Autism/ADHD

Autism

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that typically appears during early childhood (often between between 2 and 3 years of age) consisting of a range of conditions that are characterized by challenges with social skills, speech/nonverbal communication, and repetitive behaviors. Autism is categorized as a “spectrum condition” because of how it affects all individuals differently and to varying degrees. The recent drastic increase in the diagnosis of autism has lead researchers to a greater understanding of brain development and function, as well as an understanding that there are many different combinations of genetic, neuro-disruptive and environmental influences that play a huge role in the autism spectrum.

ADHD

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder categorized by a continuous pattern of hyperactivity/impulsivity and or inattention that interferes with day to day functioning or development. Although symptoms of ADHD usually begin in childhood, they can continue throughout adolescence and into adulthood. Even though the hyperactivity aspect of the disorder tends to improve as the child gets into the teen years, the problems with the poor impulse control, inattention, and disorganization often continue into adulthood.

How Chiropractic and Help

Here at Clearview Family Chiropractic, we want you to understand that we do not treat Autism or ADHD. However since autism and ADHD appear as neurological disorders and chiropractic care helps reduce nervous system disturbances we have many times found chiropractic care to be very helpful in these cases. We want to first determine if there are any nervous system disturbances present that might be affecting your autism/ADHD related symptoms and rule out environmental factors through a proper examination and structural radiographs (if necessary). In many of these cases we often find problems caused by a misalignment or subluxation in the upper neck region that can affect the muscles, ligaments and tendons or even more importantly, cause irritation and inflammation to the surrounding nerves creating a disruption in the nerve pathways between the brain and body leading to many different types of secondary symptoms. If it is determined that we can help you, we utilize gentle and specific Chiropractic adjustments as well as educating on exercises, stretches and proper postural techniques to help align the spine which reduce any nervous system disturbances present, this often allows for a natural, non-drug therapeutic solution. Depending on the severity of the condition and other limiting factors into consideration often times our patients begin to see results in just a few visits however it is important to maintain a healthy spine as it is the major protection mechanism for the central nervous system which is vital to ones overall health.