Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Rockaway

Social communication and interaction: 

• poor eye contact and lacks facial expression
• doesn't speak or delayed speech
• doesn't express emotions or feelings

Patterns of behavior: 

• ​develops rigid routines and rituals
• becomes upset with the slightest change in routines
• displays sensitivity to light, sound, and/or touch, but oblivious to pain
• does not engage in make-believe play

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Greater Risks for ASD in Rockaway

• boys are 4 times more likely to develop ASD
• babies born before 26 weeks of gestation
• babies born from older parents

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The Medical Approach

There is no cure of ASD in Rockaway and there is no one treatment that works for all children. Some treatment options are as follows:

• behavioral and communication therapy
• education therapy
• family therapy
• antidepressant and anti-psychotic drugs

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The Non-Medical Approach

The non-medical treatments for ASD include: sensory based therapy, specialized diets, chelation therapy for removal of toxic heavy metals, acupuncture.

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The Chiropractic Approach

The chiropractic adjustment has been shown in select cases to be helpful by improving language development and increasing effectiveness of other therapies when paired together. One study found that up to 50% of all children with ASD under chiropractic care showed behavioral improvement. Such improvements included but were not limited to the use of sign language, reduction of self-abuse, and appropriate body language.

When dealing with a sensory integration disorder one must ask "where do sensations become integrated?" That answer to that, of course, is in the brain. With so many variables surrounding the causes of ASD, it is feasible to think that by removing the subluxation or interference from the nervous system, a child would be able to better handle the information as it enters the brain.