While it is commonly called autism, the term Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is more appropriate. Of the 1 in 68 children in America who have been diagnosed with the disorder, each case is unique and has its own set of challenges. This means it is critical that each person’s care plan looks at the person’s holistic health, not just as a set of symptoms. One part of this plan can involve a Billings chiropractor like Dr. Thomas Keogh, who aims to create a higher quality of life by looking at the root cause of any concerns and brings about a manageable lifestyle.
Understanding Autism
Autism Spectrum Disorder can come in many forms, and each person’s case will present differently. Most people are diagnosed in childhood, so it is important for parents to know the signs. This means that you can find intervention sooner, which increases the chance of a positive outcome and earlier improvements in symptoms.
There is no “cure” for autism or ASD, and children will not grow out of their diagnosis. Instead, the symptoms are a part of your child’s life and who they are as a person. The goal is to manage the symptoms of the condition, improve quality of life, and ensure health in all manners. By focusing on the alignment of the spine, the nerves are better able to communicate messages throughout the body, which can remove blockages that interrupt normal functioning for your child.
Chiropractic Care and Autism
Most cases of ASD are treated with a variety of psychological methods, which can be beneficial in their own right. But chiropractic care has also been shown to provide relief and improvement in a variety of areas that those with autism can find challenging. This includes improvements in speech and language, sociability, sensory and cognitive awareness, general behavior and calmness, digestion and gut issues, and chronic ear infections.
One example of this effectiveness is shown in a case study of a boy who was diagnosed with autism at four years old. He struggled specifically with language and communication and was often injured because of behaviors associated with a lack of sensory perception. A chiropractor performed a series of adjustments over 15 sessions, with improvement starting as soon as the first session when the boy began making eye contact for the first time. After the full course of adjustments, the boy displayed:
- An 8% improvement in speech and language
- A 50% improvement in sociability
- A 50% improvement in sensory and cognitive abilities
- A 4% improvement in health and physical behaviors
These results were possible because the boy had a chiropractor like Dr. Thomas at Bare Chiropractic, who was familiar with autism and were dedicated to finding the right approach for the individual child.
If your child has been diagnosed with ASD or you suspect they have autism, contact Dr. Thomas Keogh today for your first appointment. We will work with your and your child to approach their health as a holistic picture, addressing your concerns and working towards manageable goals.
Sources
Pauli, Y. “The Effects of Chiropractic Care on Individuals Suffering from Learning Disabilities and Dyslexia: A Review of the Literature.” Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, 2007. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/255613129_The_Effects_of_Chiropractic_Care_on_Individuals_Suffering_from_Learning_Disabilities_and_Dyslexia_A_Review_of_the_Literature
Pellegrino, Anthony. “Improvements in a 4-year-old with Autism Spectrum Disorder Following Chiropractic Care to Reduce Vertebral Subluxation.” Journal of Pediatric, Maternal, & Family Health, 2016: 50-56. https://vertebralsubluxationresearch.com/2017/09/10/improvements-in-a-4-year-old-with-autism-spectrum-disorder-following-chiropractic-care-to-reduce-vertebral-subluxation/
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/addm.html
https://www.autism-society.org/what-is/symptoms/
