Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social and language communication, as well as repetitive behaviors and restricted interests. Children and adults with autism spectrum disorder have a wide range of abilities. Some people cannot speak at all and many have delayed or limited verbal communication. Some are greatly impaired in their cognitive thinking while others are extremely gifted.

Autism spectrum disorder, or ASD—the diagnosis described in the DSM-5—is usually made by a specialist based on observations in multiple situations and interviews with family members or others close to the person.

There are two theories for the increasing rates of autism and its origin: “genetic brain disorder and the Heritability of the gene”. Decades ago, children whose pregnant mothers took the drug thalidomide for nausea or valproic acid for seizures were reported to have autistic symptoms. Arguments against the autism epidemic include: 1) Diagnosis methods have improved. 2) Reclassification of mental retardation 3) Definition of Autism has expanded. Another theory or explanation is “systemic body disorder”. A toxic environment triggers certain genes in people susceptible to this condition. (Roundup, heavy metal toxins, pesticides, pollution…)

For example, Martha Herbert, MD, a pediatric neurologist from Harvard Medical School has painted a picture of autism that shows how core abnormalities in body systems like immunity, gut function, and detoxification play a central role in causing the behavioral and mood symptoms of autism.

Common traits or behaviors these children often display include:

  • Lack of or delay in spoken language
  • Repetitive use of language and/or motor mannerisms (e.g., hand-flapping, twirling objects)
  • Little or no eye contact
  • Lack of interest in peer relationships
  • Lack of spontaneous or make-believe play
  • Persistent fixation on parts of objects

A similar diagnosis is for children who have ADHD. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a chronic condition that affects a person’s level of hyperactivity and impulse control. ADHD influences the parts of the brain that help us with what is known as “executive functioning.” This includes problem solving, planning for the future, evaluating behaviors, regulating emotions, and controlling our impulses.

Again there are two different theories on why ADHD occurs and why it is so prevalent:

1) The Family Connection. ADHD runs in families. Anywhere from one-third to one-half of parents with ADHD will have a child with the disorder. There are genetic characteristics that seem to be passed down.

2) The other theory is “Genes + Environment”: researchers claim that not only are these children predisposed to having ADHD but Genetics in addition to the following can all contribute to developing this disorder:

  • Lead exposure
  • Chemicals during pregnancy
  • Cigarettes and alcohol
  • Sugar and sugar substitutes
  • Pesticides
  • Food allergies
  • Food additives (blue, red, yellow dyes)

So how can Chiropractic Care help with Autism and ADHD? Here is a quick anatomy review first. Your nervous system (brain and spinal cord and nerves) are all housed inside your skull and vertebrae which make up your spinal column. Your nervous system is then specialized into two categories: 1) your Parasympathetic Nervous System and 2) your Sympathetic Nervous System. The Parasympathetic Nervous System is responsible for “rest and digest”; it helps you to relax. It is your “brake pedal”; slowing you down. Your Sympathetic Nervous System is your “flight or fight” mode; it is your “gas pedal”. If a bear was chasing you, your Sympathetic Nervous System would kick in, so you ran away. It helps your adrenaline to kick in and also increases your stimulatory neurotransmitters. You need to have both systems in balance to function properly.

As chiropractors, we are seeing many children with Autism and ADHD come in with their Sympathetic Nervous Systems over stimulated. They are often hyperactive, anxious, and cannot focus; therefore implying to us that their Parasympathetic Nervous System is not firing properly. We are trained to find “subluxations” in your spine. That is when a vertebra has twisted, or rotated out of position. Stress, trauma, or toxins such as inflammatory foods can cause subluxations. When there are misalignments in your spine, the nerves cannot flow optimally to the corresponding muscles, cells, tissues, and organs. Every single cell in your body needs proper communication from your nervous system to operate, as it should. Chiropractors are trained to adjust the misalignments, so the nervous system can flow properly, and the systems are then restored to optimal function.

Children with ADHD and Autism are especially susceptible to stressors and toxic nutrition, as they often have sensory processing difficulty and have a “picky palate”. Children on the spectrum often enjoy eating only a handful of different foods; therefore they are not nutritionally balanced. Chiropractic care as well as proper nutritional counseling can significantly support these children and help them thrive.

Dr. Mikhaila Weister, DC
920 Wellness Studio

 

Sources
Handley, J. B. (2018). How to end the autism epidemic. White River Junction, VT: Chelsea Green Publishing.
Autism Speaks. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.autismspeaks.org/