Many children on the autism spectrum also suffer from anxiety, epilepsy, insomnia, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) and gastrointestinal (GI) disorders that profoundly affect their quality of life. A new study has found that compared to "neurotypical" children, those with autism were twice as likely to have gut problems within the first three years of life. Self-injury, aggression and irritability are common symptoms of digestive difficulties, especially for non-verbal children.

The study authors note what we as specialists within the autism community have already known: "Treatments that address GI symptoms may significantly contribute to the well-being of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and may be useful in reducing difficult behaviours."

One of the first action items with our patients is to address gastric distress such as constipation, diarrhea, pain, food intolerance or allergies. Many children with ASD are unable to properly digest wheat and dairy products. These proteins form peptides that produce opiate-like effects on the brain and body, altering behavior and wreaking havoc on the digestive system. We have found eliminating gluten and casein products and adhering to a gluten-free/casein-free (GF/CF) lifestyle often helps improve digestive and bowel issues. Used in conjunction with chiropractic neurological therapy, a GF/CF lifestyle promotes improvements in speech and focus and can help reduce self-stimulating behaviors such as hand flapping, spinning, rocking and other repetitive body movements.

We are happy to announce that we are now carrying doTERRA Essential oils, a naturally safe, high-quality line of therapeutic-grade natural oils. doTERRA essential oils are used for a wide range of emotional and physical wellness applications and can be used topically, internally, in supplement form and in aromatherapy.

Incorporating essential oils into your daily routine can lift your spirits, enhance physical wellness and even purify your home! This month we are featuring InTune oil blend which helps promote focus. If you have a child with ASD or ADHD, InTune is a good choice for helping to improve concentration.

Translated from Latin, doTERRA means "Gift of the Earth." We think once you try these oils, you will agree they truly are a gift! Contact our office to learn more.

Brain-wave training has long been considered by many an effective modality for addressing AD/HD. Its recent stamp of approval from the American Academy of Pediatrics as a Level 1 Best Support Intervention for attention disorders underscores its significance as a viable therapy option for AD/HD. Neurofeedback is now gaining popularity for those with ASD, providing an alternative to the complicated cocktail of autism medications many take on a daily basis to manage their symptoms.

Neurofeedback retrains the dysregulated brain-wave patterns that underlie many of the core symptoms of autism. Quantitative Electroencephalography brain mapping (also known as qEEG) used at the outset of neurofeedback training creates a portrait of an individual's unique brain activity, providing a roadmap inside the autistic brain to better target training protocols. Reduced meltdowns, emergence of and improved speech, increased tolerance to change, decreased hyperactivity, diminished anxiety, and better socialization are just some of the improvements patients report.

In our experience, BrainCore neurofeedback therapy along with dietary changes enables significant improvements in the quality of life for those living on the spectrum. Click here for more information about neurofeedback training for ASD and then call us to learn more about this amazing technology.

April 17, 2015 Zumba for Autism
April 25, 2015 Three Village Wellness Fair
April 26, 2015 EJ Autism Foundation Jigsaw Run

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Yours in health,