ADHD/ADD and Learning Disorders 

Many are under the impression that learning disorders such as Attention Deficit Disorder are concerns only for the parents of growing children or educators. Learning disorders can be as subtle as a difficulty concentrating or as devastating as an inability to have quality personal/professional relationships. Whether the patient is a child or an adult, management is crucial to coping with these disorders.  

Learning disorders of all types are typically diagnosed through a series of standardized tests as well as symptom correlation with the DSM-IV book which defines diagnoses. Often, parents and teachers put pressure on medical doctors to quickly diagnose kids and prescribe something that may help. Unless proper testing and thorough examination has been performed, an accurate diagnosis cannot be achieved.

Brain function and nutrition are at the base of ADD/ADHD labeled problems. High order/complex areas of the frontal lobes of the brain allow for focused and prolonged attention. In order for complex areas of the brain to develop correctly, lower order areas must develop first. These lower order areas primarily involve centers that coordinate movement. An area called the cerebellum does much of this work. We must begin by assessing and treating these movement centers first to insure that the portions of the brain and nervous system which handle complex functions have the necessary building blocks to achieve their proper function.

One of the most effective ways to stimulate motor and coordination centers in the brain is to utilize the muscles and joints of the body. That seems simple enough, right? This is precisely why chiropractic neurology is a very appropriate treatment modality. This also explains why physical activity is so very important. Turn off the TV  or your laptop and get moving again!

TREATMENT OPTIONS
The medical community typically treats attention and learning disorders with stimulant medications. The most well-known of these is Ritalin. However, many children are on more than one medication, due to a high co-morbidity or overlapping of symptoms of ADHD, Tourette’s Syndrome, depression or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). We are beginning to recognize that all of these disorders are very similar in their underlying cause and that stimulant medications are in question as the ideal treatment option.

The psychological community has numerous therapies that can help with these disorders. Therapies include behavior modification, applied behavioral analysis (ABA) and neuro/bio-feedback. 

OTs (occupational therapists) and PTs (physical therapists) work on the physical aspects of rehabilitation but from a bilateral approach.

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Chiropractic neurology starts with the removal of any interference or blockage of stimulation to the brain, such as immobility of the head and neck. The second stage of treatment includes specific lateralized physical and cognitive exercises focusing on muscle/joint movement, balance and timing in concert with the patient’s brain hemispheric weakness. 

It is important to know that there are two halves (referred to here as hemispheres) of the brain: left and right. There are also two halves to the cerebellum and they communicate with the brain hemispheres by way of the brainstem. Though there are exceptions, most often the right brain hemisphere works with the left cerebellum and vice-versa. The right hemisphere and left cerebellum coordinate incoming and outgoing information to the left half of the body. The opposite is true of the right half of the body. This is of key importance to understanding how physical interventions can affect or “stimulate” specific halves of the brain and cerebellum.  For example, if a stretch, adjustment, or exercise is done on

the left side of the body, there is a high probability it will afferentate (stimulate) the left cerebellum and right brain allowing for specific lateralized therapy. This is known as the brain hemispheric model of care.  The ultimate goal is balanced right/left body and brain function.

In addition to the work done in the office, patients are advised on at-home therapies, exercise and nutritional efforts which support in-office treatment.

Adults diagnosed with ADD/ ADHD/LD can manage their conditions using this type of care, but these cases are often more difficult to treat as the brain is no longer in a state of intense development. Using a brain hemispheric model of treatment allows for probable positive changes with these difficulties regardless of the patient’s age as long as there is not an existing pathology within the central nervous system. By choosing this approach, one works to eliminate the addition of pharmaceuticals to manage symptoms. Most patients and parents appreciate this natural, holistic approach to increasing neurologic function. 

Parenting and Child Development

Monday evening lectures co-sponsored by Developmental Delay Resources and the Parenting and Family Center of the Sol Goldman Y are held monthly.  Visit the website for a list of upcoming topics and speakers.
www.devdelay.org

Supplements            NEW!

We are happy to now offer additional pharmaceutical grade supplements.  Consideration of the form (liquid, tablet, caplet, powder) can be a matter of absorption or simply personal preference.

Adding supplements to your regime should always be discussed with all doctors involved in your health care. This is to insure maximum benefit and minimum risk of contraindication or drug interaction. 

NutriWest
Core Level Health Reserve
Core Level Adrenal Support
Total Brain
L-Glutamine
E-400
Zinc
B-Complex
C-1000
Liga-PN
Total Female
Sino Lung

OrthoMolecular
Liquid Omega-3 Fish Oil
Omega-3 Fish Oil Capsules 

Kirkman
Multi-Vitamin Liquid
Yeast-Aid Powder
Calcium Magnesium Liquid