The number of autism cases has steadily grown over the years. The reason for this is unknown. What is known is the profound effects autism - and autism symptoms - can have on a person's overall quality of life.
The exact cause of autism is unknown. Even so, there are many research units devoted to finding the links to its onset and development. Current research is examining the role of genetics and neurochemical imbalances on the development of autism, but environmental factors may also play a part.
Autism itself is hard to measure; its symptoms and scope varies greatly among individual patients. While some autistic patients experience mild communication issues, others experience aggression and hyperactivity. Intelligence levels also vary among patients, and it's not rare for autistic patients to display measurable signs of above average intelligence.
As a developmental disability, autism has a direct impact on social interactions and communication, as well as imagination and expression. Detecting it can be a challenge in the first few months of a child's life, but as the child grows its symptoms become more apparent.
Although there is no known cure for autism, its symptoms can be managed. Proper treatment is instrumental in countering autism's more distressing effects.
Autism Detection
Typically, parents first note signs of autism in children of around 18 months old. The lack of interest in play is one of the more striking signs. Children with autism may disregard the following:
• Play Pretend
• Playing with other children
• Showing interest in activities
• Picking up or bringing over objects
• Games such as peek-a-boo and hide-and-seek
Naturally, there is no cause for alarm if a child dislikes or does not respond to some of these games. It is the pronounced disregard for playful interaction that may indicate a problem. If a child tends to be generally irresponsive to activities and games that most children enjoy, autism may be the cause. Autism affects how the child expresses and understands emotions, relates to others, and communicates.
The Role of Chiropractic Care
Traditionally, autistic patients relied solely on medication to relieve symptoms, such as aggression, in an attempt to cope with the disease. Chiropractic care, on the other hand, is a drug-free, holistic approach to treatment that focuses on improving the patient's overall quality of life. In the case of autism, this is especially relevant, since the symptoms often present considerable distress to not only the patient but their family also.
Recent research has shown that spinal adjustments may help alleviate symptoms of autism. A study showed a positive correlation between upper cervical adjustments and autism symptom management. The study followed a 9-month period of chiropractic adjustments on 26 autistic children. Results showed improvement in response to stimuli, reflexes, range of neck motion, and a beneficial effect on other health conditions.
Many of the children stopped taking Ritalin, the stimulant commonly administered to autistic patients exhibiting symptoms. Overall, the study also showed improvement in bladder and bowel control, speech, eye contact, and attention span. The beneficial effect of these adjustments on autism was attributed to correction of a partial dislocation that influenced local neurological function and development.
An article examined research on the role of chiropractic care in the management of autistic children. Based on the assertion that healthy brain development depends on the healthy structure and movement of the spine, researchers looked at the role of spinal health in the development and possible treatment of autism. Abnormal spinal development is thus tied to a range of disorders, which include ADHD and autism.
Neurochemical communication responsible for inducing a sense of well being is seen to be linked with spinal biomechanics and its neurological pathways. Researchers then pinpointed the connection between neurobehavioral disorders to how the entire body communicates with the brain. The role of the spine is said to play a key role in the efficacy of this communication.
Chiropractic care, in the form of adjustments to nerve interference (known as vertebral subluxations) addresses the nervous system's need for stimulation. Stimulation, in turn, helps the nervous system's development and functioning.
Such findings indicate that chiropractic care may well help improve the overall quality of life of autistic patients, relieving some of its more distressing symptoms. It's a step towards the ultimate goal of finding a cure.
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