Autism influences the information processed in the brain by altering how nerve cells and their synapses connect and organize. Because chiropractic seeks to restore normalcy to the central nervous system by eradicating misalignments (subluxations) in the spine, it is only sensible to assume that chiropractic treatment could benefit autistic patients.
This is more than just a theory; studies published in multiple scientific journals outline the success that chiropractors are having with autistic patients. Most of the studies reference problems in the upper cervical (neck) area.
One study followed 14 children (all diagnosed with autism) undergoing chiropractic care. The results showed that improvement occurred in eleven of the fourteen children; in the end, two of the studies’ patients no longer met the criteria to be classified as autistic. Overall, the most common clinical aspects of improvement were in communication, verbal skills, eye contact, mood, and motor skills.
