Autism - Autism Research - Chiropractic Treatment

Autism
International Chiropractic Pediatric Association

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:

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 KannerÌs 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, Ï there is a lack of clinically based evidence on which to universally recommend a rational clinical algorithm for treatment.Ó The rising incidence of ASD and the lack of well-documented treatment options should be a Ïmatter of urgent public concern.Ó 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 patientÌs mother, her little boyÌs 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.

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 childÌs pain and discomfort, which allowed him the ability to concentrate, learn and Ïsit still.Ó 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 boyÌs 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 patientÌs 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.

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.

This is a case report of a 3 ? 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

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 withsteadily 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 ...