get to the source of childhood developmental disorders
TRANSCRIPT
Childhood Developmental Challenges
Host: Dr. Marco Ferrucci
The Chiropractic Source
Special Guest: Dr. Matthew Antonucci Carrick Brain Centers
Understanding Childhood Developmental Challenges
Dr. Robert Melillo – Disconnected Kids
ADD/ADHD/Autism – An Epidemic?!?
Today there are some 16 million children diagnosed with a severe attention, behavioral and learning problems. That’s an alarming 22% of America’s children!! By far the most prevalent childhood disorder throughout the world.
Just 10 years ago, Autism was a rare disorder, with approximately 1 in 10,000 children born in the United States.
Now, 1 out of every 88 child born are diagnosed with Autism.
Breakthroughs in neuroscience now show that Autism, Asperger’s, ADHD and other neurological conditions are in fact, one and the same.
The only difference is the degree to which the Neuraxis is dysfunctional.
Statistics & Facts
Last year, doctors in the US wrote an estimated 20 million prescriptions for RITALIN.
Between 1990 and 1998, the use of Ritalin increased at a staggering rate of 800%, even though it has severe side effects….one that has been well documented as being DEATH!!
This year, 1.5 million children entering school (1 out of every 6 Kindergarteners) will be diagnosed with some type of neurological disorder that affects the ability to learn and socially interact.
In the last 10 years, the number of children in Special Education classes have jumped by an unbelievable 46.9 percent.
Then why haven’t the methods that doctors, psychologists, and behavior specialists use to diagnose and treat these conditions not changed in 50 yrs?!?
Still believe there’s no acknowledged or explainable root cause Still believe there’s no cure for this problem and that it’s genetic Still using medications/drugs that don’t fix the problem, rather just slap a band-aid on the
issue
Getting to A Cause
Multifactorial….so it’s only logical to take a multi-modal treatment approach (use body’s 5 senses)
#1 – Lack of environmental stimuli, leads to lack of proper brain development.
Lack of physical exercise Overweight & obesity Absentee parenting TV & video games Stressful pregnancies/birth Stressful lifestyles Environmental toxins Inadequate/improper nutrition (gluten
and casein)
Genetics Maternal Health Birth Experience Toxin Exposure Early Dysbiosis Barrier Compromise Neglect, Abuse Abnormal Motor Development Trauma Subluxation Hypothyroidism Immune System Medication Exposure Seizure Disorders Neurofibromatosis Sensory Experience
Medical Brain Based Been attempting to treat these
problems since the 1950’s
Medications treat the brain globally, that at best just mask the symptoms of ADD/ADHD
Have suppressive affects on the both hemispheres
More meds prescribed each year, but ADD/ADHD is growing at an alarming rate!!
Recognizes brain asymmetry as the cause of ADD/ADHD (not cortical size, but FOF differences)
Targets certain lobes of the brain as dysfunctional and modalities are targeted to increase their FOF
Drug-free, sensory-motor exercises, dietary changes
We treat your child, not their label
Functional Disconnection Syndrome
Two Differing Models of Care
The Dynamic Nervous System
The Nervous System The Brain makes up the Central Nervous System
(CNS) The Spinal Cord and Spinal Nerves makes up the
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
The Nervous System is responsible for controlling and coordinating all aspects of human function.
Anatomy of the Brain
Brain Stem 3 areas which make up the Brain Stem?
Midbrain (Mesencephalon) Pons Medulla
Cerebellum Lobes of the Brain:
Frontal Lobe Parietal Lobe Temporal Lobe Occipital Lobe
“Floral” Development The “Stem”- The Brain Stem
Responsible for all Primitive Functions Primitive Reflexes, Breathing,
Heart Rate, Blood Pressure, Sleep/Wake Cycles, and the Cranial Nerves
The “Leaves”- The Cerebellum Sometimes called “The Little
Brain” Responsible for Balance and
Coordination, Postural Muscles, and coordinating Eye Movements
The “Flower”- The Upper Centers of Brain 4 Lobes of the Brain
FLOWER
LEAF
STEM
The “Flower”
Frontal Lobe Executive Function, Attention, Impulse
Control, Motivation, and Eye Movement.
Parietal Lobe The human “body map”, Inputs from the
lower portion of our world, and Coordinates pursuit eye movements.
Temporal Lobes Integral part of Speech, Language, and
Memory, Inputs from the upper portion of our world, and is Functionally linked to our Limbic System.
Occipital Lobes Integral part of Vision and Visual
Processing
Functional Disconnection Syndrome (FDS)
Dates back to the late 1800’s when scientists realized that certain neurological conditions are the result of a communication problem between the right and left hemispheres of the brain.
FDS is the cause of all symptoms associated to ADD/ADHD/Autism.
The two hemispheres of the brain are not electrically balanced, or synchronized.
The hemispheres then in turn can’t share and integrate info, not allowing them to function as a whole.
The brain is hence, functionally disconnected.
Fix the disconnect – that is increase the side of the brain that’s not functioning properly – and the symptoms and disorder go away.
Left Brain (Gas pedal) Right Brain (Brake
pedal)
APPROACH!! Small picture Verbal communication Small muscle control Word reading Math calculations Conscious actions Positive emotions High-frequency sound Low-frequency light Linear and logical thinker Curious and impulsive actions Likes routine, sameness Activates immunity
WITHDRAWL!! Big Picture Non-verbal communication Large muscle control Reading comprehension Math reasoning Unconscious actions Negative emotions Low-frequency sound High-frequency light Understanding abstract concepts Cautious and safe actions Likes newness, novelty Suppresses immunity Spatial awareness Social skills
2 Separate Hemispheres, 2 Separate Functions
Right vs Left Brain Weakness
Neuro-Plasticity
Neuroscientists over the last several decades have found the brain to be extremely “plastic”, or having the ability to reach out and make new connections and physically and chemically grow – if given the right stimulation.
This phenomenon has been termed Neuroplasticity.
Brain imaging scans show that when given proper stimulation, the weaker side of the brain will become stronger and faster, and new connections will grow.
This is exactly what a brain balance program does, it targets deficient areas of the brain and applies the proper stimulation to increase its ability to function.
Our Approach to Childhood Developmental Challenges
What do we as Brain-Based Doctors do to help?
Spinal Adjustments Extremity Adjustments Postural Exercises Balance Exercises Eye Exercises Sensory Input (Visual, Auditory, Smell) Dietary/Lifestyle changes Nutritional Supplementation
Special Guest:Dr. Matthew Antonucci
Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist (DACNB)
Fellow of Functional Neurology (FACFN)
Fellow of Childhood Developmental Disorders (FACDD)
Fellow of Vestibular Rehabilitation (FABVR)
Assistant Professor – Carrick Institute
Staff Clinician – Carrick Brain Centers
FAQ
1. Can you briefly elaborate on some of the causes to someone developing an imbalance in brain function?
FAQ
2. What are some of the long term effects of the medications that have been prescribed for so many years?
FAQ
3. Accompanying many of these disorders are behavioral issues. What is your advice for parents dealing with these behavioral issues?
FAQ
4. Many parents think it is something that they did that caused their child to suffer like this, what is your response when you hear parents blame themselves?
FAQ
5. What is one final tip or advise you would want to leave our audience watching?
Thank You!
• QUESTIONS??• Contact Info:
• Dr. Marco Ferrucci• The Chiropractic Source• [email protected]• www.TheChiropracticSource.com
• Dr. Matthew Antonucci• Carrick Brain Centers – Atlanta• [email protected]• www.CarrickBrainCenters.com