Shelby Township Chiropractor, Shelby Township Michigan: Autism

Autism and Chiropractic

Dr. Chad D. McKernan spent four years at Western Michigan University studying Behavioral Psychology and interning at Croyden University. He used behavioral techniques to mainstream children with autism into the public school system. He then went on to Life University for four years and recieved his Doctor of Chiropractic degree. He took a special interest in learning about children since he was always sick as a child. After seeing a chiropractor himself, he witnessed first hand how special and powerful chiropractic really was. Prior to his start in the Shelby Township area, he practiced in Allen Park at one of the largest chiropractic offices in the state. That clinic has seen anywhere from 700-1500 patients a week. Talk about experience! He has seen patients ranging anywhere from one day old to 100 years old and is well versed in many chiropractic techniques that are suitable for all ages. Please see below for testimonials and research about autism.

Autism and Immune Dysfunction – Nick and Chris D.

Mom says: "We tried every treatment imaginable! Biomedical, Homeopathic, Occupational, Speech, Recreational therapy…"

After Starting Care:
"Both of my little sons are changing in so many awesome ways since starting care with Dr Chad McKernan. They were afraid at first but now they can’t wait to hop up on the bale. My one son is showing major improvements in receptive and expressive language and my other son is becoming so 'normal'. He’s social, more playful and asks for 'Dr. Chad' by name. He is also calling me 'Mommy' now! Dr. Chad is very popular with my sons – he’s obviously doing something very right. They both love him. My one son even says 'Dr. Chad all better!' Thank you." --Mom

Autism and Chiropractic Studies

Autism: A Chiropractic Perspective
Clinical Chiropractic 2006 (Mar): 9 (1): 6-10 Aguilar et al. (25) carried out a series of chiropractic adjustments on 26 autistic children over a 9-month period. Twelve were found to have a left atlas laterality and 14 had a right atlas laterality. Outcomes from the study were varied but included normalization of deep tendon reflexes and dermatomal subjective sensation, increased cervical range of motion and reduction of other health problems. Many of the children were taken off Ritalin, bladder and bowel control improved, some children started to speak and eye contact and attention span also improved in some children. Hyperactivity and aggressive behaviour were reduced in other children and five children were able to attend mainstream classes at school for the first time. Behavioural data, recorded by the teachers and parents, showed significant improvements in most cases.

Clinical Efficacy of Upper Cervical Versus Full Spine Adjustment on Children with Autism

WFC'S 7th Biennial Congress Conference Proceedings MAY 1-3, 2003, 7th Ed: 328-9
Children with autism are presented with multiple categories of clinical pictures that affect their social, sensory, speech, and physical development. In addition to chiropractic care, parents of autistic children seek all possible therapies available. In this study, the clinical outcome of chiropractic care showed higher efficacy of upper cervical adjustment when compared to full spine adjustment in autistic children.

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 2001 (May); 6: 313
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.

Autism, Asthma, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Strabismus, and Illness Susceptibility: A Case Study in Chiropractic Management
Todays Chiropractic 1998; 27 (5): 32–47
Pathologies of organic origin are commonly thought to be the exclusive realm of medical treatment and not part of the mainstay of chiropractic care. The clinical observations of a patient presenting with autism, asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, strabismus, and illness susceptibility are reported. Alleviation of symptoms is seen subsequent to corrections of abnormal biomechanical function of the occipito-atlanto-axial complex. A relationship between biomechanical faults in the upper cervical spine and the manifestation of abnormal central neurophysiological processing is suggested as the genesis of this patient’s symptomatology.

The Effect of Chiropractic Adjustments on the Behavior of Autistic Children: A Case Review
Journal of Chiropractic 1987 (Dec); 24 (12): 21-25
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.

The Story of John...A Little Boy With Autism
International Review of Chiropractic 1996 (Nov); 43-46
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.

The Status of Research into Vaccine Safety and Autism
Washington, D.C. - On June 19, 2002, at 11:00 a.m., in Room 2154 of the Rayburn House Office Building, the Committee on Government Reform, chaired by Congressman Dan Burton (R-IN), will conduct a hearing to evaluate the status of research concerning the possible relationship between vaccines and neurological disorders, including autism.

Review More Abstracts on Chiropractic and Autism

Review abstracts about chiropractic and a variety of organic and visceral disorders at the wonderful International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) website: www.icpa4kids.org