The limbic system is the core part of our brain—the part of the brain that we share with animals—the reptilian brain. This is the part of our brain associated with survival mode and rage response. When the limbic system is in a state of dysfunction, a range of behaviors may surface, including aggres- sive behaviors such as self-injurious behavior as well as aggression to others, obsessive compulsive behaviors, and more. IMT is a wonderful tool to treat the limbic system when it is in a state of dysfunction. A common functional approach to treat- ment of these behaviors is ABA therapy or some type of behavioral modification. The challenge with these functional approaches is that the aggressive behaviors are reflex- ive—there is no voluntary thought process involved. Consider the example of a lion that has been shot, but not killed. It wants to destroy everyone and everything in its path. The lion is not thinking about consequences. Similarly, children with Autism who lash out are not thinking about consequences. They are purely acting on a reflex from their limbic system. Whereas ABA therapy can be very effective in helping to develop normal behaviors through repetition and role model- ing, aggressive behaviors are rarely reduced with this approach. But when used in combi- nation with IMT, there can be reduction and even elimination of aggressive behaviors.
Autism...A Complex Disorder No two children with Autism are alike,
Autism involves multiple body systems, and there’s great diversity among etiologies be- tween people who have Autism. But with the great accessibility of interventions available today, the potential for recovery in children
and adults with autism spectrum disorder is remarkably higher than it has ever been in the past – especially when a combination of appropriate structural and functional therapies are employed.
Ayelet Connell-Giammatteo, PhD, PT, IMT,C is the Practice Manager and Director of Pediatrics for Regional Physical Therapy and The Institute of Integrative Manual Therapy (IIMT), headquartered in Bloomfield, CT. She is also the Dean of the Connecticut School of Integrative Manual Therapy (CSIMT). Dr. Connell-Giammatteo has taught courses in IMT nationally and internationally for over 15 years. She received her doctoral degree focusing in neuropediatrics, with a concentration in autism. See ad on page 41.
~ Now Accepting New Patients ~
NaturalNutmeg.com 17
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52