Developmental Disorders
Developmental Neurology
Developmental disorders have become an epidemic not only in our country, but also within the world. According to the CDC, approximately one in six children from the ages of 3 to 17 years old suffer from one or more developmental disorders. These include ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, learning disability, OCD, and Tourette’s.
Why are we seeing this happen?
As the human brain is developing, it relies on outside stimulus to help activate networks and connections in the brain. We see many distinct patterns in many of the children we treat. In the past decade, children have had an increase of visual and auditory stimulus and a decrease in proprioceptive (muscular feedback) and vestibular (inner ear) activation. This is due to the increased use of computers and cellular devices along with decreased physical activity. While auditory and visual stimulation activate the brain, muscular and vestibular feedback drive the neurologic system to a much greater extent.
Another implication that cannot be overlooked is diet. Diet can play a major role in creating systemic inflammation which will limit the overall function and capacity of the brain. At NeuroActive Brain and Body Center, we run basic and advanced laboratory blood tests that can give us a window into the body’s inflammatory and metabolic state.
How are we different?
When analyzing a patient, we conduct an in depth neurologic examination before the start of treatment. From this, we are able to locate different areas of the brain that are not functioning optimally. We then perform specific neurologic activation to help increase function in those parts of the brain. Instead of treating the specific symptoms such as troubles with reading, attention and behavioral issues, we treat the underlying neurology of why a child might be experiencing those symptoms. After we address their foundational neurologic pathways, we see major improvements in daily function.
Why has my child not shown improvement with other services?
This is one of the most common questions and concerns that we receive from both parents and other practitioners. While many children will receive improvements from other therapies, there will be a population who will struggle because their underlying neurology is not ready to handle higher-level instruction. When working with developmental disorders, there is a hierarchy of treatment depending on the maturity of the brain. The brain grows from the bottom up and regulates itself from the top down. If there is a developmental disorder, the brain most likely has not fully integrated from the bottom-up and a proper assessment is warranted to know what type of therapeutic intervention is appropriate.
It is imperative to create an individualized treatment plan to help treat the under-integrated, under-connected and under-regulated systems in the brain.