Severe Autistic Spectrum Disorder Improved with Chiropractic

The Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health Chiropractic published the results of a case study on February 1, 2023, that documented the improvement under chiropractic care of a child who was suffering with severe Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

This study begins by noting that ASD usually begins before the age of 30 months. The study defines it by saying, "Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is defined by abnormal or impaired development of communication and interaction with others, as well as a marked limitation in interests and activities."

They report that the Center for Disease Control estimated that 2.24% or 1 in 45 U.S. children in 2014 were diagnosed with ASD. They point out that the number has been steadily increasing as in from 2011 to 2013 there were 1.25%, or 1 in 80 children in the U.S. diagnosed with ASD. Additionally, boys are diagnosed with 75% of all cases.

In this case, a three-year-old boy was brought to the chiropractor for help with a variety of issues related to ASD. Six months prior, the boy was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder by a psychologist. The boy's parents reported that their son did not speak. He was on a liquid diet because he was unable to eat solid food due to his inability to chew or feed himself. The boy did not like being touched, and was experiencing difficulties with both sleeping and constipation.

The boy’s parents also reported that their son had not gained any weight in two years. He was attending a special needs school, but upon arrival each day, he would develop anxiety to the point of vomiting excessively. He was getting speach therapy which did not seem to be helping.

A chiropractic examination was performed which rendered a diagnosis of spinal subluxations. The goal of the chiropractic care was to reduce the subluxations through specific chiropractic adjustments in an attempt to reduce the severity of the symptoms the boy was experiencing from his ASD. The initial recommendation was to have the boy seen three times per week for the first two months.

Following the boy’s first adjustment, his parents reported that their son had slept extremely well and that he had been calm for two days straight for the first time ever. Within the first week of care, the boy started making eye contact with the chiropractor and staff and had learned how to give a "high five."

By the third visit, the boy was becoming comfortable with the chiropractor touching him to give the adjustments. The boy’s parents reported improvements in his constipation, behavior, and sleep habits. They also reported that he had been trying to say his first words.

Over a period of 21 additional visits, it was reported that the boy had learned nine new words and was now starting to repeat words he was hearing. As care continued, the boy showed improvements with his constipation, his sleep, his demeanor, and was becoming social and curious with other children.

In the study conclusion, the authors wrote, "The chiropractic care of a 3-year-old patient diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder is presented. Significant improvement in sleeping, behavior, sensitivity to touch, eye contact, hypertonicity of musculature, retained primitive reflexes, vocabulary expansion, and parroting was achieved. It is feasible that chiropractic care can influence Autism Spectrum Disorder…"