An Autism Treatment You Haven't Tried

Autism is plaguing the children of our society today and interfering with school work, social relationships, family relationships, health, and even our children's self confidence. Traditional medical doctors may hold off on making a diagnosis of autism or even a mild autism spectrum disorder until a certain age has been reached even if your child is showing the signs of delayed development or processing disorders! This can be tragic because during development your child's brain can make 250,000 new nerve cells every minute which means that EACH MINUTE of delayed treatment can cost nerve cells and connections that can help to improve the children's symptoms and their entire development.

Autism and autism spectrum disorder are a group of complex brain development disorders are characterized by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and repetitive behaviors. Children suffering with these disorders may have an intellectual disability, motor coordination difficulty, attention difficulties, and even physical health issues such as sleeping disorders or gastrointestinal disturbances. Many of these children may excel in visual skills, music, math or art despite exhibiting signs of autism disorders. Autism appears to have roots in early brain development however the most obvious signs and symptoms of autism emerge between the ages of 2-3 years old.

Typical medical treatment for autism can involve behavioral treatments, medications, dietary restrictions, or both. It is not unusual to find autistic children today that are on multiple medication for several physical health issues as well as autism medication. A single medication can have serious side effects for our children, but in combination can cause other serious life threatening combinations and parental concerns for a "normal childhood". I have also seen highly restrictive diets in young children which is a huge concern for myself as a parent as well as a doctor who sees these children in my office because these diets can literally starve our children's bodies of essential nutrients during the time of highest need.

In my experience, I have found that with a combination of brain development assessment, home brain development exercises, nutritional guidance, and chiropractic care can yield great results for autistic children. If I am able to perform a consultation about your child's specific needs and developmental delays we can uncover multiple factors such as brain crossover communication issues, delayed synapse formation in specific brain regions, dietary and hormonal factors, and even birth trauma that may precede and contribute to their autistic symptoms. Brain development is a delicate process that begins to form based on sensory input from our environment, optimum nerve function, and proper nutrition to allow our brain and nerves to flourish. If any one of these factors is disturbed, we can begin to see symptoms of autism and developmental delays at ANY AGE. Finding the TRUE CAUSE of autism rather than just masking symptoms is way to truly manage and gain footholds in improving your child's overall health.

A recent study published in the Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research found that chiropractic care can help to reverse autism symptoms and other issues related to the autism spectrum. In this study a 3 year old girl with abnormal behavior and multiple autism diagnoses underwent chiropractic care for one month and experienced a complete resolution of headaches, acid reflux, vomiting, and sleep issues and significant improvements with calm and happier behavior, improved attitude, increased eye contact, increased focus and attention, and speech initiation. Her mother also reports that her daughter was also able to get off all of her medications and see improvements in occupational and speech therapy, academics, and communication. Here's the link to learn more.

If your child is suffering from autism, autism spectrum disorder, or other developmental delays I would advise you to visit a chiropractic office for a full examination and consultation to determine if there could be a neurologic factor contributing to their disorder. If you are close to an AlignLife office, a full integrated and comprehensive natural health center, I would strongly suggest you bring your child in for a free consultation to discuss how we might be able to help your child with their development and their overall health. Click on "Find a Clinic" to find a clinic near you.

Thimerosal Containing Vaccines Increase Risk for Developmental Disorders

Long has been the debate on autism being linked with vaccination, however many parents, researchers, scientists, and doctors are questioning the safety of vaccination in the high dosages recommended by the CDC due to research publications on the additives and preservatives in these vaccinations that have been linked with brain abnormalities, motor neuron death, and neuron toxic effects. Even our government is claiming that research shows that vaccines are still effective, however after looking into their published studies we see evidence of adverse reactions in high numbers that are, and I quote, "favoring rejection" of a vaccination but yet ignored in the conclusions of the literature review.

Dr. Christopher Shaw, a neuroscientist that is an authority when it comes to designing models for Alzheimers, Parkinson, and ALS-parkinsonism dementia complex research, published a study in 2009 on the effects of the injectable aluminum ingredient found in vaccinations given to children. He found specifically that this injectable aluminum had not only negative behavioral effects and motor deficits, but upon dissection found that it also caused motor neuron death that could predispose our children to Alzheimers and Parkinson later in life. After publishing his study in the medical community, there was a resounding silence and no refutable evidence or conflicting studies were presented to the public in the two years following his publication. Since this additive in vaccines is given to our children you'd think that research showing the efficacy and safety of this chemical additive would be presented, but the truth is the research just isn't out there!

In numerous analyses of the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) by Drs. Mark & David Geier, they have found a causal link between thimerosal containing vaccines and increased rates of autism, mental retardation, speech and personality disorders, and even abnormal thought processes. In 2001 they published the first ever epidemiological study that associated thimerosal from early childhood vaccination with neurodevelopmental disorders, and they received a serious backlash from their findings. In fact, their research has been criticised by the Institute of Medicine, the American Academy of Pediatrics, his research has been retracted by Autoimmunity Reviews, and his findings are now being discredited by the Special Masters of the US Court of Federal Claims. Here is a list of their published studies with the National Library of Medicine, notice most if not all have to do with vaccination additives and associations with negative outcomes.

In August of 2011, the CDC's literature review conclusions stated that the evidence was inadequate to favor or reject a causal relationship. However if you look at the actual adverse events reported in their study and their conclusions based on those events it does not add up! Even when there is a moderate to high epidemiological assessment of an adverse event they rule it as inadequate, support of vaccination, and only in two cases did they conclude that the adverse events reported favor rejection of the vaccine. Want to read that yourself?

So what can you do to decrease your child's risk?

1) Research the literature and publications available on the side effects of vaccination and the risk factors for your children.

2) Determine if you or your child has any risk factors for developing a reaction after vaccination.
3) Talk to friends and family members about their positive and negative experiences.
4) Make an informed decision on whether to vaccinate, use a alternative or delayed vaccination schedule, or not vaccinate at all.
5) If you decide not to vaccinate, make sure you fill out an exemption form that complies with your state law's requirements and submit it to your child's daycare or school.
6) Talk to your doctor or pediatrician about your choice. If you find they are not supportive of your decision or question your decision repeatedly, some parents may prefer to find a doctor that is more open minded or supportive of their choice to be an informed parent.