Autism and Chiropractic: Difficult Labor Can Cause Cervical Misalignment/Subluxation
There are many testimonials out there regarding how a change in an autistic child’s diet can make a major impact with the quality of their lives.
But when I learned today of the immediate help that one child had received from a totally different kind of approach of fighting autism, I was amazed.
This is a natural approach to autism that I had never heard of before. This story is so heartwarming and encouraging that I want to shout for joy. Please, please forward this story to anyone you know that could potentially benefit from the remarkable gift of chiropractic care in helping autistic children get the most joy out of life.
A Look At Autism
The month before her second birthday my daughter Ana Blue was diagnosed with autism, a neurological disorder that has risen to an alarming rate of affecting 1 out of 150 children in the United States. Many of her symptoms were consistent with the wide range of developmental impairments found on the autism spectrum. Ana was completely nonverbal and lacked all language comprehension: she didn’t speak even the most basic of words like “mama” or “daddy” nor would she respond to her name being called out.
Instead of acknowledging such interesting sights as a plane zooming by in the sky or a guest entering our home, she constantly gazed listlessly out the window, seemingly mesmerized by the wind rustling tree leaves. Most disturbingly, Ana could switch over from this passive state to an environmental overreaction when loud noises and bright lights made her wail in unbearable pain.
Autistics are often described as robotic and zombie–like with an inability to bond and form meaningful relationships (much like the character in the popular film “Rainman”). Because of an under active filtering mechanism in the brain, they are bombarded incessantly by extremely unpleasant, frightening sensations.
Once my worst suspicions were confirmed, I was consumed with saving my little girl from this lonely, hurtful existence, brought on by a mysterious disease with no verified cause or cure. I turned to every resource possible, including the internet for the latest in research findings and therapy methods. Yet the endless speculations and debates over existing theories on autism combined with a mostly dismal prognosis made me even more confused and heartsick.
Autism Help With Chiropractic Care
Then, months later, a Google inquiry turned up something hopeful and quite unexpected: numerous medical articles chronicling the significant improvements autistic children received from chiropractic adjustments.
Usually associated with adult patients and back pain, the services of a chiropractor can extend to all in that they facilitate proper mind/body functioning.
In relation to autism, what was most exciting to me is that chiropractic treatment targets its debilitating source – sensory disruption and disintegration in the nervous system. By manipulating the spinal column to restore a natural homeostasis, previously blocked nerve signals can then be correctly processed by the brain and throughout the body.
I immediately contacted Dr. Chad Bennis, a reputable chiropractor practicing at the Smith clinic in Kapaa, Kauai and who, as fate would have it, we happened to be introduced just the previous day. He was very interested in evaluating Ana and because he specializes in family care, his experience in administering to children for various physical and behavioral issues is extensive.
Cervical Misalignment (Subluxation)
Entering the Smith ocean–front office immediately puts one at ease with its beautiful, serene ambiance and state of the art equipment. Following a thorough examination and analysis of her X-rays, Dr. Bennis located a cervical misalignment (or “subluxation”) which frequently occurs, as in Ana’s case, when forceps and vacuum extraction are used during a difficult labor.
He explained that this injury causes inflammation at the level of the brain stem which would obstruct cognitive and sensory input. Therefore his recommendation was to readjust that segment of Ana’s neck and reduce the swelling that could be manifesting her autistic symptoms.
First Dr. Bennis treated my husband, who for years had been suffering from an aching back. Dale could then vouch for speechless Ana that, no, these gentle adjustments do not hurt and he in fact felt great relief afterwards. After her first session, remarkable events followed.
Sleep and Speech Ability Nurtured With Chiropractic Care
Since birth Ana’s unstable nervous system made her continuously agitated and too wound up to sleep for more than a few hours at a time. Yet that night she was unusually calm, able to put herself to sleep, and didn’t wake up until 10 hours later –a bedtime breakthrough we’ve never experienced before.
Simultaneously a new alertness and focused attention span prompted Ana to point out and verbally label object after object to us! Hearing our daughter’s long-awaited first words of “moon’ and “stars” with her small hand raised upwards at an infinitely glowing sky will remain one of my most heartfelt memories. I’d also like to believe that moment was prophetic; there are no longer boundaries to what’s possible.
Now three, Ana sees Dr. Bennis regularly and as her neck inflammation progressively subsides, her speech and language comprehension steadily improve. All signs of sensory distress to everyday triggers have ceased. Moreover, in contrast to the fore mentioned stereotypes about autism, Ana engages in life fully with an ever unfolding personality that is playful, inventive, humorous, and very loving. She readily initiates new friendships with a big smile on her face, immerses herself in all types of art projects, and seems positively euphoric when swimming in the ocean or dancing to Swan Lake and the Beachboys.
My husband and I are tremendously grateful to Dr. Bennis for his caring, dedicated services. His not yet conventional treatment was successful because the chiropractic adjustments addressed Ana’s physical condition, enabling her to be more receptive to traditional therapy methods aimed at behaviors.
To other shaken parents who are just confronting an autism diagnosis or any type of developmental handicap, early intervention is key as well as both a discerning and open mind in finding quality help best suited for individual needs. All people evolve in their own way and in their own time and by empowering your child with unconditional love, you too will soon be marveling at his or her magnificent capabilities.
Thank you so much Dr. Chad and especially to Ana’s family for sharing this story with us. We wish your family all the happiness and health you can receive.
Dr. Chad now owns his own practice, Advance Spinal Care, in Kapaa Kauai.
Category: 1-3 yrs, 3-5 yrs, 5+ yrs, Autism, Natural Remedies
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