Utah County Chiropractic

Study of Spinal Manipulative Therapy for Neck-Related Headaches

Frank — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 15:46:45 +0000

SOURCE: National Institute of Health’s
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Previous research suggests that spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) may be helpful for various types of chronic headaches, including cervicogenic headache (CGH), which is associated with neck pain and dysfunction. In a recent randomized controlled trial, NCCAM-funded researchers from Western States Chiropractic College and other institutions evaluated the dose (number of treatments) and relative efficacy of SMT in a group of 80 patients with chronic CGH.

The study participants were assigned to an SMT group or a control group, which received light massage. Participants in both groups received treatments from chiropractors in 10-minute sessions either once or twice a week for 8 weeks, for a total of 8 or 16 treatments. Participants who were treated only once a week also had weekly examination visits, which included a discussion of the patient’s condition followed by a manual examination, as a control for provider contact/attention. Researchers used pain and disability scales to evaluate the participants’ response to treatment once every 4 weeks for 24 weeks. They also asked subjects about the number of headaches experienced.

Compared with massage, participants receiving SMT had greater improvements in CGH-related pain and disability, lasting to 24 weeks. These differences were clinically important and statistically significant. The dose effects of SMT treatments (i.e., differences between 8 and 16 treatments) were small but significant. The mean number of headaches reported by SMT subjects decreased by more than half during the study.

The researchers concluded that their findings support SMT as a viable option for treating CGH, but also point out that these findings should be considered preliminary. They suggest additional research to determine whether SMT results for patients with CGH are affected by treatment intensity and duration, use of other therapies, lifestyle changes, and an integrative care approach.

Reference:

Dose response and efficacy of spinal manipulation for chronic cervicogenic headache: a pilot randomized controlled trial
Spine Journal. 2010 (Feb); 10 (2): 117–128

"I Think My Kid Is Autistic" (and what to do about it)

autism — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 08:35:18 +0000

Now that kids are back to school, it's a certainty that some parents are hearing about <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://autism.about.com/od/earlysignsofautism/a/redflags.htm">"red flags"</a> from their preschool and kindergarten teachers. Maybe their child isn't attending as he should, can't manage circle time, is lining toys up in rows, or can't seem to interact socially. Maybe their child's language skills are underdeveloped, or their child has a tough time with loud noises and bright lights. Whatever the issues may be, parents out there are wondering "is my child autistic? and if so - what do I do about it?" Of course, if you really have concerns about your child, an important first step is to set up a <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://autism.about.com/od/whatisautism/a/screendx.htm">screening - or, in some cases, a full scale evaluation</a>. Based on the outcomes, you will almost certainly find that some form of <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://autism.about.com/od/treatmentoptions/tp/topdevandbehav.htm">therapy</a> (usually speech, occupational and/or physical therapy) will be recommended (even for relatively mild developmental delays), and often provided free of charge. If your child is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, of course, you'll want to learn about more therapies and options - but it may be a long wait (sometimes as long as ten months) before you get your evaluation and diagnosis. What do you do in the meantime? Fortunately, there are options available that not only can't hurt, but might very well help your child - whether or not he or she winds up with an autism diagnosis. Even better, several are free (assuming you're willing to buy a book or video and spend quality time with your child!). My top recommendations for parents concerned about their child who is not yet diagnosed with autism: <ul> <li>Read Stanley Greenspan's "Engaging Autism," and get started with <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://autism.about.com/od/developmentaltreatments/a/floortimeplay.htm">Floortime developmental play</a></li> <li> Read "Talkability" by Fern Sussman, which describes the very parent-friendly <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://autism.about.com/od/booksabouttreatingautism/gr/talkability.htm">Hanen approach</a> to speech and social therapy.</li> </ul> In addition, you might want to take a peek at these articles on my Autism at About.com Website: <ul> <li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://autism.about.com/od/diagnosingautisminkids/f/waitfordx.htm">Should I Wait to Have My Child Diagnosed with Autism?</a></li> <li><a onclick="gs='while waiting';ch='term';zT(this,'3/1bc')" href="http://autism.about.com/od/diagnosingautisminkids/p/waitingfordx.htm">What Should I Do While I Wait for an Autism Diagnosis?</a></li> </ul><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://autism.about.com/b/2010/09/04/i-think-my-kid-is-autistic-and-what-to-do-about-it.htm">"I Think My Kid Is Autistic" (and what to do about it)</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://autism.about.com/">About.com Autism</a> on Saturday, September 4th, 2010 at 08:35:18.<a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://autism.about.com/b/2010/09/04/i-think-my-kid-is-autistic-and-what-to-do-about-it.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://autism.about.com/b/2010/09/04/i-think-my-kid-is-autistic-and-what-to-do-about-it.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://autism.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://autism.about.com/b/2010/09/04/i-think-my-kid-is-autistic-and-what-to-do-about-it.htm&zItl="I Think My Kid Is Autistic" (and what to do about it)">Email this</a>

Neck Pain Commentaries: Part 4

Frank — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 14:17:37 +0000

We conclude this series by reviewing a brilliant group of 3 consecutive studies comparing popular forms of treatment for chronic spinal pain (NSAID use, acupuncture, and spinal adjusting).

Editorial Commentary:

Lynton G.F. Giles, DC, PhD, a researcher at the National Unit for Multidisciplinary Studies of Spinal Pain at the University of Queensland, published the first of 3 studies in 1999. This pilot study involved 77 patients who reported to the Townsville General Hospital, Queensland, Australia with complaints of chronic spinal pain (either neck, mid back or low back). These patients were randomized to receive either NSAIDs, acupuncture, or spinal adjusting as the active form of treatment. [1]

Care was provided for 4 weeks, followed by assessment of improvement. The outcome measures included: (1) Oswestry Back Pain Disability Index, (2) Neck Disability Index, and (3) three visual analogue scales of local pain intensity. After the period of 30 days, the spinal manipulation group was the only intervention that achieved statistically significant improvements.

The second trial, published in 2003 in SPINE involved 115 patients randomized to the 3 treatment groups. Outcome assessment was gathered at baseline, and at 2, 5, and 9 weeks after the beginning of treatment. [2] Spinal adjusting again yielded the highest proportion of early (asymptomatic status) recovery, and the best overall improvements at 9 weeks. The results again demonstrated that patients with chronic spinal pain, manipulation, if not contraindicated, resulted in greater short-term improvement than acupuncture or medication.

The third study, published in 2005 involved follow-up of the same cohort of patients from the 2nd study, with a remarkable 90% retention rate. [3] Using the same outcome instruments they found that, of the 3 randomized treatments, only spinal manipulation had provided broad-based beneficial short-term and long-term benefits from care.

The article stated: “This is, to the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report on long-term efficacy of 3 distinct and standardized treatment regimens for patients with chronic spinal pain syndromes using a “fastidious” approach; that is, the only type of study from which potentially valid inferences of cause and effect can directly be drawn.”

He went on to state that: “Chronic mechanical spinal pain syndromes are prevalent conditions that tend to create a cluster of related problems reaching from withdrawal from social activity to a compromised immune function. The associated resulting direct and indirect costs in industrialized communities are vast.”

This concludes our series of Editorials about Kaisers decision to stop paying for chiropractic cervical adjusting. It should be obvious that their choice to reduce coverage was based upon financial incentives rather than any evidence that cervical spinal manipulation lacks benefit or safety.

The Chiropractic and Chronic Neck Pain page contains many other valid studies demonstrating the vast superiority of chiropractic care over standard medical approaches for managing chronic spinal pain syndromes. If you are aware of any other studies we failed to include on this page, please notify me at Frankp@chiro.org so we can correct that oversight.

REFERENCES:

1. Chronic Spinal Pain Syndromes: A Clinical Pilot Trial Comparing Acupuncture, A Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug, and Spinal Manipulation
J Manipulative Physiol Ther 1999 (Jul); 22 (6): 376–381
www.chiro.org/research/ABSTRACTS/Medication_Acupuncture_and_Spinal_Manipulation_Pilot.shtml

2. Chronic Spinal Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Medication, Acupuncture, and Spinal Manipulation
Spine 2003 (Jul 15); 28 (14): 1490–1502
www.chiro.org/research/ABSTRACTS/Medication_Acupuncture_and_Spinal_Manipulation.shtml

3. Long-term Follow-up of a Randomized Clinical Trial Assessing the Efficacy of Medication, Acupuncture, and Spinal Manipulation for Chronic Mechanical Spinal Pain Syndromes
J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2005 (Jan); 28 (1): 3–11
www.chiro.org/research/ABSTRACTS/Medication_Acupuncture_and_Spinal_Manipulation_Follow_up.shtml

Autism Parents: Are You Alone Among the Lonely?

autism — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 09:25:59 +0000

There's no doubt that autism can be a very isolating disorder. A child with an autism spectrum disorder may make it very tough for families to engage in ordinary activities, from Thanksgiving with the grandparents to soccer with the community. What's more, parents may feel that their friends and family are uncomfortable with their child, critical of their parenting, or deliberately clueless about what it means to raise a child with a developmental challenge. In theory, autism parents should be able to turn to other autism parents for help, support and understanding. Sometimes, this works out well. Often, though, there are serious splits within the autism parent community itself - and those splits can create an even greater sense of isolation. And, as blog commenter Gretchen notes, "Feeling isolated within an isolated community sort of sucks." What causes the splits? Sometimes, it's the reality that autism is such a broad ranging diagnosis. It's hard indeed for parents of children with severe intellectual, behavioral and speech issues to connect on a practical level with parents of children with mild or non-existent intellectual, behavioral or speech issues. The fact that all these families have kids with social/communication delays becomes insignificant when one parent is worried about potty training a sixteen-year-old while the other is working on college prep and independent living skills. Perhaps even more significant are the controversies over treatment. Yes, all parents of kids with autism are looking for effective therapies for their children. But tempers flare when parent X insists ABA is the key to success while parent Y advocates for Floortime and parent Z is certain that only special diets and biomedical intervention can make a significant impact on autistic symptoms. With autism, the arguments rarely end with a smile and a "well, we all do what we feel is best for our kids." In part this is because each group really, honestly believes that their approach is far more likely to be helpful - and in some cases parents feel that different approaches can actually be hurtful. Few parents feel comfortable saying, in essence, "well, that's great, you should go ahead and provide your child with a treatment that won't make a positive difference and could actually be harmful." In practice, while parents can work together on specific projects (walks for fundraising, advocating for better adult services, etc.), it's common indeed to feel isolated on a personal level from other autism parents. Do you feel isolated from other autism parents? How do you cope? <ul> <li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://autism.about.com/od/copingwithautism/f/isolationadvice.htm">How Can Families with Autistic Children Find Support?</a></li> <li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://autism.about.com/od/faqs/f/familysupport.htm">How Do I Get the Support I Need from My Family?</a></li> <li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://autism.about.com/od/copingwithautism/f/isolationadvice.htm">How Can a Family with an Autistic Child Find Support and Friends?</a></li> <li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://autism.about.com/od/copingwithautism/a/talkfriends.htm">When Friends or Family Members Have an Autistic Child</a></li> </ul><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://autism.about.com/b/2010/09/03/autism-parents-are-you-alone-among-the-lonely.htm">Autism Parents: Are You Alone Among the Lonely?</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://autism.about.com/">About.com Autism</a> on Friday, September 3rd, 2010 at 09:25:59.<a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://autism.about.com/b/2010/09/03/autism-parents-are-you-alone-among-the-lonely.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://autism.about.com/b/2010/09/03/autism-parents-are-you-alone-among-the-lonely.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://autism.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://autism.about.com/b/2010/09/03/autism-parents-are-you-alone-among-the-lonely.htm&zItl=Autism Parents: Are You Alone Among the Lonely?">Email this</a>

Neck Pain Commentaries: Part 3

Frank — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:16:57 +0000

Today we will review a trial that Kaiser’s reviewers obviously ignored so that they could deny benefits for cervical adjusting.

Editorial Commentary:

First off, this article should have been very easy for their reviewers to find. Look at the title:

“The Benefits Outweigh the Risks for Patients Undergoing Chiropractic Care for Neck Pain”

This study was a prospective, multicenter, observational cohort study. Patients with neck pain of any duration, who fulfilled the inclusion criteria, were recruited in a practice-based study. Data were collected on the patients and from the chiropractors at baseline, the first 3 visits, and at 3 and 12 months. Clinical outcome measures included (1) neck pain in the 24 hours preceding the visit, (2) neck disability, (3) treatment satisfaction, (4) global assessment, and (5) adverse events.

529 subjects were involved in the trial, under the care of 79 different chiropractors. Follow-up was possible for 90% and 92%, respectively, at 3 and 12 months. It should be noted that most patients in this study had chronic, recurrent complaints; mild to moderate disability of the neck; and a mild amount of pain at baseline.

Approximately half of these patients reported they were recovered by their 4th visit, and approximately two thirds of them reported sustained benefit during followup at 3 and at 12 months.

The researchers found that although some patients report mild and brief adverse responses after the first few visits, that a large percentage of the patients report recovery, particularly in the long term.

The natural (and only) conclusion from this trial is that the benefits of chiropractic care for neck pain certainly seem to outweigh any potential risks.

Neck Pain Commentaries: Part 2

Frank — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 21:47:06 +0000

Our ongoing series of Editorials continues by reviewing what’s known about neck pain, and the success or failure of specific treatment approaches.

Editorial Commentary:

Today we will answer the question:

“Is Patient Advice Adequate for the Management of Neck Pain?”

The first article we will discuss is a Cochrane Database review [1] to assess whether patient education strategies, either alone or in combination with other treatments, are of benefit for pain, function, global perceived effect, quality of life, or patient satisfaction, in adults with neck pain with and without radiculopathy.

Researchers at McMaster University reviewed 10 high quality trials and found that “advice to activate, advice on stress coping skills, and neck schools” provided no additional benefits for patients suffering from acute or chronic neck pain, with or without radiculopathy. A more in-depth review of these studies was just published in the 8-26-2010 edition of Dynamic Chiropractic by the esteemed author Arthur Croft, DC, MS, MPH, FACO. [2]

Meanwhile, researchers at McMaster University reviewed 88 randomized clinical trials on neck pain, and concluded that “exercise combined with mobilization/manipulation, exercise alone, and intramuscular lidocaine for chronic mechanical neck disorders; intravenous glucocorticoid for acute whiplash associated disorders; and low-level laser therapy demonstrated either intermediate or longterm benefits.” [3]

That’s a far cry from Kaiser’s contention that cervical adjusting (manipulation) provides no benefit.

REFERENCES:

1. Patient education for neck pain with or without radiculopathy
Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2009 (Jan 21); (1): CD005106
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19160247

2. Is Advice Alone Adequate for the Management of Neck Pain?
Dynamic Chiropractic ~ August 26, 2010

3. Conservative management of mechanical neck disorders: a systematic review
J Rheumatol. 2007 (May); 34 (5): 1083-102. Epub 2007 Jan 15
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17295434

Neck Pain Commentaries: Part 1

Frank — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 19:02:40 +0000

As a response to the actions of Kaiser, we will be publishing a series of editorials to review the alternatives, if chiropractic is eliminated from coverage. Informed Consent includes the process of reviewing the safety and efficacy of alternative forms of treatment. So let’s compare medicine’s success with resolving neck pain with chiropractic’s. I hope you will find these reviews of interest.

Editorial Commentary:

A recent balanced article in the Feb 13, 2008 issue of JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) revealed that between 1997 and 2005, the costs for “standard medical management” of spinal pain syndromes (both neck and back) increased by an inflation-adjusted 63%, while measurable outcomes for physical functioning, work or school limitations, and social limitations among adults actually declined. During this same period, there was also an overall increase in the number of individuals who experienced neck or back pain (from 20.7% to 24.7%).

During this same time period, the inclusion of a chiropractic benefit within a large managed care program (observed over a 4-year period) resulted in significant savings, as well as a reduction in the rates of surgery, and unnecessary use of advanced imaging, inpatient care, and plain-film radiographs.

These 2 studies, along with many similar findings, make it apparent that chiropractic should be the FIRST choice of management for people experiencing musculoskeletal complaints. If you doubt that, then please review this editorial, titled: End the Medical Mis-Management of Musculoskeletal Complaints

You may want to refer to the Cost-Effectiveness Page or the Patient Satisfaction Page for many more articles on this topic.

Physical Illness and Autism: What’s the Connection?

autism — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 07:57:28 +0000

I've been the About.com Guide to Autism since 2006. Since I began writing about autism, the same questions have plagued our community - is there a "real" rise in autism? do environmental toxins cause autism, and if so which ones? - and debate has raged. In fact, of course, as parents we don't have real answers to these population-based questions; we only have the studies that seem to contradict one another at every turn. There is, however, one question which we can answer from our personal, individual experience. That is - are children with autism sicker than other children? If so, what does that mean to our definition of autism itself and how it should be thought of and treated? As with all things autism-related, of course, the answer to that question varies from person to person. Some people with autism are very sick indeed; others are perfectly healthy - but do have the social/communications delays which presently define autism spectrum disorders. As a non-scientist, I have no claim to "truth" relative to this issue. I can say my own son - like many other kids I know with autism - seems not only healthy, but sometimes healthier than many other youngsters in our community. In addition, I can say that I honestly never saw a regression in my son; rather, I saw a slowing of development in certain areas. Tom's development continues to be slower than it should be, and he has serious problems with social communication. But he isn't sick; never has been; and he has developed new skills slowly and steadily throughout his childhood. Yet I personally have met many parents who have spent unending hours in the emergency room with their children on the autism spectrum, and I've certainly read many books and anecdotes about extreme physical illness in young children on the autism spectrum. The vast majority of those kids seem to have the same issues, too: explosive, uncontrollable diarrhea or vomiting, seizures, severe sleep issues, and serious skin problems. Many of the families I've met with autistic kids who have significant health problems describe their children as having developed typically until a sudden regression not only undermined their speech and social skills but also destroyed their health. One day, parents say, their child was a healthy, happy, chatting two year old; the next he was in the emergency room with a high fever, seizures, or other major problems. From that time forward, parents say, their child was never fully functional or truly well again. There's been much debate about the question of "regressive autism," which is not an actual diagnosis within the autism spectrum. Video and anecdote suggest that the disorder is real, but there are also those who say they can see subtle signs of autism in very early videos of children who then "regressed." Part of the debate, of course, swirls around the question of whether regression, assuming it is real, occurred as a result of particular vaccinations. Based on my own knowledge and research, it seems reasonable to me to suggest that we are actually looking at multiple disorders that happen to share certain symptoms. Yes, all of our kids have social communication delays and challenges - but they seem to have very different sets of physical symptoms. I can't help but wonder whether those children who suddenly wound up in an emergency room at age two, and continue to have serious physical and developmental symptoms, are suffering from something very different than the "autism spectrum disorder" that affects my son and youngsters like him. Does your child with autism have physical symptoms? <script src="http://guidepolls.about.com/autism/2542011085/poll.js?linkback=<!--#echo var=">// <![CDATA[ "> // ]]></script> <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://autism.about.com/b/2010/08/31/physical-illness-and-autism-whats-the-connection.htm">Physical Illness and Autism: What's the Connection?</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://autism.about.com/">About.com Autism</a> on Tuesday, August 31st, 2010 at 07:57:28.<a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://autism.about.com/b/2010/08/31/physical-illness-and-autism-whats-the-connection.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://autism.about.com/b/2010/08/31/physical-illness-and-autism-whats-the-connection.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://autism.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://autism.about.com/b/2010/08/31/physical-illness-and-autism-whats-the-connection.htm&zItl=Physical Illness and Autism: What's the Connection?">Email this</a>

Kaiser, Chiropractic, and Chronic Neck Pain

Frank — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 17:06:20 +0000

Editorial Commentary:

I’m not enrolled in any of the Kaiser provider panels, so I have no vested interest in challenging their actions, but any time one Insurance Company explores a novel new way to reduce their costs, there’s always the chance that others will follow. Because Kaiser opened the conversation, asking whether chiropractic care actually provides benefits for those with neck pain, I draw your attention to the research we have gathered.

The Chiropractic and Chronic Neck Pain page contains numerous articles about the etiology of neck pain, as well as gathering many clinical trials, which have demonstrated the power of chiropractic management for neck pain.

The first study I’d like to draw your attention to is a paper published in the Archives of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (2005). Although this study is not specific to neck pain per-se, the results, published by several M.D.s and a Ph.D. from the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine is still most interesting.

Questionnaires were given to several hundred recruited patients who experienced severe neuromusculoskeletal (NMS) pain. The researchers used a broad selection of assessment tools, including Pain presence or absence, pain severity, pain quality (Neuropathic Pain Scale), pain interference (Brief Pain Inventory), pain site, quality of life (Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey [SF-36]), and the form of pain treatment used by the patient.

The following table tabulates the type of treatment each patient used, followed by the average pain relief they experienced from that treatment. It’s rated on a classical 1-10 scale, with 1 meaning little or no relief, and 10 suggesting complete pain relief. The results are quite staggering:

Pain Treatment	Average Pain Relief
Chiropractic manipulation	7.33
Nerve blocks	6.75
Opioid analgesics	6.37
Muscle relaxants	5.78
Massage	5.48
Acupuncture	5.29
Ibuprofen	5.22
Hypnosis	5.00
Physical therapy	4.54
Acetaminophen	4.11
Magnets	3.13

It may be hard for organized medicine to swallow, but this study revealed that chiropractic care was more effective for pain relief than nerve blocks, opioid analgesics , muscle relaxants, physical therapy, or acetaminophen (in that order). That’s pretty powerful stuff, isn’t it?

I have great respect for these authors because, even though the results were not very complementary to standard medical treatment (pain pills, muscle relaxants and physical therapy), they published the article anyway. Who’s to say how many other similar studies may never have made it to publication because they contained comparable findings?

I hope you will spend some time reviewing the materials on the Chiropractic and Chronic Neck Pain page. If you know of other studies that we failed to include on this page, please e-mail me at Frankp@chiro.org so I can correct the oversight.

Seeking an Iphone and/or Ipad Owner to Review Autism Friendly Apps

autism — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 14:03:39 +0000

ISO a parent or therapist who has the technology and writing experience to review iphone/ipad apps for people with autism. Interested? Contact me at autism.guide@about.com!<a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://autism.about.com/b/2010/08/30/seeking-an-iphone-andor-ipad-owner-to-review-autism-friendly-apps.htm">Seeking an Iphone and/or Ipad Owner to Review Autism Friendly Apps</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://autism.about.com/">About.com Autism</a> on Monday, August 30th, 2010 at 14:03:39.<a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://autism.about.com/b/2010/08/30/seeking-an-iphone-andor-ipad-owner-to-review-autism-friendly-apps.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://autism.about.com/b/2010/08/30/seeking-an-iphone-andor-ipad-owner-to-review-autism-friendly-apps.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://autism.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://autism.about.com/b/2010/08/30/seeking-an-iphone-andor-ipad-owner-to-review-autism-friendly-apps.htm&zItl=Seeking an Iphone and/or Ipad Owner to Review Autism Friendly Apps">Email this</a>

2010 Virtual ADHD Conference

add — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 13:22:12 +0000

<A HREF="http://www.profcs.com/app/?Clk=3890620"><IMG SRC="http://www.adhdconference.com/banners/VAC_300x130.png" ALT="Virtual AD/HD Conference" WIDTH="300" HEIGHT="130" border=0></A> <img src="http://www.profcs.com/app/?Imp=3890620" width="0" height="0" border="0">  I am very excited to let you know about the upcoming <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://www.profcs.com/app/?af=1211486">Virtual ADHD Conference</a> on October 4-6, 2010. This event is for everyone affected by ADHD, including adults, parents, spouses, and professionals. The Virtual ADHD Conference is a unique event that brings the top experts in ADHD directly to you. You can choose to attend sessions live via telephone or webcast, or just listen to the recordings later on. There will also be plenty of opportunities to interact with others like you in dedicated discussion forums. KEYNOTE SPEAKERS: Edward "Ned" Hallowell, M.D. and Patricia Quinn, M.D. SPOTLIGHT SESSION: Interview with Peter Shankman PRESENTERS: Day 1 Ari Tuckman, PsyD, MBA Six Simple Rules: Fundamental Strategies to Overcome Inattention, Hyperactivity, and Impulsivity Rory Stern, PsyD Raising A Happy, Responsible Child With AD/HD Ronda Stone, MA, LMHC Anxious Kids, Anxious Parents Linda Anderson, MA, MCC Prioritizing the Stuff of Life Stephanie Moulton Sarkis, PhD, NCC, LMHC AD/HD and Money: Financial Pitfalls and Solutions Wilma Fellman, M.Ed AD/HD in the Workplace: Issues, Strategies, and Building a Plan for Success Edward "Ned" Hallowell, MD & Sue George Hallowell, LICSW 5 Steps to Creating the Best Possible Marriage with AD/HD Day 2 Charles Parker, DO Precise Solutions for AD/HD Treatment Options: Medication and Beyond Keath Low, MA Parenting the Siblings of AD/HD Children Sarah D. Wright, MS, ACT Teens Need Help, Too Sheryl K. Pruitt, M.Ed, ET/P So You Expect Them to Leave Home? Transitioning from High School David Giwerc, MCC The Power of the Pause: The Difference Between Reacting Impulsively and Responding Rationally Kenny Handelman, MD Medications for AD/HD and Co-Existing Conditions Patricia Quinn, MD Change Your Perspective for Success with AD/HD Day 3 Mark Bertin, MD Mindfulness-Based Interventions in AD/HD Care Susan Leavitt Miller AD/HD and Bullying Jodi Sleeper-Triplett, MCC, SCAC Empowering College Students with AD/HD Tara McGillicuddy, SCAC Effective Self-Advocacy Strategies for Adults and Teens with AD/HD Becca Colao, MA, SCAC Deepening Social Connections Bonnie Mincu, MA, MBA, SCAC Overwhelmed! Techniques to Break Through Mental Paralysis Peter Shankman, CEO, Entrepreneur, Adventurist Spotlight Interview To learn more about the conference, review the full conference agenda, and listen to podcast previews of some of the sessions click on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu= http://www.profcs.com/app/?af=1211486">2010 VIRTUAL ADHD CONFERENCE</a> <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://add.about.com/b/2010/08/30/2010-virtual-adhd-conference.htm">2010 Virtual ADHD Conference </a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://add.about.com/">About.com ADD / ADHD</a> on Monday, August 30th, 2010 at 13:22:12.<a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://add.about.com/b/2010/08/30/2010-virtual-adhd-conference.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://add.about.com/b/2010/08/30/2010-virtual-adhd-conference.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://add.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://add.about.com/b/2010/08/30/2010-virtual-adhd-conference.htm&zItl=2010 Virtual ADHD Conference ">Email this</a>

Am I at Risk for Adult ADHD?

add — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 13:14:05 +0000

<img src=" http://0.tqn.com/d/add/1/0/s/7/-/-/blogLouisFoxPhotodisc.jpg "hspace="5" align="right"> Adult ADHD is a very common, yet too often unrecognized condition. Many adults have been living with impairing symptoms of ADHD without accurately identifying the cause. Instead, difficulties may be attributed to stress or other concerns. As a result, many adults continue to live life undiagnosed, untreated -- and unhappy. If you think you may be living with adult ADHD but are unsure, there is a self-screening questionnaire that you can use to determine your risk. Click on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://add.about.com/od/signsandsymptoms/qt/ASRS-Screener.htm ">Adult Self-Report Scale Screener </a> to learn more. Louis Fox/Photodisc <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://add.about.com/b/2010/08/30/am-i-at-risk-for-adult-adhd.htm">Am I at Risk for Adult ADHD?</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://add.about.com/">About.com ADD / ADHD</a> on Monday, August 30th, 2010 at 13:14:05.<a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://add.about.com/b/2010/08/30/am-i-at-risk-for-adult-adhd.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://add.about.com/b/2010/08/30/am-i-at-risk-for-adult-adhd.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://add.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://add.about.com/b/2010/08/30/am-i-at-risk-for-adult-adhd.htm&zItl=Am I at Risk for Adult ADHD?">Email this</a>

Helping Kids With ADHD

add — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 13:11:35 +0000

<img src="http://0.tqn.com/d/add/1/0/m/5/-/-/stockbyteBlog.jpg "hspace="5" align="middle"> Children with ADHD have a greater than average need for stimulation. They do best with an engaging active school and home environment. Boredom can lead to problems as a child attempts to meet this need for stimulation in disruptive ways. Read more about: <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://add.about.com/od/schoolissues/a/Sydney-Zentall.htm">Helping Children With ADHD</a> Photo © Stockbyte <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://add.about.com/b/2010/08/30/helping-kids-with-adhd.htm">Helping Kids With ADHD</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://add.about.com/">About.com ADD / ADHD</a> on Monday, August 30th, 2010 at 13:11:35.<a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://add.about.com/b/2010/08/30/helping-kids-with-adhd.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://add.about.com/b/2010/08/30/helping-kids-with-adhd.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://add.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://add.about.com/b/2010/08/30/helping-kids-with-adhd.htm&zItl=Helping Kids With ADHD">Email this</a>

What Do You Know About Autism?

autism — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 07:16:44 +0000

Share your knowledge, questions and insights on the <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://www.facebook.com/AutismAtAboutDotCom">Autism at About.com Facebook page</a>. A few of the issues now under discussion: <ul> <li>Do you provide your own child's autism therapy at home? What do you provide - and how do you get the information, training and support you need?</li> <li>I'm investigating technologies that might help my son to build his academic competence and independence. Here's where I've gotten so far...</li> <li> Have you used concerta for your child with autism? have you experienced a change in sensory issues?</li> <li> How well do your relatives connect with you or your child with autism? Are you pleased or anxious when it's time to get together?</li> </ul> Come take a look, and if you find something that interests you - <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://www.facebook.com/AutismAtAboutDotCom">join the page and join the conversation!</a><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://autism.about.com/b/2010/08/30/what-do-you-know-about-autism.htm">What Do You Know About Autism?</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://autism.about.com/">About.com Autism</a> on Monday, August 30th, 2010 at 07:16:44.<a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://autism.about.com/b/2010/08/30/what-do-you-know-about-autism.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://autism.about.com/b/2010/08/30/what-do-you-know-about-autism.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://autism.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://autism.about.com/b/2010/08/30/what-do-you-know-about-autism.htm&zItl=What Do You Know About Autism?">Email this</a>

School Resources for Parents of Kids with Autism

autism — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 09:27:07 +0000

If you think my website is loaded with information and resources, it's nothing compared to Teri Mauro's <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://specialchildren.about.com">About.com Guide to Special Children</a>. Of course, Teri's site focuses on a whole range of special needs, but her hints, tips, resources and ideas for parents of kids with autism are outstanding. Here are just a few of her offerings for parents of kids with autism who are trying their level best to work productively with the local school district: <ul> <li><a onclick="gs='autism school';ch='term';zT(this,'3/1bc')" href="http://specialchildren.about.com/od/autismspectrumdisorders/a/ASDschool.htm">Preparing the School for Your Child with Autism</a></li> <li><a onclick="gs='autism school';ch='term';zT(this,'3/1bc')" href="http://specialchildren.about.com/b/2005/08/24/back-to-school-with-autism.htm">Back to school with autism</a></li> <li><a onclick="gs='autism school';ch='term';zT(this,'3/1bc')" href="http://specialchildren.about.com/od/specialeducation/qt/behaviorplan.htm">Write Your Own Behavior Plan</a></li> </ul> Have your own hints, tips or insights to share? Share them by clicking on the links below and adding your thoughts to the Autism at About.com website. <ul> <li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=/u/ua/schoolandsummer/Autism-Iep-Autism-And-The-Iep-Your-Tips-Requested">Autism and the IEP: Your Tips</a></li> <li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://autism.about.com/u/sty/allaboutspecialeducation/restraintseclusion/form.htm">Dealing with Restraint and Seclusion in School</a></li> <li><a onclick="gs='review';ch='term';zT(this,'3/1bc')" href="http://autism.about.com/u/reviews/schoolandsummer/Review-Public-Schools-Autism-Programs/form.htm">Review Your Autistic Child's Public School Program</a></li> <li><a id="url5618" href="http://autism.about.com/u/reviews/preschoolandautis1/Review-Autism-Preschools/form.htm" target="_BLANK">Review Your Autistic Child's Private School Program</a></li> </ul> <h3><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://www.facebook.com/AutismAtAboutDotCom">Join the conversation on the Autism at About.com Facebook Page!</a> </h3><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://autism.about.com/b/2010/08/28/school-resources-for-parents-of-kids-with-autism.htm">School Resources for Parents of Kids with Autism</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://autism.about.com/">About.com Autism</a> on Saturday, August 28th, 2010 at 09:27:07.<a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://autism.about.com/b/2010/08/28/school-resources-for-parents-of-kids-with-autism.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://autism.about.com/b/2010/08/28/school-resources-for-parents-of-kids-with-autism.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://autism.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://autism.about.com/b/2010/08/28/school-resources-for-parents-of-kids-with-autism.htm&zItl=School Resources for Parents of Kids with Autism">Email this</a>

American Chiropractic Association responds to new Kaiser policy excluding cervical manipulation

John — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 20:11:15 +0000

Source chiroeco.com

Kaiser Permanente Mid Atlantic States and Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group recently revised their Chiropractic Manipulation Medical Coverage Policy to exclude cervical Chiropractic Manipulative Treatment (CMT).

The revised policy states, “Given the paucity of data related to beneficial effects of chiropractic manipulation of the cervical spine and the real potential for catastrophic adverse events, it was decided to exclude chiropractic manipulation of the cervical spine from coverage.”

Last week, ACA sent a letter to Kaiser outlining the extensive data that supports cervical spinal manipulation as both beneficial and safe. The association also released the following statement:

“The American Chiropractic Association is aware that Kaiser Permanente Mid Atlantic States and Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group have revised their Chiropractic Manipulation Medical Coverage Policy to exclude cervical Chiropractic Manipulative Treatment (CMT) from coverage.

This restriction, if allowed to stand, will be harmful to chiropractic patients and doctors. We have contacted Kaiser to express our grave concern over this change, and we await its reply. ACA will expend every effort to encourage Kaiser to reverse this new restriction, and we will keep our members and the profession informed along the way.” – ACA President, Dr. Rick McMichael

Retired general crusades for chiropractic care

John — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 19:59:29 +0000

Source The Daytona Beach News-Journal

PORT ORANGE — Tucked in retired Brig. Gen. Becky Halstead’s briefcase are several dog tags listing the names of men and women who “didn’t make it home.”

Halstead, 51, the first woman to command in combat at the strategic level, said Wednesday she carries the tags she had engraved of the people who died and served under her command in the U.S. Army as a reminder of “the sacrifices they made.”

“I don’t ever want to forget,” Halstead told more than 100 college students at Palmer College of Chiropractic in Port Orange.

She told the story while talking to students about leadership and principles she thinks are important to live by such as serving others, having a positive attitude, being dedicated and disciplined.

Halstead, who spent 27 years in the military and served in Iraq in 2005 and 2006 after previously serving in Afghanistan, also is the first female graduate of West Point to be promoted to general. She now heads her own consulting company.

The former brigadier general, who retired from the U.S. Army in 2008, is a spokeswoman for the Foundation of Chiropractic Progress, which raises awareness of the benefits of chiropractic care.

She was diagnosed in 2004 with fibromyalgia, a chronic condition that causes tenderness, stiffness and pain in the muscles as well as fatigue and other symptoms. After being prescribed 17 different pain and sleep medications over a five-year period, she turned to a chiropractor. She is off medication and still receives chiropractic care, which she said “gave me my quality of life back,” though she added she still has a long way to go.

Chiropractic care, Halstead said, isn’t covered in the military and she now advocates for such care to be provided and says it must be an integral part of health care.

Halstead told the students at the chiropractic college not to get discouraged and to get involved to “preserve this profession.”

She points to her own struggles of many times being the only woman in the room in military meetings and never having a female boss in the Army.

“I know what it’s like to earn your way to the table and to be on the same playing field,” Halstead said. “I know what it’s like not to be accepted.”

Student Mary Nochimson, 26, of Coral Springs said she was excited to hear Halstead speak. She said her parents are doctors in family practice and believes “all forms of health care are important.

“No way is right or wrong; it’s just a different approach,” she said.

Student Scott Self, , 34, of Ormond Beach, who is a Student Council representative and was in the U.S. Marines from 1995 to 2002, said he was inspired by Halstead’s encouragement that “every voice makes a difference.” He’d like to see jobs for chiropractors in the military one day.

Become Our Facebook Friend

Frank — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 18:19:10 +0000

Chiro.Org has been around since March 1995, providing access to chiropractic information without the hot air, hustle, or self-promotion I see on many other DC-oriented websites. Our motto was, and always will be “…for DCs, by DCs, with no thought of personal gain.”

Please become our FaceBook friend and consider joining us in providing non-solicitous, non-confrontational, non-political, and unbiased information of value to the profession. That’s all we’re about.

Dealing With Misperceptions About ADHD

add — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 11:43:57 +0000

Do you ever struggle with people "not believing" in your (or your loved one's) ADHD? About.com readers share how they have dealt with the misperceptions and inaccuracies that so frequently abound around ADHD. <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://add.about.com/u/ua/adhdthebasics/Misunderstanding-ADHD.htm">CLICK HERE TO SHARE OR READ RESPONSES</a> . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Learn more or join the conversation! <a href=http://add.about.com/gi/pages/stay.htm>NEWSLETTER </a> | <a href=http://forums.about.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?nav=messages&webtag=ab-add&lgnF=y>FORUM</a> | <a href=http://add.about.com/bio/Keath-Low-32824.htm>BIO</a> | <a href=http://www.facebook.com/people/Keath-Low/563916679>FACEBOOK</a> | <a href=http://twitter.com/KeathLow>TWITTER</a> . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://add.about.com/b/2010/08/25/dealing-with-misperceptions-about-adhd.htm">Dealing With Misperceptions About ADHD</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://add.about.com/">About.com ADD / ADHD</a> on Wednesday, August 25th, 2010 at 11:43:57.<a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://add.about.com/b/2010/08/25/dealing-with-misperceptions-about-adhd.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://add.about.com/b/2010/08/25/dealing-with-misperceptions-about-adhd.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://add.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://add.about.com/b/2010/08/25/dealing-with-misperceptions-about-adhd.htm&zItl=Dealing With Misperceptions About ADHD">Email this</a>

Study Finds Protein May Be Clue to Autistic Brain

autism — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:15:05 +0000

<a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100823113426.htm">Science Daily reports</a> that a new study has zeroed in on a specific problem in the brains of people with autism and mental retardation (also called intellectual challenge) which may be at least partially responsibility for problems with learning and memory. According to the article: <blockquote>According to neuroscientists at Tufts University School of Medicine, with students from the Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences at Tufts, a protein called APC (adenomatous polyposis coli) plays a key role in synapse maturation, and APC dysfunction prevents the synapse function required for typical learning and memory.</blockquote> This issue, apparently, is of genetic origin - and researchers have found that individuals with autism and MR are more likely to have mutations in the genes responsible for the production of the critical proteins. As of right now, while the findings are intriguing, it is unclear what impact this difference actually has in the real world. To find out, the researchers have developed a mouse model for study: <blockquote>The research team's next step is to examine the behavioral and cognitive changes that occur when APC is deleted in neurons of the mammalian brain. They have developed a new mouse model that will allow them to investigate how the loss of APC function leads to synaptic changes and impaired learning and memory.</blockquote> More Articles on Autism and the Brain: <ul> <li><a onclick="gs='brain';ch='term';zT(this,'3/1bc')" href="http://autism.about.com/od/causesofautism/a/AutismBrain.htm">Autism and the Brain</a></li> <li><a onclick="gs='brain';ch='term';zT(this,'3/1bc')" href="http://autism.about.com/b/2010/01/08/brain-scans-may-diagnose-autism.htm">Brain Scans May Diagnose Autism</a></li> <li><a onclick="gs='brain';ch='term';zT(this,'3/1bc')" href="http://autism.about.com/od/treatmentoptions/a/TMSCasanova.htm">Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for Autism </a></li> <li><a onclick="gs='brain';ch='term';zT(this,'3/1bc')" href="http://autism.about.com/b/2009/05/06/enlarged-amygdala-associated-with-autism.htm">Enlarged Amygdala Associated with Autism </a></li> </ul><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://autism.about.com/b/2010/08/25/study-finds-protein-may-be-clue-to-autistic-brain.htm">Study Finds Protein May Be Clue to Autistic Brain</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://autism.about.com/">About.com Autism</a> on Wednesday, August 25th, 2010 at 09:15:05.<a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://autism.about.com/b/2010/08/25/study-finds-protein-may-be-clue-to-autistic-brain.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://autism.about.com/b/2010/08/25/study-finds-protein-may-be-clue-to-autistic-brain.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://autism.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://autism.about.com/b/2010/08/25/study-finds-protein-may-be-clue-to-autistic-brain.htm&zItl=Study Finds Protein May Be Clue to Autistic Brain">Email this</a>

Unfairly Labeled as Lazy?

add — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 14:23:58 +0000

<img src="http://0.tqn.com/d/add/1/0/r/7/-/-/Richard-Drury-blog.jpg "hspace="5" align="middle"> Unfortunately, adults and children with ADHD are often labeled as unmotivated, lazy, or even apathetic. These negative labels are unfair and hurtful. Instead of simple laziness or a lack of motivation, this "immobility" or "sluggishness" often reflects the impairments in <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://add.about.com/od/adhdthebasics/a/Execu-Functions.htm">executive function</a> that can be associated with ADHD. Read More About <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://add.about.com/od/adhdthebasics/a/Motivational-Issues.htm">ADHD and Motivation</a> Photo © Richard Drury . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Learn more or join the conversation! <a href=http://add.about.com/gi/pages/stay.htm>NEWSLETTER </a> | <a href=http://forums.about.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?nav=messages&webtag=ab-add&lgnF=y>FORUM</a> | <a href=http://add.about.com/bio/Keath-Low-32824.htm>BIO</a> | <a href=http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/profile.php?id=563916679>FACEBOOK</a> | <a href=http://twitter.com/KeathLow>TWITTER</a> . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://add.about.com/b/2010/08/24/unfairly-labeled-as-lazy-2.htm">Unfairly Labeled as Lazy?</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://add.about.com/">About.com ADD / ADHD</a> on Tuesday, August 24th, 2010 at 14:23:58.<a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://add.about.com/b/2010/08/24/unfairly-labeled-as-lazy-2.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://add.about.com/b/2010/08/24/unfairly-labeled-as-lazy-2.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://add.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://add.about.com/b/2010/08/24/unfairly-labeled-as-lazy-2.htm&zItl=Unfairly Labeled as Lazy?">Email this</a>

Should I Tell the Teacher?

add — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 12:08:58 +0000

<img src="http://0.tqn.com/d/add/1/0/o/7/-/-/blogPaulBurns.jpg "hspace="5" align="middle"> "My child is starting at a new school this year. Part of me knows I should tell the school about his ADHD, but the other part hopes he can start at the school with a clean slate and maybe I shouldn't say anything. What should I do?" --About.com Reader Click on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://add.about.com/od/schoolissues/f/Telling-the-Teacher.htm">Talking with the Teacher</a> to read response. Photo © Paul Burns <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://add.about.com/b/2010/08/23/should-i-tell-the-teacher.htm">Should I Tell the Teacher?</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://add.about.com/">About.com ADD / ADHD</a> on Monday, August 23rd, 2010 at 12:08:58.<a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://add.about.com/b/2010/08/23/should-i-tell-the-teacher.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://add.about.com/b/2010/08/23/should-i-tell-the-teacher.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://add.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://add.about.com/b/2010/08/23/should-i-tell-the-teacher.htm&zItl=Should I Tell the Teacher?">Email this</a>

Join the Conversation on Autism@About.com

autism — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 09:31:58 +0000

Commenting on the blog posts you'll find on the front page of the autism.about.com site is just one of many ways to take part in conversations about topics of interest to the autism community. Of course, you're always welcome to comment here, but I invite you to... <ul> <li>Join the <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://http://www.facebook.com/AutismAtAboutDotCom">autism at about.com Facebook Page</a>, where you'll find ongoing conversations about subjects such as abuse of children with autism, waiting for an autism diagnosis, tips for helping a person with autism to listen to and respond to others, and much more.</li> <li>Join the <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://forums.about.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?nav=messages&webtag=ab-autism&lgnF=y">Autism Forum</a> and jump into or start up a conversation on topics such as treatments, schools, family and legal concerns.</li> <li>Add your voice (and information) to one of the many reader-generated templates requesting your thoughts on topics such as <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://autism.about.com/u/reviews/schoolandsummer/Review-Public-Schools-Autism-Programs/form.htm">Best and Worst Public Schools for Children with Autism</a>, <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://autism.about.com/u/sty/allaboutspecialeducation/restraintseclusion/form.htm">Restraint and Seclusion in Schools</a>, <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=/u/ua/childrenandautism/toiletingtips.htm">Toilet Teaching</a>, and <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu= /u/ua/newtoautism/tipsnewautism.htm">Tips for Parents New to Autism</a>.</li> </ul><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://autism.about.com/b/2010/08/23/join-the-conversation-on-autismabout-com.htm">Join the Conversation on Autism@About.com</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://autism.about.com/">About.com Autism</a> on Monday, August 23rd, 2010 at 09:31:58.<a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://autism.about.com/b/2010/08/23/join-the-conversation-on-autismabout-com.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://autism.about.com/b/2010/08/23/join-the-conversation-on-autismabout-com.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://autism.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://autism.about.com/b/2010/08/23/join-the-conversation-on-autismabout-com.htm&zItl=Join the Conversation on Autism@About.com">Email this</a>

Solid Research Finds Evidence of Sensory Dysfunction in Autism

autism — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 07:41:16 +0000

For years, parents and teachers have arranged environments to help children with autism manage obvious over or under-reactions to sensory inputs. Too much or too little light, noise, smell, taste or physical sensation, we know, can make it impossible for many people with autism to function well. Adults on the autism spectrum have the same issues. As a result, many folks on the spectrum choose living situations and/or careers to accommodate sensory issues. A whole therapeutic industry has arisen around the idea that some people have "sensory dysfunction," and that it's possible to help those people manage their sensitivities. Sensory integration therapy has, for a long time, been a well-known but marginalized area of practice. Movie houses (AMC and Regal, for example) are now offering autism-friendly movies that carefully manage the level of sound and light in the theater. Toy companies and clothing manufacturers produce or market products that cater to the sensory needs of people with autism. Chewy or "sensory" toys, soft and tag-free clothing, weighted vests and other sensory-friendly products are easy to find with a click of the mouse. Are all these therapies and products based on misinformation about sensory integration in people with autism? The answer, thank goodness, is a resounding "no!" While a new study from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine is not the first to look at sensory integration and find that it is a legitimate issue, it is the first to actually show the differences in sensory integration in the brain. According to <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://www.medpagetoday.com/Pediatrics/Autism/21789">Medical News</a>: <blockquote>The finding -- based on recordings of electrical activity in the brain -- is concrete evidence that children with autism spectrum disorders process information differently than typical children, according to Sophie Molholm, PhD, of Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City, and colleagues. As well as occurring later, so-called "multi-sensory integration" was also less extensive than in typical children, Molholm and colleagues reported online in Autism Research. [Note: The name of this study is Natalie Russo et al. Multisensory processing in children with autism: high-density electrical mapping of auditory-somatosensory integration. Autism Research, August 17, 2010. I've been unable to find a link; if you have it, please add it to the comments!] </blockquote> It's important to note that while this study does, indeed, point to empirical evidence of sensory processing differences in people with autism, it says nothing about what impacts that difference may have on behavior or cognition. It also says nothing about how helpful sensory integration therapy or related therapies may be in helping to alleviate sensory dysfunction. For more information about sensory issues and sensory integration therapy in autism: <ul> <li><a onclick="gs='sensory';ch='term';zT(this,'3/1bc')" href="http://autism.about.com/od/alternativetreatmens/a/SPDdef.htm">Does My Child with Autism Have Sensory Processing Disorder?</a></li> <li><a onclick="gs='sensory';ch='term';zT(this,'3/1bc')" href="http://autism.about.com/od/treatmentoptions/a/allaboutsi.htm">All About Sensory Integration Therapy and Autism</a></li> <li><a onclick="gs='sensory';ch='term';zT(this,'3/1bc')" href="http://autism.about.com/od/treatmentoptions/f/sitherapydoes.htm">What Do Sensory Integration Therapists Do?</a></li> <li><a onclick="gs='sensory';ch='term';zT(this,'3/1bc')" href="http://autism.about.com/od/treatmentoptions/f/qualifiedsi.htm">Where Can I Find a Qualified Sensory Integration Therapist? </a></li> </ul><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://autism.about.com/b/2010/08/20/solid-research-on-sensory-dysfunction-in-autism.htm">Solid Research Finds Evidence of Sensory Dysfunction in Autism</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://autism.about.com/">About.com Autism</a> on Friday, August 20th, 2010 at 07:41:16.<a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://autism.about.com/b/2010/08/20/solid-research-on-sensory-dysfunction-in-autism.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://autism.about.com/b/2010/08/20/solid-research-on-sensory-dysfunction-in-autism.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://autism.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://autism.about.com/b/2010/08/20/solid-research-on-sensory-dysfunction-in-autism.htm&zItl=Solid Research Finds Evidence of Sensory Dysfunction in Autism">Email this</a>

The Nutrition Page

Frank — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 20:02:35 +0000

The Nutrition Page provides non-solicitous nutrition information, including articles and research abstracts supporting the benefits of vitamins, minerals and herbals for the restoration and maintenance of health. The Nutrition Section is divided into several convenient sections.

The Supplements Section contains 38 sub-sections covering nutrients from Acidophilus Pre/Probiotics to all the vitamins and minerals. If you happen to be using any prescription drugs then the Nutrient Depletion Charts will show you which nutrients a particular drug depletes from your body.

The Opinion Section reviews the benefits of organic produce, fad diets and answers the question “Are Supplements Worth the Money?”

The Helpful Tools section provides links to the FDA, NIH, our bookstore, and our Women’s Health Page.

The Nutrition Links section links to nutrition journals and other sites of interest.

Best of all, we have our own Nutrition Search Tool to help you find what you want more easily.

I hope you will use the ORG’s Nutrition Section for an enjoyable learning session, and for and accessing current nutritional research. While you are at it, please read our Nutrition Disclaimer