Chiropractic & Autism Case Studies/Articles
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Autism
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Note: The dramatic rise of autism has become an intense issue. Recent
published reports of a vaccine-autism link confirm what a large percentage
of parents of autistic children have claimed: their child's autism
(including behavior and personality changes) occurred shortly after (a few
days to weeks) their "well baby visit shots." The MMR
(measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine has been increasingly targeted as the cause
of autism, although a certain percentage of cases have been described after
the Hepatitis B, Pertussis and other vaccines.
Peer Reviewed Journals:
1) Blocked atlantal nerve syndrome in infants and small children.
Gutman G. ICA Review, 1990; July:37-42. Originally published in German
Manuelle Medizin (1987) 25:5-10.
From the abstract:
Three case reports are reviewed to illustrate a syndrome that has so far
received far too little attention, which is caused and perpetuated in
babies and infants by blocked nerve impulses at the atlas. Included in the
clinical picture are lowered resistance to infections, especially to ear-,
nose-, and throat infections, two cases of insomnia, two cases of cranial
bone asymmetry, and one case each of torticollis, retarded locomotor
development, retarded linguistic development, conjunctivitis, tonsillitis,
rhinitis, earache, extreme neck sensitivity, incipient scoliosis, delayed
hip development, and seizures.
2) Learning difficulties of children viewed in the light of osteopathic
concept. Frymann V (1988). In: Retalaff EW, Mitchell Fl Jr. (Eds). The
cranium and its sutures, Springer, Berlin Heidelberg, NY, pp.27-47.
3) The relationship of craniosacral examination findings in grade school
children with developmental problems. Upledger JE, J Am Osteopath
Assoc. 1978 (Jun);77 (10):760-776
4) Osteopathic management of psychosomatic problems. Dunn, FE. JAOA,
Vol. 48 No. 4 Neuropsychiatric Supplement Vol. 2 No. 1 Dec. 1948.
There is a relationship between structure and mental states and patient
management.
5) Osteopathic concepts in psychiatry. Dunn FE JAOA, March 1950.
A table describing the lesion (subluxation) frequency in schizophrenia is
included. Patient management is discussed.
6) A pilot study of applied kinesiology in helping children with learning
disabilities. Mathews MO, Thomas E, British Osteopathic Journal Vol.
X11 1993.
IQ scores improved and learning disabilities lessened. The British
Osteopaths used applied kinesiology and Neural Organization Technique (NOT)
developed by Carl Ferrari, D.C.
7) The effect of chiropractic adjustments on the behavior of autistic
children; a case review. Sandeful, R, Adams E. ACA Journal of
Chiropractic, Dec 21:5, 1987.
The authors reported that 50% of all subjects under chiropractic care
experienced reliable behavioral improvements, as recorded by independent
observers. It is reported by those working with autistic children than any
change in behavior in an autistic child is considered to be significant.
Behavioral improvements were observed in such diverse areas as picking up
toys, use of sign language, reduction of self-abuse and appropriate use of
language.
Case Studies:
1) Case report: autism and chronic otitis media. Warner SP and Warner
TM. Today's Chiropractic. May/June 1999.
This is a case report of a 3 ½ year-old girl with autism. She was
non-verbal, had compulsive disorders, daily rituals, head banging and
violence. After chiropractic, care began within one month her parents and
teacher noticed a 30% improvement socially. After one year of care, an 80%
improvement was noticed. Head banging and other rituals diminished by 50%
with less violent behavior. She had chronic serous otitis media and had
been on antibiotics for one year. Within a one-week period after her first
adjustment, antibiotic use stopped due to a 70% improvement in her otitis
media.
2) Case Study - Autism. Rubinstein, HM, Chiropractic Pediatrics Vol.
1 No. 1, April 1994
This is the case study of a seven year old female diagnosed with autism.
The child has a history of sexual and physical abuse. The little girl would
slowly turn in circles in place while singing an incomprehensible song with
a glazed stare and blank expression. Spinal examination revealed a right
posterior and superior C1 with a frequency of about twice a week. After ten
months of care she was able to carry on conversations, carry out commands,
dress and groom herself. Cognitivedevelopment progressed to where she was
able to learn, read, and participate in public school.
3) The effects of chiropractic treatment on students with learning and
behavioral impairments due to neurological dysfunction. Walton EV. Int
Rev of Chiro 1975;29:4-5,24-26.
In this study 24 learning impaired students, half received chiropractic
care and the other half, who were either on medication or receiving no
treatment at all, were used for comparison. The case histories that follow
were obtained from the above paper.
Case C-91: A high school student who was failing three subjects, with a
history of failure, low morale, discipline problems, poor coordination, and
a long history of clinical and medical treatment. After chiropractic care
the student was passing all subjects, highly motivated, showing improved
coordination and able to participate in athletics. All medications were
dropped.
Case C-92: Also a high school student on 20mg. Ritalin and on Dilantin. She
was non-motivated, negative, passive, nonverbal, and failing in high school
work despite placement in special classes. After chiropractic adjustments
the student was taken off Ritalin, began talking and expressing herself,
and showed improved reading comprehension and reading speed.<
Case CE-92: An elementary student who was extremely hyperkinetic,
irritable, and he had severe behavior problems at home and school. Grades
were marginal to failing. Al-though the boy was only 8 years old, Ritalin
had been increased from an initial 5mg. to a total of 70mg./day with
steadily diminishing results. (70mg. approaches danger level as a dosage).
At the conclusion of chiropractic care, the Ritalin had been entirely
discontinued and coordination was improved to the extent that the student
became an able Little League ball player. His attitude was excellent,
grades were up an average of one letter grade, and the student was
considered free of all limiting factors. Behavior at home and school was
exemplary.
Case CE-101: An elementary student. This student was marginally passing his
courses. There was a four year history of marginal accomplishment in
school. He was nervous, underweight and suffered from insomnia. Medication
was briefly tried but the student's emotional control became poor and he
frequently wept. The medication had to be discontinued. After chiropractic
care there was a marked reduction in nervousness and great improvement in
emotional stability. His mother reported that his appetite was now normal
and he began enjoying school during the last month.
Case C-93: A high school student. Initially on heavy dosages of medication,
non-motivated with a long history of clinical evaluation and treatment. The
girl was failing most school subjects, marginal in others, and withdrawn.
After chiropractic adjustments, her self-confidence improved; she was
passing all subjects. All medication was discontinued after four months of
treatment. A vocational goal was established.
Case CJ-95: A junior high school student. He was hyperkinetic almost from
birth and had a traumatic early developmental history with suspected
neurological problems. Although of above average intelligence he was
passing only two subjects, both marginally. He was starting to become a
discipline problem, making little or no effort in school. After
chiropractic care, fine and gross motor coordination improved markedly. He
began taking an interest in athletics and played Little League on a team
that placed third in the state. Effort and motivation improved to the
extent that plans to send him back to a lower grade were dropped and he was
promoted. Reports at the third week of school indicated that his academic
progress was excellent after a late summer remedial program.
Case CE-102: An elementary student who had been diagnosed by numerous
clinics as minimally brain damaged, retarded and/or suffering from
neurological dysfunction. He also suffered from severe emotional problems.
After chiropractic he showed great improvement in self-confidence. He began
to take part in public speaking in school. Mental ability tests indicated
that the student was at normal grade level except for deficiencies in
reading.
4) Developmental Communication Disorder. Subluxation location and
correction Stephen R. Goldman, D.C. Today's Chiropractic July/August
1995 p.70-74.
"A 2-year old child had a medical diagnosis of 'developmental communication
disorder.' He was non-responsive to any external stimuli, even to receiving
an injection.did not respond to sound or touch.Chiropractic analysis
revealed an axis subluxation. "On the third visit, when I walked into the
room, he began to cry. That was the first time that he responded to
anything happening around him. By the sixth adjustment, he started to
follow certain commands and stopped making repeated hand motions. He
started to talk after the 12th office visit. At present, he has an
extensive vocabulary and is slightly hyperactive; he is probably making up
for lost time."
5) Autism, Asthma, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), strabismus and illness
susceptibility: a case study in chiropractic management. Amalu WC.
Todays Chiropractic. September/October 1998. Pp. 32-47.
A 5-year-old female with autism, asthma, allergies, irritable bowel
syndrome and left-sided strabismus who was experiencing 25 violent temper
episode per day, with each episode lasting up to 20 minutes was referred
for care. She also exhibited three episodes each day of self-inflicted
violent behavior, which included biting her arm, slapping her head and
repeatedly banging her head against a full-length mirror. She also had at
least one episode of violent behavior each day - hitting people, especially
her mother. Speech was limited to a few words such as "mama, dada, milk and
walk."
Chiropractic Management consisted of correction of the atlanto-occipital
subluxation with the patient adjusted in the knee-chest posture with
contact to the posterior arch of atlas.
First week of care: After the first adjustment, patient had her first good
night's sleep since her mother could remember. Violent temper episodes had
reduced to 15 per day with de-crease in intensity. Self-inflicted violent
behavior was decreased in frequency. Her speech, vocabulary and sleep
patterns had improved.
Second week: one adjustment. Violent temper episodes at five per day. Right
eye showed no more signs of strabismus. Patient began speaking in sentences
for the first time. Mother reported a marked decrease in hyperactivity
along with a desire to be touched and hugged.
Third week: One adjustment. Violent temper episodes 2 per day with
decreased intensity. Mother stated there was little hyperactivity.
Self-directed or outward violent behavior have ceased. Irritable bowel
syndrome was much improved.
Fourth week: no adjustments. All temper episodes, hyperactivity, violent
behavior have stopped. Sleeping through the night. Patient was evaluated by
two therapists who declared the diagnosis of autism was "incorrect."
Week 5- 8: a mild return of symptoms, an adjustment was given, and symptoms
abated.
Weeks 9-12: no adjustments. The IBS had almost completely resolved. Patient
continued to improve over next 8 months; no more asthma attacks.
6) Subluxation location and correction by Stephen R. Goldman, D.C.
Today's Chiropractic July/August 1995 p.70-74. Case Study No. 4:
31-year-old with Crohn's disease (since age 15). A portion of his intestine
had been removed and he was on antibiotics and prednisone. Had not had a
normal bowel movement since age 15 and constantly suffered from abdominal
cramps. Chiropractic analysis: Subluxation of axis. By the 13 th visit, he
started having normal bowel movements and all medication was stopped.
Additional Articles:
1) An analysis of 350 emotionally maladjusted individuals under
chiropractic care. Hartmann GW, Schwartz HS. NCA Journal of
Chiropractic, Nov. 1949.
Classic review of 350 individuals helped under chiropractic care.
2) Relations of disturbances of cranio-sacral mechanisms to
symptomatology of the newborn. Fryman V. JAOA. 1966;65:1059
In a group of 1250 unselected babies examined five days post partum, a
group of 211 'nervous' children were found suffering from vomiting,
hyperactivity, tremors and sleeplessness. Release of 'strain' in the skull
resulted in immediate quieting, cessation of crying, muscular relaxation
and sleepiness.
3) Post-traumatic evaluation and treatment of the pediatric patient with
head injury: a case report. Araghi HJ. Proceedings of the National
Conference on Chiropractic and Pediatrics, 1992:1-8.
From the abstract: a two-year-old boy suffering from vomiting and loss of
energy following impact trauma to the head and found by neurological exam
ant CT scan to have suffered a concussion with no evidence of brain or
spinal cord pathology. Chiropractic adjustment of occiput resolved the
patient's symptoms.
http://www.chiro.org/research/ABSTRACTS/Autism.shtml
Go to webpage for details and links
Chiropractic And Autism
This section is maintained by Frank M. Painter, D.C.
Send all comments or additions to:
Frankp@chiro.org
Jump to: Research Results Other Management Approaches
Research Results
Clinical Efficacy of Upper Cervical Versus Full Spine Adjustment on
Children with Autism
WFC'S 7th Biennial Congress Conference Proceedingg MAY 1-3, 2003, 7th Ed:
328-9
Children with autism are presented with multiple categories of clinical
pictures that affect their social, sensory, speech, and physical
development. In addition to chiropractic care, parents of autistic children
seek all possible therapies available. In this study, the clinical outcome
of chiropractic care showed higher efficacy of upper cervical adjustment
when compared to full spine adjustment in autistic children.
A Case Study of a Five Year Old Male with Autism/Pervasive Development
Disorder who Improved Remarkably and Quickly with Chiropractic Treatment
Proceedings of the World Federation of Chiropractic Congress 2001 (May); 6:
313
Extraordinary progress was noted in the patient by all involved parties.
The subjective and objective monitoring system revealed a 96% overall
improvement after 2 weeks of treatment. A 102% overall improvement was
revealed on a 3.5 year follow-up, the mother adding that the child appeared
near normal. This progress is vastly superior to typical progress following
standard medical treatment.
Autism, Asthma, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Strabismus, and Illness
Susceptibility: A Case Study in Chiropractic Management
Todays Chiropractic 1998; 27 (5): 32-47 ~ FULL TEXT
Pathologies of organic origin are commonly thought to be the exclusive
realm of medical treatment and not part of the mainstay of chiropractic
care. The clinical observations of a patient presenting with autism,
asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, strabismus, and illness susceptibility
are reported. Alleviation of symptoms is seen subsequent to corrections of
abnormal biomechanical function of the occipito-atlanto-axial complex. A
relationship between biomechanical faults in the upper cervical spine and
the manifestation of abnormal central neurophysiological processing is
suggested as the genesis of this patient's symptomatology.
The Effect of Chiropractic Adjustments on the Behavior of Autistic
Children: A Case Review
Journal of Chiropractic 1987 (Dec); 24 (12): 21-25
Extraordinary progress was noted in the patient by all involved parties.
The subjective and objective monitoring system revealed a 96% overall
improvement after 2 weeks of treatment. A 102% overall improvement was
revealed on a 3.5 year follow-up, the mother adding that the child appeared
near normal. This progress is vastly superior to typical progress following
standard medical treatment.
The Story of John...A Little Boy With Autism
International Review of Chiropractic 1996 (Nov); 43-46
Behavioral improvements were observed in such diverse areas as
picking up toys, use of sign language, reduction of self-abuse and
appropriate use of language. It is hoped that this pilot study will
generate further research into the effects of chiropractic adjustments on
similar neurological disorders.
The Status of Research into Vaccine Safety and Autism
Washington, D.C. - On June 19, 2002, at 11:00 a.m., in Room 2154
of the Rayburn House Office Building, the Committee on Government Reform,
chaired by Congressman Dan Burton (R-IN), will conduct a hearing to
evaluate the status of research concerning the possible relationship
between vaccines and neurological disorders, including autism.
Review More Abstracts on Chiropractic and Autism
Review abstracts about chiropractic and a variety of organic and
visceral disorders at the wonderful International Chiropractic Pediatric
Association (ICPA) website
Other Management Approaches for Autism
Autism, An Extreme Challenge to Integrative Medicine
Part 1: The Knowledge Base
Altern Med Rev 2002 (Aug); 7 (4): 292-316
Prenatal toxic exposures (teratogens) are consistent with autism spectrum
symptomatology. Frequent vaccinations with live virus and toxic mercurial
content (thimerosal) are a plausible etiologic factor. Autistic children
frequently have abnormalities of sulfoxidation and sulfation that
compromise liver detoxification, which may contribute to the high body
burden of xenobiotics frequently found.
Autism, An Extreme Challenge to Integrative Medicine
Part 2: Medical Management
Altern Med Rev 2002 (Dec); 7 (6): 472-499
Behavioral modification and structured education are beneficial but
insufficient. Dietary restrictions, including removal of milk and other
casein dairy products, wheat and other gluten sources, sugar, chocolate,
preservatives, and food coloring are beneficial and prerequisite to benefit
from other interventions. Individualized IgG or IgE testing can identify
other troublesome foods but not non-immune mediated food sensitivities.