Asperger syndrome is a neurological condition that a unique medical diagnosis while still being a form of autism. While it is on the high functioning side of the spectrum, individuals can have symptoms that range from mild to severe.
What are the symptoms of Asperger Syndrome? Could it be due to an atlas misalignment? If so, how could a subspecialty of chiropractic called upper cervical chiropractic help? The following article can give hope to those who suffer from or have a loved one suffering from Asperger Syndrome.
What Are the Symptoms of Asperger Syndrome?
Some signs of Asperger Syndrome (AS) can appear during the first year of life. Others become more obvious as the child develops. Here are some of the varied symptoms that can be a part of AS:
● Obsessive interests
A patient with Asperger’s will hone in on very specific topics and interests at the expense of everything else.
● Distinctive speech patterns
Speech may be overly formal, at an inappropriate volume, monotone, or lacking rhythm.
● Inflexible routines
Someone with AS will develop rigid routines and rituals and can become very upset if these routines are altered in any way.
● Social isolation
This is often due to poor social skills in general as well as a desire only to communicate about the patient’s own obsessive interests. The patient may come across as aloof or disinterested in others, making it difficult to develop or maintain friendships.
● Motor skills issues
Poor coordination or an odd gait may occur. Someone with AS has a tendency not to swing his or her arms while walking or they may have an abnormally bouncy or stiff gait.
● Personal space issues
Someone with AS may not observe social cues regarding how close to get to another person, especially during a conversation.
● Roleplay issues
When a person sticks to his or her own rules and routines habitually, it can be difficult to comprehend alternate outcomes to situations. Thus, anything that involves imagination or roleplay may seem either impractical or entirely impossible.
● Overly literal
Sarcasm and ironic humor can be disturbing to someone who is highly literal. What should solicit a laugh may cause confusion, upset, and frustration.
These are just a few of the primary symptoms of AS. There may also be impairment in the use of nonverbal communication, difficulty developing age-appropriate relationships, sensory sensitivities, difficulty displaying empathy, hyperlexia (superior reading ability for one’s age), an extensive vocabulary, and a superior repetitive memory.
Asperger Syndrome – The Upper Cervical Connection
You can see from the symptoms that AS is related to proper neurological function. The brain controls everything from speech patterns to motor controls. Memory, understanding social cues, and feeling empathy are all under the control of the central nervous system (CNS). Thus, therapies that support the CNS may be able to provide some benefit for AS patients.
One particular part of the body that exerts a powerful influence over CNS function is the upper cervical spine. This part of the body protects the sensitive area where the brainstem meets the spinal cord. It also helps to facilitate blood flow to the brain. These and other factors can lead to CNS dysfunction if there is an upper cervical misalignment.
It is no wonder then that chiropractic care, and mo re specifically the subspecialty of upper cervical chiropractic, has been the subject of much autism research. Consider some of the following case studies:
● Aguilar case series (2000) involving 26 patients (ages 3 to 13)
Upper cervical chiropractic was administered to patients three times per week over a period of nine months. The patients were diagnosed with upper cervical misalignments using x-rays and also underwent physical examinations such as checking for leg length differences. The leg length differences were resolved for all 26 patients. Additionally, upper cervical care reduced the autism rating scores of the patients by an average of 22%.
● Amalu case study (1998) involving a 5-year-old girl
Using x-rays as well as a thermal scan, doctors discovered an upper cervical misalignment in the patient. 12 weeks of treatment were administered to correct the upper cervical misalignment. The misalignments were resolved, and the patient’s thermal scan was restored to normal. After the 12 weeks of care, the diagnosis of autism was reversed.
● Noriega case study (2012) involving a 6-year-old boy
Doctors used a-rays and a thermal scan to diagnose the misalignment. They administered upper cervical care for a total of 15 weeks – twice per week for the first 12 and then once per week for the last three. The patient saw a 70% improvement in ASD symptoms, particularly when it came to social behavior and school performance.
Safe Upper Cervical Care for Asperger Syndrome Sufferers
If your child is dealing with Asperger Syndrome or you suffer from it as an adult, upper cervical chiropractic may be the safe and natural way to get the help that you have been searching for. To find out if you have an upper cervical misalignment like the patients described in the case studies above, an upper cervical chiropractor will perform a physical examination and use diagnostic imaging techniques such as a series of x-rays or a thermal scan.
Upper cervical adjustments are always gentle, so they are safe for patients of all ages. To learn more, contact an upper cervical practitioner in your area. A consultation may be the first step on the road to better overall health and well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can chiropractors help autism?
There are studies that prove chiropractic care is an effective method for supporting children with autism. In one study, a 4-year-old boy with autism improved his neurological function after receiving chiropractic care.
Is it safe for a child to see a chiropractor?
There is no evidence that chiropractic care harms young patients. According to studies, a small percentage of kids experience some discomfort during chiropractic adjustments, which is very common and natural. But otherwise, there were no serious reactions reported.
Can a chiropractor help with behavior?
Yes, chiropractic care can help with behavior development. In a recent study, children who have previously experienced problems at school because of behavior issues have found incredible success and improvement because of regular chiropractic care.
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