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Improvement in Autism in a Child Coupled with...
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Improvement in Autism in a Child Coupled with Reduction in Vertebral Subluxations
Jan. 7, 2012
Dr. David Zak
A recent article in the “Journal of Maternal & Family Health” reported on a 6-year-old male child originally diagnosed with Autism who received chiropractic care over a period of 16 weeks.
Following the study, the child showed a reduction of autistic signs and symptomatology as determined by objective and subjective findings. Studies of a similar nature have been conducted previously with similar outcomes, but more research needs to be conducted in order to evaluate the precise connection between chiropractic care, Autism and other Autistic-like Disorders.
Autism is defined as a brain development disorder that causes impaired social interaction, decreased communication ability, restrictive repetitive or stereotypical behaviors, and decreased cognitive and learning abilities.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s most recent data shows that about 1 in 110 children in the U.S. have ASDs (Autism Spectrum Disorders). This is an estimated prevalence of about 1 percent.
These results reflect data collected in multiple communities throughout the U.S. from 2006. The data also showed an average increase in identified ASD prevalence of 56 percent from 2002 to 2006.
In this study, an Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) was utilized to evaluate the child in order to have a baseline for the monitoring of future clinical changes in the patient. ATEC was designed by the Autism Research Institute to assist parents, physicians and researcher to evaluate virtually any treatment for Autism.
Improvement was noticed after the 4th adjustment. After the 4th adjustment the mother mentioned that the child no longer rocked his head and jabbered less. After the 6th adjustment the child began spelling out the words on video cassette covers, which is something he had never done before. By 7 weeks, the child began to vocalize his name, as well as the words that he had been spelling.
After 8 weeks, a reassessment was conducted which showed marked improvement. Positive structural and postural changes were noted and by the 12th week of care the child was performing well in school. It was reported that the child did exceptionally well in math and reading class. The mother was able to change the child’s diet to a more healthy option and also withdrew Ritalin. The mother also stated there were improvements in his communication skills, sociability, awareness and behavior. The child was able to use sentences that contained four or more words; he would make eye contact and show less disagreeable; he began to understand his own name more often and would understand explanations more frequently; and there were no incidences of rocking, less incidences of crying, obsessive speech and hyperactivity.
After the 16 weeks were completed, a second ATEC was given to the mother in order to measure the progress of the patient. The overall improvement on the ATEC measured 54.3 percent, bringing him up from a moderate severity classification to mild severity.
This is just one study, but these exciting results merit further research and investigation.
Dr. David Zak has a chiropractic office in downtown Lees Summit at 208 S.E. 3rd Street.
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