Despite the years of research done on the issue, no one knows the exact cause of autism in children. While the symptoms of autism are clear, the causes are not. In fact, most of the proposed causes of autism are considered to be controversial in the medical world. Many have presumed that the cause of autism is only genetic, the results of various surveys and studies show a genetic predisposition and it is accepted that this is not the only explanation. Nonetheless, even the experts admit that genetic factors do not explain autism risk in children. This has prompted many groups to do their own research on the matter, hence the various claims on the causes of autism. For instance, there are a number of studies linking autism to vaccines, while others claim that autism is caused by a problem in a person’s immune system. Dr. Bernard Rimland, PhD, reports “autism is treatable” and proper care may bring a child back to their parents and able to continue with a joyous life.
Then there are groups who say that autism can be caused by food and medical substances, the ones also responsible for causing birth defects. The possibility that autism is not caused by genetics is a significant development on the research against autism. Since medical experts are focused on the fact that autism is due to genetics, they have limited their choices of medications and treatments for autistic children. Those who suffer from autism take psychotropic drugs or medications that affect one’s central nervous system, altering brain functions and undergo therapy to correct a number of symptoms due to autism. But they do not cure autism; instead, they are more like maintenance procedures.
After all, the standing belief today is that autism cannot be helped, it is just something a family has to accept. However, Dr. Brooks, DC, CACCP thinks otherwise through her own experiences. In addition to her pediatric training as a chiropractor she has also trained with Autism Research Institute (DAN!) in both clinician and nutrition training programs. The “DAN” approach is also called the Biomedical approach. The biomedical belief is that more than a genetic illness, autism is a biomedical problem. The Defeat Autism Now project began in 1960s, founded by the Autism Research Institute headed by Dr. Bernard Rimland, PhD. The protocol taught by ARI is a philosophical approach aimed at addressing the biochemical irregularities in one’s body using vitamin supplements, diets, proper lab testing and nutrition. With the irregularities fixed, children can “recover” from autism according to Dr. Rimland. You can read more on the research at www.autism.com.
Dr. Brooks, DC, CACCP will assist patients with the various steps of care, which includes chiropractic, recommending the necessary supplements and improving nutritional status. It is important to coordinate the biomechanical needs of the child too; these are the basics of how we function. She also includes testing for food allergies/sensitivities that can cause complications in children. In all cases Dr. Brooks, DC, CACCP prefers to work in conjunction with other clinicians for better results and continuity of care. To find out more about how your child may be able to be helped and/or for a referral please call our office.
“Autism is Treatable”
According to Dr. Bernard Rimland, PhD and ARI, “autism is treatable”. Prior to 1980 finding autism was rare at 2-5 per 10,000 people. It is now 1 in every 54 boys and 1 per 68 children (CDC, 2014), which is an increase of over 30% from the 2008 CDC report. The rise began after 1984. Evidence suggests there is a strong implication to an environmental component. If researchers can figure out what environmental factors trigger this epidemic, then they may be able to prevent and rid this condition. In her experience, Dr. Brooks, DC, CACCP has seen autism as a symptom of an underlying process that affects the immune system, nervous system, GI system, neurology and the toxicological system.
Autistic children have abnormal detoxification systems and this increases their risk of damage from environmental insults. After conception the fetus may be exposed to toxins and foreign substances. These toxins come from food eaten by the mother, air, medications and vaccinations she may have received. These substances pass through her blood, to the placenta and into the fetal tissue, because the baby has a weak detoxification capacity, the toxins can accumulate rather than be excreted. Once born, the baby continues to be introduced to toxins and chemicals. These could start with medications given during delivery or given prophylactically to the baby in the hospital, such as antibiotics and vaccines given before they leave the hospital. Over the next year the baby comes in contact with new exposures, including breast milk, formula, baby food, other foods, chemicals in the air, soaps, clothes, vaccines, medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen and often antibiotics. Most children handle the exposures without obvious ill effects, but if a child has an abnormal immunological or toxicological system because of genetic factors, risk of injury will be much higher. As the environmental toxins accumulate the struggling immune system can no longer deal with them appropriately and damage occurs. There is not one event that causes a child to become autistic, not every child with autism acts or looks the same, nor is every child treated the same.
Dr. Brooks, DC, CACCP is passionate about helping children with autism and works tirelessly to help these children. She spends the necessary time to learn about each individual child and explain to the parents what is happening with their child and together a care plan evolves. As parents you can rest assure that she will be looking at the ‘whole child’, this is an important step for each person on your team to examine in achieving results. If you only address the symptoms with drugs for example, the underlying issue may go unresolved and the child remains sick. Dr. Brooks, DC, CACCP along with her colleagues have been very successful in the caring for children on the spectrum and understands the challenges faced in each family. She often refers out for speech, occupational and physical therapies and truly sees the value of these therapies. Compassion, understanding and experience are what set her apart from others.
“Autism Care”
At Whole Child Wellness we believe an integrative approach is the key to true health and wellness. In other words, we believe that many symptoms seen in children are caused by a combination of factors that include certain food products and chemicals, as well the combination of external toxins from vaccines or geographic location, a weak immune system, a dysfunctional nervous system and abnormal detoxification.
Dr. Amber Brooks, DC, CACCP integrates nutrition, diet, supplementation, biomechanical and functional methods to help suffering children. Her care plan aims to address the biomechanical and nervous system irregularities in one’s body by using nutritional supplements, chiropractic, natural detoxification, diet changes, digestive enzymes and lab testing. Many have given testimonies that they have seen dramatic developments through working with Dr. Brooks, DC, CACCP. The research on these methods has shown they produce incredible results, you may read more at ARI. Dr. Brooks, DC, CACCP prefers a team approach and works with the parents and other clinicians to set goals and design a care plan, this is the best way to achieve success and support the child through an individualized treatment plan.
The physical, biomechanical or medical issues children often manifest are rarely noted or discussed. Dr. Amber Brooks, DC, CACCP first takes a thorough history, performs an exam and may order tests for typical physical manifestations including biomechanical causes, food allergies, eczema, general gastrointestinal distress, constipation and diarrhea, yeast overgrowth, immune system dysregulation, nervous system imbalance, and sleep disturbances to help looking at the whole child. Biomedical intervention is based on the belief that the psychological symptoms are a product of the physical issues (internal or external) the child is experiencing and that addressing the physical issues will lead to an improvement in those psychological symptoms. Dr. Brooks, DC, CACCP works with the child’s primary care doctor for treatments in conjunction with natural care, nutrition, chiropractic and supplementation.
