News and Articles 
Understanding Autism and the Chiropractic Link
April 2nd marks the second anniversary of World Autism Awareness Day, an event aimed at bringing national awareness to a lifelong developmental disability that affects 1 in 150 children, with a higher prevalence in boys, about 4:1. On December 18th 2007, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the resolution declaring April 2nd as a day in which the world would recognize the pervasive disorder which affects tens of millions and has increased at least 10 fold in the last decade.
Autism is a neurobiological condition which is part of a group of disorders named Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). These disorders are classified on three behavioural categories: 1) social interaction; 2) language, communication, and imaginative play; and 3) range of interests and activities. Other disorders on the spectrum include Asperger Syndrome, Rett Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder.
A diagnosis of Autism is generally made by the age of three although recent reports believe that children as young as six months to as old as six years can be diagnosed as well. Early intervention is often emphasized so that children can have access to special education programs and behaviour therapy to prevent maladaptive behaviours and patterns.
Current allopathic approaches to treatment for those living with ASD include pharmaceuticals aimed at controlling a particular symptom not specific to autism such as hyperactivity, depression or aggression. There are no cures for autism currently and no medications which treat autism specifically. In recent decades Chiropractic has emerged as a promising treatment for symptoms associated with ASD. Individuals being treated with Chiropractic have found clinical significance with a reduction in hyperactivity, aggressive behaviour, improved bladder and bowel control, increased verbal communication and eye contact. Children often have an increased use of vocabulary and in the list of foods they will eat. Some studies have even found that under the care of Chiropractors children with autism have been able to attend main stream education and come off of behavioural altering medications.
The mechanism for this improvement is believed to be a reduction of neurological interference which is contributing to the characteristic behaviour of ASD, hindering their development and preventing the children from reaching their full potential. Chiropractors detect areas of restriction or subtle mal-alignments within the vertebral column which can reduce the nerve flow from the brain and spinal nerves to all the muscles and organs within the body. By removing these restrictions it allows the nervous system to function optimally and subtle, often chronic symptoms which a person thought was merely inherent to their body can begin to improve.
The cause of Autism Spectrum Disorders is still up for debate as it is often seen as a reversion within in a normally functioning and developing infant/toddler. Current research is being carried out in the area of genetics, neurochemistry and environmental causes such as vaccines and diet.
Dr. Megan Wambolt, BSc DC
References
Aguilar AL, Grostic JD, Pfleger B. Chiropractic care and behaviour in autistic children. J Clin Chiropractic Pediatr. 2000, 5(1): 293-304.
Alcantar J & McCann-Swanson K. The role of chiropractic care of a four year old boy diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Presented at Pangea: a Conference for the Wellness of Children.
Gleberzon B. Chiropractic and the management of children with autism. Clinical Chiropractic. 2006, 9(4): 176-181.
Jennings J & Barker M. Autism: A Chiropractic Perspective. Clinical Chiropractic. 2006, 9(1): 6-10.