Revolutionary New Research and Brain-Based Treatments in the Fight Against Autism

            Learning/behavioral disorders such as autism, Asperger's syndrome, AD/HD, and Tourette's syndrome are physical, neurological conditions involving dysfunction of brain.  Dysfunction does not imply damage or disease, it indicates that certain clusters of cells in your brain are under-functioning and are not as active as they should be.  Specifically, in children on the autism spectrum there exists an electrical imbalance in brain stimulation and activity between the right and left hemispheres. The scientific term for this phenomenon is Functional Disconnection Syndrome.  The result is a global decrease in brain activity primarily affecting the right hemisphere.  This profoundly affects executive functions performed by the frontal lobe region of the right hemisphere such as cognition, motivation, mental focus, concentration, and body movements. The symptoms can range from impulsivity and hyper-activity to emotional outbursts and excessive rough play.  Evidence of inappropriate social graces can alienate classmates causing feelings of low self-esteem.  As a result of the poor concentration and mental focus, learning becomes a real challenge. 

Understanding the functions of the right hemisphere allows for an extrapolation of what occurs when there is an imbalance of brain function.  The right hemisphere is associated with stopping movement and filtering thought, controlling gross motor/postural movements utilizing the trunk, social learning, creativity, responding to new concepts, and processing low frequency sound and light.  The results of decreased right hemispheric functions can be seen in the majority of children in the autism spectrum which include: preference for routine and rituals, difficulty engaging in lengthy conversation, poor social skills/how to play knowledge, tendency to fidget, tantrum episodes, clumsiness/poor muscle tone, and challenges with depth perception. 

       Treatment options include Hemispheric Integration therapy (H.I.T.).  This therapy is centered around maximizing the child's brain function, focusing on the specific under-stimulated area of the brain and utilizes specific unilateral (one-sided) sensory/motor modalities.  Careful observation is taken not to exceed the stamina of the cells involved in the brain, not unlike the feeling of soreness after "overdoing it" at the fitness club.  Therefore, the therapies are given at a specific intensity and frequency to match those stamina levels.  Examples include hemispheric appropriate frequencies of light and sound stimulation, olfactory (smell) stimulation, cross-crawl mechanisms, specific eye movement exercises, vestibular (inner ear) rehabilitation utilizing spins and abrupt changes in head positions, one sided chiropractic adjustments, hemistimulation computer exercise, and balance activities.

     Parents seeking to have their children partake in hemispheric integration therapy and to gain more information in general should purchase the book "Disconnected Kids" written by Dr. Robert Melillo.  This publication will shed much needed light on how the brain and autism spectrum disorders are intimately related. Other great resources include the FAU Center for Autism and Related Disorders and the Developmental Delay Resources Foundation.  Lastly, a new magazine called The Parent Notebook is a great guide for parents looking for new cutting edge information regarding nutrition, therapies, and events in the area.

What is Chiropractic Neurology?

Chiropractic Neurology is a three year post-doctorate specialty that focuses on optimizing the function of the nervous system using conservative, non-pharmaceutical based methods.

Subtle changes in the function of the nervous system will affect things such as muscle tone, joint alignment in the spine and the extremities, flexibility, balance & coordination. This dysfunction may result in chronic pain (fibromyalgia), vertigo, headaches, neck-back pain, sciatica, scoliosis, carpal tunnel, and other symptoms. In some cases, these changes may lead to difficulty with focus and attention, decline in academic performance, and cognitive processing disorders. The chiropractic neurologist marries traditional chiropractic care with cutting-edge, functional neurological rehabilitation protocols to promote a faster transition from pain and neurological dysfunction to wellness.

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Supplement
of the Month

• Provides strong antioxidant defense
• Powerful free-radical scavenger
• Helps maintain brain health
• Supports the production of neurotransmitters
• Helps maintain healthy circulation by strengthening capillaries, arteries and veins
• Supports healthy blood vessel dilation
• Promotes healthy nitric oxide levels
• Provides digestive support
  

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Farro Salad with Grilled Eggplant, Tomatoes and Onion