Autism Awareness:
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
T
here are a number of health modalities available today being of an individual may be facilitated through the many
that can support a child, teen or an adult that has been adjunct therapies, including CranioSacral Therapy, which are
diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. In addi- now available.
tion to traditional medicine, the field of complementary medi- The cranial system consists of membranes and cerebro-
cine offers therapeutic services to support people diagnosed spinal fluid that surround the spinal cord and the brain. The
with Autism. This field includes Naturopathic Physicians, cerebrospinal fluid acts like a cushion to protect the brain. The
Speech and Occupational Therapists, Cranial Therapists, Mas- cranial rhythm is created by the flow of cerebrospinal fluid
sage Therapists, Chiropractors, Acupuncturists, Nutritionists through the membranous tissues. If restrictions are present in
and many other practitioners representing a number of spe- the cranial system they can adversely affect the function of the
cialized modalities. central nervous system.
In 1943, Autism was first described by Dr. Leo Kanner, A practitioner working with CranioSacral Therapy (CST)
who noted an unusual pattern of symptoms and behaviors dis- uses an extremely light touch to listen to the cranial rhythm.
played by a number of children in his clinic. Autistic children The therapist can then evaluate and enhance the function of
show deficiencies in social interaction, difficulty expressing the central nervous system by releasing soft tissue restrictions
their feelings, impaired communication abilities and other re- throughout the body. CST has been known to assist and sup-
lated symptoms. Other signs of Autism may include repetitive port children and adults that have been diagnosed with Au-
behaviors, motor actions (such as flapping of hands, rocking tism.
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and twirling), fixation on objects, lack of interest in others and Our skulls are miraculously designed to allow the soft,
little or no eye contact. cartilaginous bones to squeeze together and overlap at the
At approximately the same time, a pediatric doctor in Vi- time of birth. We may have experienced a natural birth, C-
enna, Dr. Hans Asperger, was researching autism and noted a section delivery or the use of suction and forceps. During the
similar condition that is now called “Asperger’s Syndrome.” birthing process, any of these scenarios may cause restrictions
The perceived difference between the two conditions is that within the cranial system and that can lead to problems after
children with Asperger’s Syndrome rarely show a delay in birth. When there is resistance in this system, it can build up
speech and tend to have less serious cognitive difficulties. pressure and cause discomfort and pain, and increased sen-
Asperger’s has been described as a milder form of Autism. sitivity in response to sound, light, and smell. An individual
Autism usually appears during the first three years of a with Autism might grind his/her teeth, hum, hit his/her head or
child’s life. It has been reported by the Centers for Disease make noises. This may be an attempt to relieve the pressure in
Control that 1 in 150 children are diagnosed with autism. “Age the cranium by applying pressure, or creating vibrations that
at intervention has a direct impact on outcome--typically, the would allow the body to self-correct. By relieving restrictions
earlier a child is treated, the better the prognosis will be. In in the cranial system we influence the body’s own healing
recent years there has been a marked increase in the percent- mechanism, which also encourages the elimination of toxins
age of children who can attend school in a typical classroom through the lymphatic system. Some studies have shown that
and live semi-independently in community settings. However, children with Autism have an impaired ability to detox toxins.
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the majority of autistic persons remain impaired in their abil- Our bodies are designed to heal themselves and, at times, our
ity to communicate and socialize.”
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With early diagnosis and bodies need assistance.
intervention, significant improvements in the health and well CranioSacral Therapy helps to calm the central nervous
DONALD P. ROSSLER, DMD
General Dentistry
Early morning and evening
appointments to fit your busy schedule
Experience dental care with a warm,
caring staff and 21st century technology
(860) 228-2565
Located at 61-E Main St., RTE. 66
The Hebron Shopping Plaza
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NaturalNutmeg.com
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