Self-help-self-healing

Autism and Neurodevelopmental Issues

Autism and neurodevelopmental issues are an interesting area. Like many I have read the theory about Autism being caused by vaccines and I have seen the behavior in children who did not develop neurologically as they should for various reasons. These two areas while separate seem to overlap and I suspect one is often misdiagnosed for the other. I am not sure of the cause of either and there could be several but I have seen a therapist make remarkable progress by focusing on the behavior as a communication. This communication reveals both neurological development and the lack of it. Neurological development is the mental-physical growth that occurs as we learn to function in this world. Things like sucking, crawling, rolling, walking, eye coordination and so forth all fit into normal mental development. As you do these basic things your body learns about the relationship to your flesh and the outer world or how to coordinate the muscles for balance or even going to the bathroom. Think of this early time as the foundation for the more complex mental activities needed for today's society. However, if for some reason a child does not fully develop these skills he/she can develop compensating behavior. This compensating behavior is often less efficient and requires more energy. It could be walking odd (too much sensory stimulation to the foot) or avoiding the outside (too much visual stimulation) or avoiding loud circumstances (too much auditory stimulation). For many the difficulties become hidden in behavior (staying in dark areas-avoiding light)(unable to attend class-too much stimulation)(cautious about movement-balance or spatial issues)(slouching-low muscle tone)(restless leg or body, rocking the head, rocking the chair, dropping to the ground etc.-need for vestibular stimulation-inner ear) and the list goes on. You can read an excellent overview from the Handle Organization Real Reasons Kids Do Not Learn

Now imagine that for the average person it takes X amount of energy to listen to a lecture, watch a program or study. However, the person, who is compensating for their need to complete or balance this activity needs 2X, 3X, or 10X amount of energy just to stay focused. He/she will get tired faster and often not do as well because it takes so much for them to do this process. Many children struggle in school because the demands exceed their inner ability to compensate for their learning coping disabilities.

I have seen one organization who work very well with these challenges and I recommend anyone dealing with this process check out the HANDLE Organization. I became aware of the Handle group many years ago due to my wife. Her brother had experienced a traumatic brain injury when he was around 16 years old about 20 years ago. In doing research to find someone good with restorative therapy she came across the Handle group. She arranged for her brother to be evaluated and later to have a treatment program. They were efficient and quick with a thorough evaluation and the suggested natural regime brought him rapid improvement. My wife went on to work with them in many ways so I have incidentally seen some impressive work and I highly recommend them.

If I had a child who showed these patterns of behavior and if I had limited resources I would do the following until I could get a professional involved.

First, clean up the diet, shift food and drink consumption away from sugars and preservatives. Many children simply do not tolerate high sugar intake and many are very sensitive to the preservatives used in food. Their behavior can be an inner irritation aimed outside. Covering their ears not eating foods an so forth are often communications that those things are very irritating to them. Gracefully rebuilding the proper systems reduces this irritation allowing them to live a more normal life. Do this as gracefully as you can but in a way that can be permanent. Discover fruits and vegtables as natural as you can as healthy as you can. Use your creative thinking to find ways to make healthy snacks and meals.

Second, locate a good natural based vitamin supplement capsule or powder. Many of the supplement powders can easily be mixed in drinks, milk etc. This eliminates any nutritional need issues. Children as they grow often have high nutritional needs and processed foods simply are empty when it comes to nutritional value. It is cheap insurance and will only add to the health of your child.

Third, get them a crazy straw. Sucking through a crazy straw give the vestibular system a workout and this is very important for this group of children or adults since many of them benefit from vestibular work. The vestibular system (inner ear) is, from our early development, linked to muscles, balance and a variety of body functions. Often we grow without fully developing this reflex which is deeply involved in the control of far more than just balance. The crazy straw is a convenient way to further this development. Be sure to rinse and shake or blow it dry after use. Four to eight ounces would be enough use for a single day. Seniors can benefit from this because doing this will strengthen all the spherical muscles improving bowel and bladder constrol plus balance.

Fourth, learn/teach them cross crawling. It is simple raise opposite limbs such as left arm and right leg then right arm left leg do 10 reps per side twice a day. Think of an X pattern so you are working limbs from opposite sides of the body. This causes the brain to integrate and work both hemispheres together. This will improve many mental functions reducing reaction time and making learning easier. This alone can be amazing but done with the other suggestions and you have a start.

Fifth, have them checked by a chiropractor or physical therapist (the medical answer to the chiropractor. The Cayce Readings done for children with these behaviors showed spinal issues that were correctable if done by a qualified practitioner. In summary the reading saw inbalances in energy that caused the person to be irritated then would lead to out bursts beyond the control of the person. Correcting the spinal and dietary issues promoted healthy energy (neurological reflexes) which in turn bring about more normal behavior.

Last, I would see my child as healthy and whole a true image of the Creator. I would never let the moment freeze I would always gently push for a better more beautiful day. In time with consistent effort I would expect my child to find their way in a good Universe. When someone is sick you do not pray thinking of them sick you see them healed. Here, in this situation, your verbal and nonverbal communication must always say you can do this you have a good life here. I would have faith that the resources would come and I would work with whatever I had to that end.

Make a game of any or all of this so it is fun do not strain or push. Be patient, loving and consistent then you will be surprised what can be accomplished.