How Chiropractic Care Can Help Kids With ASD

By Mark Hutten, M.A.

 

Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/IG96K_HiDk0

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) describes a combination of neurodevelopmental disorders affecting communication and social interaction. While there is no cure for ASD, several alternative therapies can help kids living with autism lead a normal and productive life. If you thought you’ve explored all autistic treatment options, chances are you haven’t considered seeing a chiropractor.

Most people think chiropractors adjust and manipulate the body into submission. However, chiropractors improve the nervous system and spine function, which in turn improves other body systems. Chiropractic adjustments also improve neurological functions, enhancing social behavior, mood, focus, and concentration. If your child is struggling with autistic spectrum disorder, a Chiropractor Portland, OR, can help in the following ways.

1. Offers early interventions

The earlier you identify the signs of ASD, the sooner your child can get the help they need. As mentioned, autism can’t be cured or healed by itself. Affected children live with these issues for the rest of their lives. However, by identifying signs of ASD early, interventions leading to better outcomes are made sooner. Chiropractic care is among the many early interventions that can benefit children with ASD. Chiropractic interventions are also safe for young kids.

2. Improves quality of life

Children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder often show symptoms unrelated to ASD, especially digestive problems and chronic ear infections. A misaligned spine worsens these symptoms because of nerve interference, making spinal adjustment necessary. Chiropractic interventions can help improve spinal misalignment. Minimizing nerve interference by the spine can improve the quality of life of autistic children.

3. Improve immune system function

Chiropractic interventions also significantly improve immune system function. Most children with autism are vulnerable to infections because of compromised immune system function. Nerve interference also plays a role in reducing immune system function. Gentle chiropractic adjustments alleviate nerve interference, improving communication between the body and the brain. This improves immune system function and overall health and wellness for autistic kids.

4. It helps reduce unique challenges

OTZ is an emerging chiropractic technique that helps reduce several challenges faced by autistic children. OTZ interventions focus on realigning the child’s first vertebrae with the skull. Misalignment interferes with normal body processes, especially breathing and sleeping. OTZ alignment helps children with autism spectrum disorder find relief in these areas. If adjusted properly, your child can breathe better and relax effectively. This intervention also calms the natural fight/flight response, which is always high in children with autism.

5. Provides relief and improves another area of concern

Children with autism face several challenges, unlike other kids. They struggle with their:

●      Communication and interaction skills – Communicating and interacting with other kids is a big challenge for autistic kids. This makes it hard to make friends and engage with peers.

●      Sensory processing – Sensory processing issues make it difficult for autistic children to complete daily activities like shopping.

Autistic children also experience language and speech delays and cognitive behavioral problems. Chiropractic care can address and improve these issues.

Endnote

Most people know chiropractors as alternative medical professionals who diagnose and care for musculoskeletal and spinal issues. While spinal and musculoskeletal issues largely affect adults, chiropractic care also benefits children, especially autistic children. These interventions improve the digestive system, immune function, sleep, and other challenges facing autistic children.

Popular posts from this blog

List of Symptoms for High-Functioning Autism

By Mark Hutten, M.A.
Image
"Is there a list of symptoms or traits associated with high functioning autism in children? We currently have suspicions that our 6 y.o. son may be on the autism spectrum and are wondering if we should take the next step and have him assessed."    Below is a list of common traits among children and teens with High-Functioning Autism and Asperger's. However, no child will exhibit all of these traits. Also, the degree (i.e., mild to severe) to which any particular trait is experienced will vary from child to child. Emotions and Sensitivities:    An emotional incident can determine the mood for the day. Becomes overwhelmed with too much verbal direction. Calmed by external stimulation (e.g., soothing sound, brushing, rotating object, constant pressure). Desires comfort items (e.g., blankets, teddy, rock, string). Difficulty with loud or sudden sounds. Emotions can pass very suddenly or are drawn out for a long period of time. Inappropriate touching of self in
Read more

The Telltale Signs of ASD Level 1 [High-Functioning Autism]: A Comprehensive Checklist

By Mark Hutten, M.A.
Image
Below you will find the majority of symptoms associated with High-Functioning Autism (HFA), also referred to as Asperger’s. The HFA child will not usually have all of these traits. We will look at the following categories: sensory sensitivities, cognitive issues, motor clumsiness, narrow range of interests, insistence on set routines, impairments in language, and difficulty with reciprocal social interactions. Sensory Sensitivity Checklist— 1. Difficulty in visual areas: Avoids eye contact Displays discomfort/anxiety when looking at certain pictures (e.g., the child feels as if the visual experience is closing in on him) Engages in intense staring Stands too close to objects or people 2. Difficulty in auditory areas: Covers ears when certain sounds are made Displays an inability to focus when surrounded by multiple sounds (e.g., shopping mall, airport, party) Displays extreme fear when unexpected noises occur Fearful of the sounds particular objects make
Read more

Traits of Partners/Spouses with Aspergers

By Mark Hutten, M.A.
Image
The partner with Aspergers (high functioning autism) can manifest a wide range of varying behaviors with varying intensities. However feedback from their partners in marriage suggests there are many common threads in their experience of marriage. Below is a list of some common characteristics of the marriage experience and of the partner with Aspergers, as described by members of our website: • A tendency to correct and instruct those around them. • After marriage the partner with Aspergers often seems to lose motivation to keep working on the quality of the relationship as though the wedding day has “completed” their pursuit, allowing them to pursue other interests. • An essential need to have things done in a prescribed manner or order. • Apparent evidence that the partner with Aspergers is not “reading” situations or people intuitively and is consequently behaving insensitively or inappropriately for the circumstances. • Interests and hobbies of some par
Read more