Ferrance, R.J. ; Commentary: Autism - another topic often lacking facts
when discussed within the chiropractic professionJournal of the
Canadian Chiropractic Association. 2003 Mar; 47(1): 4-7
ABSTRACT: Psychiatrist Leo Kanner first described autism for us in 1943.
His was an observation of a small group of children who showed total indifference
to other people and extreme aloofness. These children made very little eye
contact and were noted to have severe language deficits associated with
their apparent lack of desire to communicate. The way in which these children
interacted with their environment was very unusual when compared with other
children, especially in the fact that they showed no pretend or imaginative
plat. Infantile Autism first appeared as a term in the Diagnostic and Statistical
Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), Third Edition.
Ferrance, R ; Commentary - Vaccinations: How About Some Facts for a
Change?Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association.
2002 Sep; 46(3): 167-172
ABSTRACT: The discussion of vaccines is one that, more often than not,
evokes some rather spirited disagreements within the chiropractic community.
Nearly every issue of every chiropractic journal or newspaper, has something
– a letter, an article, an advertisement – discussing vaccines, and almost
never in a positive manner. Over the past several years we’ve heard allegations
of the polio vaccine leading to lymphoma and causing the AIDS epidemic,
thimerosal preservatives leading to developmental disabilities, and the
MMR vaccine leading to Crohn's disease and autism. Some of these discussions
have raised legitimate and thoughtful points; some have simply relied upon
emotional rhetoric and haven't troubled themselves with facts.
Gleberzon, BJ ;Rosenberg-Gleberzon, AL ; On Austin: Its Prevalence,
Diagnosis, Causes, and Treatment Topics in Clinical Chiropractic.
2001 Dec; 8(4): 42-57
ABSTRACT: Purpose: This article provides a general overview of the
prevalence, diagnostic criteria, probable causes, and current treatments
of autism. The authors have focused on issues of particular relevance
to chiropractic clinicians: The behavioral features of autism, the
possible link of vaccines as causative agents, and the potential benefits
of chiropractic adjustments as a treatment modality.
Methods: A general review of the literature, with interpretation and
synthesis by the authors. The authors also draw upon their own personal
experience involving their youngest son. Summary:
There has been an exponential rise in the incidence of autism over the past
decade, and it seems more and more likely that a field practitioner will
be consulted by the concerned parents of these children. It therefore
behooves practitioners to be aware of those treatment options best supported
by clinical evidence. The role of the chiropractor can include acting
as a gatekeeper to refer the patient for appropriate medical and specialist
management, to provide parents with accurate information to help them make
more rational decisions for care planning, and to comanage the patient with
a clinical trial of chiropractic care.
Potisk, TJ ;A case study of a five year old male with autism/pervasive
development disorder who improved remarkably and quickly with chiropractic
treatment Proceedings of
the World Federation of Chiropractic Congress. 2001May; 6:
313
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Autism and pervasive development disorder (PDD)
are developmental disabilities that share many of the same characteristics.
Usually evident by age three, autism and PDD are neurological disorders
that affect a child's ability to communicate, understand language, play,
and relate to others. The diagnosis of Autism and PDD is determined
via observation of symptoms in three major areas. The incidence of
Autism/PDD varies depending on the party of investigation; however, the
incidence is rapidly increasing according to all parties and is greatly
prevalent among males. The characteristics vary widely in abilities,
intelligence, and behaviors. The underlying cause of the disorder
is hotly debated and theorized. Method: An examination,
history, and x-ray analysis resulted in a prescription for a series of chiropractic
adjustments to specific spinal areas on this five-year-old male. Details
of the examination findings, treatment methods, risks, expectations, and
responsibilities of parent/child were explained to involved parties.
A subjective and objective monitoring system was established and mutually
agreed upon. Results: Extraordinary progress was
noted in the patient by all involved parties. The subjective and objective
monitoring system revealed a 96% overall improvement after 2 weeks of treatment.
A 102% overall improvement was revealed on a 3.5 year follow-up, the mother
adding that the child appeared near normal. This progress is vastly
superior to typical progress following standard medical treatment.
Conclusion: Chiropractic treatment may be helpful to other autism/PDD
cases. Further investigation utilizing clinical trials and double
blind studies are warranted and planned for the future. The monitoring
system can be improved by adding more observers/evaluators to rule out any
bias. If future investigations yield similar results as above it may
lead to preventive measures for this type disorder.
Khorshid, K.A. ;Vallone, S.A. ;Kentuckiana Children's Center Helps Fight
Autism: Disorders of the Autistic Spectrum International Review
of Chiropractic. 2001 Fal; 57(5/6): 52-56
ABSTRACT: Since its inception in 1956, Kentuckiana Children's Center (KCC)
has existed to provide chiropractic care for children in exceptional circumstances.
Lorraine M. Golden, D.C., Kentuckiana's founder, called them "special needs
children." In the early days of operation, the Center's staff served children
suffering from the ravages of polio, the myriad disabilities associated
with cerebral palsy and epilepsy as well as children with a variety of genetic
limitations including children with Downs Syndrome. This population of children
has shifted over the years and today we find that the greater percentage
of children who are being cared for at Kentuckiana are classified with disorders
of the autistic spectrum.
Khorshid, K. ;Two Speical Children and Thier Parents are Fighting Autism
and Winning! Case Report: VickyInternational Review of Chiropractic.
2001 Fal; 57(5/6): 62-63
ABSTRACT: Victoria (Vicky) Kuling, a 3-year-old female child presented
at Kentuckiana Children's Center (KCC), on 3/28/00 with serous otitis media
and hearing difficulty. She had also been medically diagnosed with autism.
Vicky was referred to the Center by a local chiropractor for her ear problems
because an E.N.T. specialist had advised tube insertion and the mother did
not like this idea. The mother's niece had suffered from otitis media but
after chiropractic care the otitis media had cleared up and she had not
required the surgery recommended. Vicki's mother at the time did not know
that chiropractic care could help autistic patients.
Fallon, J.D. ;Ear Infection in Childhood Autism: Is There a Relationship?
International Review of Chiropractic. 2001 Fal; 57(5/6):
66-71
ABSTRACT: The incidence of otitis media in the pediatric population has
risen steadily over the last 10 years. Various strategies have been employed
including the development of new antimicrobial therapies to combat this
problem. Autism as well has been steadily on the rise with a 3000-fold increase
in occurrence with pockets of autism located in various places around the
U.S. Couple this increase in autism with the increase in other conditions
on the PDD (pervasive developmental disorder) spectrum, and we are dealing
with an epidemic.
Warner, S ;Warner, T ;Case Report: Autism and Chronic Otitis MediaToday's Chiropractic. 1999 May-Jun; 28(3): 82-85
ABSTRACT: Autistic children typically manifest prior to age 30 months.
The syndrome is characterized by insistence on routines and rituals, speech
and language disorder, extreme difficulty relating to other people and odd
motor patterns. This case report describes a 5-year-old girl with
autism she first presented for chiropractic care at age 3-1/2.
She was non-verbal, had marked compulsive disorders and daily rituals including:
constantly rocking anterior to posterior; banging her head, regularly inflicting
damage; and frequently becoming violent to herself and others. She had profound
difficulty relating to others, and refused to be touched. After chiropractic
care was initiated, within a one-month period, her parents and teachers
had noticed a 30 percent improvement socially. After one year of care, an
80 percent improvement was noted. Her daily rituals diminished by 50 percent,
and she quickly became markedly less violent. Verbal skills followed.
Amalu WC, Autism, Asthma, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Strabismus And Illness
Susceptibility: A Case Study In Chiropractic Management.Todays Chiro:
Sep/Oct 1998; (27:5): 32-47
Barnes, T ;Chiropractic Management of the Special Needs ChildTopics in Clinical Chiropractic. 1997 Dec; 4(4): 9-18
ABSTRACT: Purpose: A discussion of clinical considerations in the
chiropractic management of children with special needs is offered.
Three conditions that contribute to special needs situations are reviewed:
cerebral palsy, autism, and Down syndrome. Descriptive case studies
regarding chiropractic management of a cerebral palsy patient and an autism
patient are presented for illustrative purposes. Methodology:
A qualitative literature review was conducted, and case studies of the application
of chiropractic care were constructed using Kentuckiana files. Summary:
Although genetic disorders remain incurable, under certain circumstances
children with these conditions may receive clinical benefit and/or palliative
relief of concurrent problems from chiropractic interventions.
Sandefur, R. ;Adams, E. ;The effect of chiropractic adjustments on the
behavior of autistic children: A case reviewJournal of Chiropractic.
1987 Dec; 24(12): 21-25
ABSTRACT: Autism is a severe behavioral and neurological disorder involving
or inappropriate use of language, bizarre behaviors and an insistence on
sameness. A systematic series of chiropractic adjustments was administered
to six autistic children to see if behavioral or neurological remediations
would occur concomitant to treatment. The subjects were recruited from a
Kansas City area specialized facility. Data used for the study were
collected by the classroom teachers. Those behaviors that remained fairly
constant prior to treatment were selected for analysis. Results were divided
into observable effects and no observable effects. All of the observable
effects that occurred following intervention were in the desired direction.
Behavioral improvements were observed in such diverse areas as picking up
toys, use of sign language, reduction of self-abuse and appropriate use
of language. It is hoped that this pilot study will generate further
research into the effects of chiropractic adjustments on similar neurological
disorders.
Selected Alternative Health Published Studies
Putman, J.A. ;The Effect of Interhemispheric EEG training Using Sequential
Protocols on ADD Journal of Neurotherapy. 2003 Spr;
7(1): 73-4
ABSTRACT: Introduction: The purpose of this study was to examine
the effect of EEG biofeedback using interhemispheric EEG training protocols
on attention deficit disorders. Method: Neurofeedback
protocols included T3-T4, Fp1-Fp2, F3-F4 employing a wide range of reward
frequencies. The training group was comprised of 33 males and females, age
range from 7 to 62 who were being treated for a variety of different disorders.
Changes in attentional ability were measured through the use of a continuous
performance test (TOVA) which was administered prior to the start of EEG
training and every 20 to 25 sessions thereafter. Results:
There was a clear trend towards normalization on both the impulsivity and
inattention scales. Those with normal pre-training scores showed no deterioration
in their performance indicating that homologous site interhemispheric EEG
training has no deleterious effect on attention. In addition, variability
and response time were largely in the normal range for this population and
remained unchanged following training. Conclusions: These
early results suggest that interhemispheric training using sequential site
configurations offers additional protocol options for addressing attention
deficits. Since ADD is a frequent comorbidity with many disorders (including
head injury, autism, depression and anxiety), addressing the primary symptom
will often lead to a resolution of attentional problems as a secondary effect.
Such was the case with most of the persons in this study.
Kidd, PM ;Autism, an extreme challenge to integrative medicine. Part:
1: The knowledge baseAlternative Medicine Review. 2002
Aug; 7(4): 292-316
ABSTRACT: Autism, archetype of the autistic spectrum disorders (ASD), is
a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by socially aloof behavior and
impairment of language and social interaction. Its prevalence has surged
in recent years. Advanced functional brain imaging has confirmed pervasive
neurologic involvement. Parent involvement in autism management has accelerated
understanding and treatment. Often accompanied by epilepsy, cognitive deficits,
or other neurologic impairment, autism manifests in the first three years
of life and persists into adulthood. Its etiopathology is poorly defined
but likely multifactorial with heritability playing a major role. Prenatal
toxic exposures (teratogens) are consistent with autism spectrum symptomatology.
Frequent vaccinations with live virus and toxic mercurial content (thimerosal)
are a plausible etiologic factor. Autistic children frequently have abnormalities
of sulfoxidation and sulfation that compromise liver detoxification, which
may contribute to the high body burden of xenobiotics frequently found.
Frequent copper-zinc imbalance implies metallothionein impairment that could
compound the negative impact of sulfur metabolism impairments on detoxification
and on intestinal lining integrity. Intestinal hyperpermeability manifests
in autistic children as dysbiosis, food intolerances, and exorphin (opioid)
intoxication, most frequently from casein and gluten. Immune system abnormalities
encompass derangement of antibody production, skewing of T cell subsets,
aberrant cytokine profiles, and other impairments consistent with chronic
inflammation and autoimmunity. Coagulation abnormalities have been reported.
Part 2 of this review will attempt to consolidate progress in integrative
management of autism, aimed at improving independence and lifespan for people
with the disorder.
Kidd, P ;Autism, an extreme challenge to integrative medicine. Part
2: medical managementAlternative Medicine Review. 2002 Dec;
7(6): 472-499
ABSTRACT: Autism and allied autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) present myriad
behavioral, clinical, and biochemical abnormalities. Parental participation,
advanced testing protocols, and eclectic treatment strategies have driven
progress toward cure. Behavioral modification and structured education are
beneficial but insufficient. Dietary restrictions, including removal of
milk and other casein dairy products, wheat and other gluten sources, sugar,
chocolate, preservatives, and food coloring are beneficial and prerequisite
to benefit from other interventions. Individualized IgG or IgE testing can
identify other troublesome foods but not non-immune mediated food sensitivities.
Gastrointestinal improvement rests on controlling Candida and other parasites,
and using probiotic bacteria and nutrients to correct dysbiosis and decrease
gut permeability. Detoxification of mercury and other heavy metals by DMSA/DMPS
chelation can have marked benefit. Documented sulfoxidation-sulfation inadequacies
call for sulfur-sulfhydryl repletion and other liver p450 support. Many
nutrient supplements are beneficial and well tolerated, including dimethylglycine
(DMG) and a combination of pyridoxine (vitamin B6) and magnesium, both of
which benefit roughly half of ASD cases. Vitamins A, B3, C, and folic acid;
the minerals calcium and zinc; cod liver oil; and digestive enzymes, all
offer benefit. Secretin, a triggering factor for digestion, is presently
under investigation. Immune therapies (pentoxifyllin, intravenous immunoglobulin,
transfer factor, and colostrum) benefit selected cases. Long-chain omega-3
fatty acids offer great promise. Current pharmaceuticals fail to benefit
the primary symptoms and can have marked adverse effects. Individualized,
in-depth clinical and laboratory assessments and integrative parent-physician-scientist
cooperation are the keys to successful ASD management.
Jarusiewicz, B. ;Efficacy of Neurofeedback for Autistic Spectrum Disorders
Journal of Neurotherapy. 2002 Spr; 6/1: 76-77
ABSTRACT: Introduction: The purpose of this study was to characterize,
quantify and document the efficacy of neurofeedback for individuals in the
Autism spectrum. Conclusion: Before and after videos were used
to corrovorate data. When compared with other treatment modalities using
Rimland's Treatment Effectiveness Survey (Rimland & Edelson, 2001),
neurofeedback is rated on a par with occupational therapy, and is surpassed
to date only by behavior modification and speech therapies, even inthis
early-stage comparison.
Jarusiewicz, B. ;Efficacy of Neurofeedback for Children in the Autistic
Spectrum: A Pilot Study Journal of Neurotherapy. 2002 Win;
6/4: 39-49
ABSTRACT: Background: The efficacy of neurofeedback training
was evaluated in 12 children in the autistic spectrum with matched controls,
based on established training protocols for other conditions with similar
symptoms. Method: Twenty-four autistic children were divided
into two groups, matched by sex, age, and disorder severity. One group received
neurofeedback training and the second acted as a control group. Responses
to the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklists (ATEC) and parental assessments
of problem behaviors were analyzed to evaluate the effectiveness of neurofeedback
training for this condition. Results: Neurofeedback training
resulted in a 26% average reduction in total ATEC rated autism symptoms,
compared to 3% for the control group. Parental assessments reported improvement
in all behavioral categories: socialization, vocal-ization, anxiety, schoolwork,
tantrums, and sleep, compared with minimal changes in the control group.
Discussion: Autistic spectrum children who underwent neurofeedback
training showed significant improvements in autism symptoms and behaviors.
The magnitude of improvement was independent of initial severity or age.
Nye C, Brice A. Combined vitamin B6-magnesium treatment in autism
spectrum disorder. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2002;(4):CD003497.
UCF Center for Autism & Related Disabilities, 12001 Science Dr, Suite
145, Orlando, Florida 32826, USA. cnye@mail.ucf.edu
BACKGROUND: The use of mega-vitamin intervention began in the early 1950's
with the treatment of schizophrenic patients. Pyroxidine (vitamin B6) was
first used with children diagnosed with "autism syndrome" when speech and
language improvement was observed in some children as a result of large
doses of B6. A number of published studies attempted to assess the effects
of vitamin B6-Mg (Mg was found to reduce undesirable side effects from B6)
on a variety of characteristics such as verbal communication, non-verbal
communication, interpersonal skills, and physiological function, in individuals
with autism. OBJECTIVES: To determine the efficacy of vitamin B6 and magnesium
(B6-Mg) for treating social, communication and behavioural responses of
children and adults with autism. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane
Controlled Trials Register (Cochrane Library, Issue 2, 2002), MEDLINE (1966-
January 2002), EMBASE (1980-January 2002), PsychINFO (1887 - January 2002),
Dissertation Abstracts International (1861 - January 2002). The search engine
FirstSearch was also used (January 2002). Reference lists for all the obtained
studies and other review articles were examined for additional studies.
SELECTION CRITERIA: All studies in which the participants were randomly
allocated prior to intervention and in which outcomes were compared to either
a placebo or non-treated group were included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS:
Two reviewers independently evaluated all potential studies identified as
indicated above for inclusion. MAIN RESULTS: Two trials were included in
the review. Both studies used a double-blind crossover design. One study
(Tolbert 1993) provided insufficient data to conduct an analysis. The senior
author was contacted for supporting data but was unable to provide the needed
information. The remaining study (Findling, 1997) yielded no significant
differences between treatment and placebo group performances following the
B6 intervention on measures of social interaction, communication, compulsivity,
impulsivity, or hyperactivity. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: Due to the small
number of studies, the methodological quality of studies, and small sample
sizes, no recommendation can be advanced regarding the use of B6-Mg as a
treatment for autism.
Hastings RP, Symes MD. Early intensive behavioral intervention
for children with autism: parental therapeutic self-efficacy.
Res Dev Disabil. 2002 Sep-Oct;23(5):332-41.
Department of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
Several authors have suggested that the quality of therapist performance
accounts for some of the variability in outcomes observed in early intensive
behavioral intervention for children with autism. However, there is a distinct
lack of theoretical and empirical work addressing therapist performance
in this context. In the present study, we explored predictors of one variable,
beliefs about one's efficacy in the therapeutic role, that may be related
to therapist performance. Eighty-five UK mothers who were acting as therapists
for their child's program completed a questionnaire survey. Results showed
that program variables (e.g., number of hours of therapy each week, time
since program started) were unrelated to maternal therapeutic self-efficacy.
However, support received from the program, the severity of the child's
autism, and maternal stress were significant predictors. Regression analysis
also showed that maternal stress mediated the impact of support from the
program and autism severity on maternal therapeutic self-efficacy. Limitations
of the study, suggestions for future research, and practical implications
are briefly discussed. In particular, we advocate a role for supervisors
in analyzing and developing interventions for therapist behavior.
Kidd, P.M. ;An Approach to the Nutritional Management of AutismIntegrative Medicine. 2003 Oct; 2(5): 36-46
ABSTRACT: InnoVision Communications is accredited by the Accreditation
Council of Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education
for physicians. This education activity consists of a journal article in
the May 2003 issue of Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. The
participant should study the article, then complete self-evaluation at the
end of the activity. The activity and self-evaluation are expected to take
a maximum of 1 hour. Description: The cause of autism
is not understood, and there is no cure for the disorder. However, certain
therapies are associated with an improvement of autistic behaviors. This
lesson is designed to discuss the hypothesis that nutritional management
may help alleviate some of the behaviors associated with the disorder.
Target Audience: Healthcare providers who practice or who are interested
in practicing nutritionally-oriented, integrative medicine.
Objectives: Upon completion of this article, participants will be
able to do the following: (1)Identify three symptoms sets that characterize
autism (2)Discuss the principles of dietary revision for autistic
patients (3)List 6 nutrients that are believed to be associated with
improvement of autistic behavior.
Lamson, DW ;Plaza, SM ;Transdermal Secretin for Autism-A Case ReportAlternative Medicine Review. 2001 Jun; 6(3): 311-313
ABSTRACT: Secretin hormone given daily in transdermal cream was associated
with marked and sustained developmental progress in an aphasic two-and-a-half
year old child diagnosed with autism.
Escalona A, Field T, Singer-Strunck R, Cullen C, Hartshorn K. Brief
report: improvements in the behavior of children with autism following massage
therapy. J Autism Dev Disord. 2001 Oct;31(5):513-6.
Touch Research Institute, University of Miami School of Medicine, FL 33101,
USA.
Twenty children with autism, ages 3 to 6 years, were randomly assigned
to massage therapy and reading attention control groups. Parents in the
massage therapy group were trained by a massage therapist to massage their
children for 15 minutes prior to bedtime every night for 1 month and the
parents of the attention control group read Dr. Seuss stories to their children
on the same time schedule. Conners Teacher and Parent scales, classroom
and playground observations, and sleep diaries were used to assess the effects
of therapy on various behaviors, including hyperactivity, stereotypical
and off-task behavior, and sleep problems. Results suggested that the children
in the massage group exhibited less stereotypic behavior and showed more
on-task and social relatedness behavior during play observations at school,
and they experienced fewer sleep problems at home.
Robinson TW. Homeopathic Secretin in autism: a clinical pilot
study. Br Homeopath J. 2001 Apr;90(2):86-91.
Barton House, Beaminster, Dorset, UK.
Autism is a condition characterised by impairments of social communication,
social interaction and social imagination. The exact aetiology of autism
is unknown but some autistic features have been explained by the 'opioid
excess theory' in which excess brain peptide levels have a morphine-like
activity. Reduction of peptide levels by administration of the duodenal
enzyme Secretin has been found to improve social and language skills in
autistic patients. Homeopathic Secretin has been said to produce similar
effects. A pilot study was undertaken to study these effects by administration
of Secretin to a group of autistic patients. Weekly assessment for 12 weeks
was performed by the patients' care workers. Statistical analysis of the
mean pre-treatment results compared with the mean treatment results suggested
a worsening in the autistic symptoms during treatment. Discussion with the
care workers revealed changes and some improvements that were not recordable
on the scoring system. Further research into Secretin treatment of autism
using a more detailed and customized scoring system would be justified.
Following this pilot study a randomised controlled trial of Secretin vs
placebo would be appropriate.
Rimland B. High dose vitamin B6 and magnesium in treating autism:
response to study by Findling et al. J Autism Dev Disord. 1998
Dec;28(6):581-2.
Pfeiffer SI, Norton J, Nelson L, Shott S. Efficacy of vitamin
B6 and magnesium in the treatment of autism: a methodology review and summary
of outcomes. J Autism Dev Disord. 1995 Oct;25(5):481-93.
Devereux Institute of Clinical Training & Research.
Pauling's orthomolecular hypothesis appeared in 1968, stating that some
forms of mental illness and disease are related to biochemical errors in
the body. Vitamin therapy is believed to be a means of compensating for
such errors. There have been few empirical studies on vitamin therapy in
individuals with autism. This article presents a critical analysis of the
12 published studies located through an extensive computerized search. Studies
were systematically evaluated to provide an objective assessment of empirical
evidence supporting the efficacy of vitamin treatment. The majority of studies
report a favorable response to vitamin treatment. However, interpretation
of these positive findings needs to be tempered because of methodological
shortcomings inherent in many of the studies. For example, a number of studies
employed imprecise outcome measures, were based on small samples and possible
repeat use of the same subjects in more than one study, did not adjust for
regression effects in measuring improvement, and omitted collecting long-term
follow-up data. Recommendations are offered to assist researchers in designing
future investigations.