FREE AUTISM / ADHD INFO SEMINAR!!
“Autism / ADHD are not hopeless!”
December 18, 2008 at 10:00 a.m.
Embassy Suites – Tampa Airport / Westshore
555 N. Westshore Boulevard
Tampa, FL 33609
Call 813-935-4744 To Reserve your seat today!
ADHD & Autism Spectrum Disorders
Our approach is a functional neurology approach based on the work of my friend, classmate and colleague Dr. Rob Melillo, a fellow chiropractic neurologist and PHD candidate in neuropsychology and rehabilitation and Gerry Leisman, MD, PHD. They are the authors of the text “Neurobehavioral Disorders of Childhood” and “Disconnected Kids: The Groundbreaking Brain Balance Program for Children with Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, and Other Neurological Disorders”.
We are a brain based multifaceted approach. We will determine where the dysfunction lies (all aspects will be addressed with emphasis on the primary functional lesion). Which side of the brain and at which levels. Negative factors such as allergies, nutrition and environmental toxins are addressed. Then a specific program individualized to the child’s needs is developed to create positive changes based on the science of neuroplasticity and epigenetics to correct the dysfunction. This is all done without the use of global brain stimulants like Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, Concerta, Daytrana, Focalin, Metadate CD. The progress is measured and periodic assessments are made. A deficiency in any functional area of sensory integration- sight, smell, taste, touch, balance, coordination or any combination can cause processing problems within the brain that may produce symptoms of ADHD or Autism.
In biology, the term Epigenetics refers to changes in gene expression caused by mechanisms other than changes in the underlying DNA sequence. These changes may remain through cell divisions for the remainder of the cell’s life and may also last for multiple generations. However there is no change in the underlying DNA sequence of the organism, instead non-genetic factors cause the organism’s genes to behave differently. In plain English, ADHD and Autism are not genetic but epigenetic and therefore can be treated. If these conditions were genetic then there is no hope. But we believe they are not genetic but epigenetic and that there is hope.
Neuroplasticity refers to the changes that occur in the organization of the brain as a result of experience. The concept of neuroplasticity pushes the boundaries of the brain areas that are still re-wiring in response to changes in environment. Neuroscientists are presently engaged in a relationship of critical period studies demonstrating the immutability of both structural and functional aspects. In plain English, the brain is not hard wired and it’s structure and function can be changed.
What is AD/HD?
The medical condition that affects how well a person is able to focus, sit for long periods of time and be attentive is an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder also known as ADHD. People suffering from this condition have problems with the parts of the brain that control attention and activity. Most commonly they have trouble with focusing on tasks and specific subjects, they may act impulsively which may lead to getting into trouble and they may appear to be hyper or “wired”. Although it is common for any person to zone out or daydream during certain activities, school or work, people suffering from this condition have such a difficult time staying focused and controlling their behavior that it affects their emotions and how well they perform such activities. The symptoms of ADHD can become less severe with age or even diminish, yet the issues with organization and attention most often remain. More than half the kids with ADHD will continue to show signs of this condition as young adults.
Underlying Cause- bbcenters
It is now understood that the underlying cause of many of these disorders is a functional imbalance of brain activity within each side and/or between the right and left sides of the brain. Current research continues to describe this as brain under-connectivity, desynchronization and/or functional disconnection syndrome.
The brain literally becomes desynchronized or ‘out of rhythm’, so just as an orchestra may be filled with extremely gifted musicians the music played will sound horrible if the musicians play out of rhythm of each other the brain too must function ‘in rhythm’ or in synchronicity.
Signs & Symptoms of ADHD
There are three main signs and symptoms of ADHD which include:
- Problems with paying attention
- Being very active (hyperactivity)
- Acting before thinking (impulsivity)
Some examples of these are:
- Unable to sit still, may fidget or squirm
- Run around or climb
- Trouble waiting one’s turn, interrupts others and blurts out
- Unable to follow detailed instructions
Facts
- While medical estimates vary, it is commonly reported that ADHD affects between 5 and 10% of school age children and 3 to 4 times as many boys as girls.
- It is also reported that between 50% and 60% of these children will continue to experience ADHD symptoms throughout adulthood.
- 78% of pediatric prescriptions are for attention issues.
- Currently more prescriptions are written for ADHD than for any other childhood condition. It is conservatively estimated that over 20 million prescriptions for ADHD related drugs are written annually.
- In 1995, the use of Ritalin increased by 250%.
What is Autism?
Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that appears during the first three years of life. It impairs the ability for one to communicate and interact with others. It is defined by certain behaviors and is classified as a “spectrum disorder” affecting individuals differently and varies in degrees. It is related with routines and repetitive behaviors. Behaviors range from mild to severe. Autism was first identified in 1943 by Dr. Leo Kanner of Johns Hopkins Hospital. At the same time, a German scientist, Dr. Hans Asperger, described a milder form of the disorder that is now known as Asperger Syndrome. These two disorders are listed in the DSM IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) as two of the five developmental disorders that fall under the autism spectrum disorders. The others are Rett Syndrome, PDD NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder), and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder. All of these disorders are characterized by varying degrees of impairment in communication skills and social abilities, and also by repetitive behaviors. With Autism being a dysfunction within several areas of the brain and body it doesn’t mean damage or disease, so just a few areas and systems may not be functioning as they could be.
What causes Autism? –bbcenters
Although the specific causes of autism are of much debate, many researchers suspect that autism results from environmental influences on genetic expression. Most people believe that if something is genetic then it is our destiny or fate. This is for the most part untrue. Only a small percentage of our genes are un-modifiable; for example genes that code for eye or hair color. What many do not realize is that the majority of our genes are modifiable. These genes can turn on and off in reaction to environmental stimulation. For example, a person can carry a gene for lung cancer however may never develop this cancer unless exposed to a particular environmental influence such as cigarette smoke. The timing in which these environmental influences occur can play a critical role in whether or not a gene expresses itself.
The following is a short list of possible environmental factors which can effect brain development and/or gene expression:
· sedentary behavior of child or mother (prenatal or postnatal)
· abnormal sensory motor development caused by birth injury or from lack of sufficient stimuli early on
· poor diet and nutritional deficiencies and sensitivities prenatal or postnatal
· exposure to toxins pre or postnatal
· chronic infection / yeast / bacterial / parasite of mother or child
· psychological stress prenatal or postnatal
· sleep deprivation of mother prenatal and of child
· hypoxia (perinatal, postnatal)
Autism is in fact a dysfunction within several areas of the brain and body. Dysfunction however doesn’t mean damage or disease just that some areas and systems may not be functioning as they should be.
Behavioral and/or academic problems may be the result of the underlying dysfunction not a cause of it.
Signs & symptoms of Autism
Communication problems- lack or delay in speech
Difficulty relating to people, objects and events
Little or no eye contact
Difficulty with changes in routine or familiar surroundings
Repetitive body movements or use of language
May exhibit increased or decreased sensitivity to pain, touch, sound or other sensory stimulations.
Lack of interest in peer relationships
Facts about Autism
- 1 in 150 children is diagnosed with autism
- 1 in 94 boys is on the autism spectrum
- 67 children are diagnosed per day
- A new case is diagnosed almost every 20 minutes
- More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes & cancer combined
- Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.
- Autism costs the nation over $35 billion per year, a figure expected to significantly increase in the next decade
- Autism receives less than 5% of the research funding of many less prevalent childhood diseases
- Boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism
- There is no medical detection or cure for autism
* Facts from- www.autismspeaks.org
AUTISM IMAGE
ADHD IMAGE
Click Here to read Medical Articles about this condition
