month.
- Case C-93: A high school student. Initially on heavy dosages of medication, non-motivated with a long history of clinical evaluation and treatment. The girl was failing most school subjects, marginal in others, and withdrawn. After chiropractic adjustments, her self-confidence improved; she was passing all subjects. All medication was discontinued after four months of treatment. A vocational goal was established.
- Case CJ-95: A junior high school student. He was hyperkinetic almost from birth and had a traumatic early developmental history with suspected neurological problems. Although of above average intelligence he was passing only two subjects, both marginally. He was starting to become a discipline problem, making little or no effort in school. After chiropractic care, fine and gross motor coordination improved markedly. He began taking an interest in athletics and played Little League on a team that placed third in the state. Effort and motivation improved to the extent that plans to send him back to a lower grade were dropped and he was promoted. Reports at the third week of school indicated that his academic progress was excellent after a late summer remedial program.
- Case CE-102: An elementary student who had been diagnosed by numerous clinics as minimally brain damaged, retarded and/or suffering from neurological dysfunction. He also suffered from severe emotional problems. After chiropractic he showed great improvement in self-confidence. He began to take part in public speaking in school. Mental ability tests indicated that the student was at normal grade level except for deficiencies in reading.
Developmental Communication Disorder. Subluxation location and correction Stephen R. Goldman, D.C. Today's Chiropractic July/August 1995 p.70-74.
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"A 2-year old child had a medical diagnosis of 'developmental communication disorder.' He was non-responsive to any external stimuli, even to receiving an injection.did not respond to sound or touch.Chiropractic analysis revealed an axis subluxation. "On the third visit, when I walked into the room, he began to cry. That was the first time that he responded to anything happening around him. By the sixth adjustment, he started to follow certain commands and stopped making repeated hand motions. He started to talk after the 12th office visit. At present, he has an extensive vocabulary and is slightly hyperactive; he is probably making up for lost time."
Autism, Asthma, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), strabismus and illness susceptibility: a case study in chiropractic management. Amalu WC. Todays Chiropractic. September/October 1998. Pp. 32-47.
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A 5-year-old female with autism, asthma, allergies, irritable bowel syndrome and left-sided strabismus who was experiencing 25 violent temper episode per day, with each episode lasting up to 20 minutes was referred for care. She also exhibited three episodes each day of self-inflicted violent behavior, which included biting her arm, slapping her head and repeatedly banging her head against a full-length mirror. She also had at least one episode of violent behavior each day - hitting people, especially her mother. Speech was limited to a few words such as "mama, dada, milk and walk."
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Chiropractic Management consisted of correction of the atlanto-occipital subluxation with the patient adjusted in the knee-chest posture with contact to the posterior arch of atlas.
- First week of care: After the first adjustment, patient had her first good night's sleep since her mother could remember. Violent temper episodes had reduced to 15 per day with de-crease in intensity. Self-inflicted violent behavior was decreased in frequency. Her speech, vocabulary and sleep patterns had improved.
- Second week: one adjustment. Violent temper episodes at five per day. Right eye showed no more signs of strabismus. Patient began speaking in sentences for the first time. Mother reported a marked decrease in hyperactivity along with a desire to be touched and hugged
- Third week: One adjustment. Violent temper episodes 2 per day with decreased intensity. Mother stated there was little hyperactivity. Self-directed or outward violent behavior have ceased. Irritable bowel syndrome was much improved.
- Fourth week: no adjustments. All temper episodes, hyperactivity, violent behavior have stopped. Sleeping through the night. Patient was evaluated by two therapists who declared the diagnosis of autism was "incorrect."
- Week 5- 8: a mild return of symptoms, an adjustment was given, and symptoms abated.
- Weeks 9-12: no adjustments. The
IBS had almost completely resolved. Patient continued to
improve over next 8 months; no more asthma attacks.
Subluxation location and correction by Stephen R. Goldman, D.C. Today's Chiropractic July/August 1995 p.70-74. Case Study No. 4:
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31-year-old with Crohn's disease (since age 15). A portion of his intestine had been removed and he was on antibiotics and prednisone. Had not had a normal bowel movement since age 15 and constantly suffered from abdominal cramps. Chiropractic analysis: Subluxation of axis. By the 13 th visit, he started having normal bowel movements and all medication was stopped.
Additional Articles:
An analysis of 350 emotionally
maladjusted individuals under chiropractic care. Hartmann
GW, Schwartz HS. NCA Journal of Chiropractic, Nov.
1949.
- Classic review of 350 individuals helped under chiropractic care.
Relations of disturbances of cranio-sacral mechanisms to symptomatology of the newborn. Fryman V. JAOA. 1966;65:1059
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In a group of 1250 unselected babies examined five days post partum, a group of 211 'nervous' children were found suffering from vomiting, hyperactivity, tremors and sleeplessness. Release of 'strain' in the skull resulted in immediate quieting, cessation of crying, muscular relaxation and sleepiness.
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From the abstract: a two-year-old boy suffering from vomiting and loss of energy following impact trauma to the head and found by neurological exam ant CT scan to have suffered a concussion with no evidence of brain or spinal cord pathology. Chiropractic adjustment of occiput resolved the patient's symptoms.
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