Care for Autism at Synergy Chiropractic & Wellness Center
How Can Chiropractic Care Help With Autism?
This general summary will consist of a recurring theme: the focus on the Central Nervous System.
Those who know anything about autism know that the nervous system is greatly affected. Individuals with autism are affected in different ways, but all seem to suffer from a number of impairments: difficulty in interacting with others, impairments in social communication and difficulty thinking imaginatively, hyperactivity, attention issues, behavior problems, sleep challenges, sensory processing issues, an absence in play, and more. In addition, because the nervous system is intimately linked with the gastrointestinal and immune systems, (the 2 systems most commonly affected in autism) autism can also contribute to constipation, diarrhea, reflux, decreased enzyme production including DPP1V (which is responsible for breaking down milk protein and other protein bonds) abnormal microflora, and inflammatory production.
Now that we know what some of the effects are let’s focus on the cause.
The Cause
Granted, autism cannot always be prevented, of course, and no one should harbor guilt. We know there are genetic components. But we also now know that environmental toxicity and suboptimal nutrition play a huge role as well. Let’s first start with possible ways the nervous system can be damaged or injured. The most common mode of injury is what we term Traumatic Birth Syndrome. For many of these children their nervous systems have been damaged right from the beginning of the delivery process (i.e. Cesarean-delivered babies) or even prior to that due to in-utero constraint issues (i.e. breech positioning). Unfortunately, in the United States we have intrusive procedures during labor (such as scheduled c-sections, induction with Pitocin, pain medications, epidurals, forceps, vacuum and early cord clamping. However, it must also be realized that sometimes even natural and fast deliveries can lead to problems, and that the problems or injuries can come later in life as well.
If a child is subluxated at birth, that child’s perception of the world is distorted and their ability to respond to the world is compromised. This has severe implications throughout the life of that child! The bottom line is that every child should be checked for subluxations as soon as possible after birth. Reason being is because the birth process, even under optimal conditions, is potentially a traumatic event. The majority of spinal cord and brain stem injuries occur often during the process of birth. What is more, by creating a misalignment and joint fixation complex (subluxation) in the area, it leads to improper neurological “signaling” or “communication” into and out of the central nervous system. This challenge to the communication system of the body is one of the primary reasons so many children with autism have challenges with sensory processing, social interaction and behavior, and learning.
According to JAMA 2007 issue, approximately 1 of every 150 children in the United States has an Autism Spectrum Disorder. These children have a variety of gastrointestinal dysfunctions and associated symptoms are common. Sustained neurological stress, in result of subluxations, can lead to an increase in chronic constipation, abdominal pain with or without diarrhea, encopresis, gastroesophageal reflux, abdominal bloating, and inflammation of the GI tract. When the digestive system is in this state it does a very poor job of breaking down foods and other substances. Children who experience gastrointestinal problems can also suffer from disturbed sleep and nighttime awakening.
The immune system faces the same challenges…when we are in a constant state of neurological stress the immune system dysfunctions and leaves a child susceptible to allergies, asthma, eczema, and other inflammatory type reactions. All of this leads to more and more inflammation and irritation and the cycle continues. This is why these reactions and challenges are referred to as “viscous cycles” that essentially continue to feed each other and lead to great challenges. This cycle must be broken and that is where chiropractic care plays an essential role.
By addressing the injury and resultant subluxation, a specific chiropractic adjustment restores proper balance and alignment to the head and neck and thus helps restore balance and function to the central nervous system. Depending upon the severity and duration of these injuries, sometimes repeated adjustments can create positive change in a step by step process that leads to an improvement in behavior, digestion, immunity, learning, sleep, and more.
In addition to this, we are very passionate about taking a holistic and encompassing look at a child’s health. That is why we focus on nutrition and supplementation. We utilize an incredible line of supplements that was specifically designed for children on the spectrum. We have seen amazing results from this line of products and encourage you to inquire about them.
We Can Help!
The most important thing we have realized when a family has a child challenged by something like spectrum disorders, is that they need someone who can support them and guide them in making proper decisions. If your family is experiencing difficulties please do not hesitate to contact our office today. Our care is safe, effective and affordable. Thank you for taking the time to read this article and we look forward to serving you and your child.
Please remember that if we are truly going to win the battle for autism, we must learn how to prevent it, not cure it.