Decoding Autism: Exploring Genetics, Triggers, and Hope
As parents, we’re constantly navigating the unknown, seeking answers and solutions for our children’s well-being. One of the most daunting challenges many of us face is understanding autism and its causes. With autism rates skyrocketing, affecting 1 in 36 children today, it’s important that we look into the factors contributing to this complex condition.
Trying to understand autism often begins with one burning question: Is autism genetic? Still today, many of us hold onto the assumption that genetics and heritability solely explain the sharp increases in autism diagnoses and the wide variation in symptoms across the spectrum. However, we’re here today to contest that assumption and introduce an empowering new perspective.
While genes undoubtedly play a role through genetic predisposition, even traditional medical doctors and media outlets are starting to acknowledge the existence of an “environmental” factor. However, they often stop short at this acknowledgment, leaving the concept of the environment as a vague blanket statement. Here’s where we differ – our goal is to take you deep into the real root causes and known triggers of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).
Today, we understand that there’s a full-on environmental “Perfect Storm” brewing for children struggling with autism, and genetics only plays a small part in the bigger picture.
This blog is for you, parents, and caregivers of children anywhere on the autism spectrum seeking clarity, community, and care options that dive deep into the true root cause of autism. Rather than simply attributing it to genetics and hoping to navigate around its challenges, we aim to provide understanding and actionable solutions.
We’ll introduce what we call “The Perfect Storm,” where accumulated stressors and dysfunctions disrupt nervous system function over months and years, altering childhood development. We want to provide you with drug-free answers that will help your child through their storm.
What “Environmental Factors” Contribute to Autism?
We know without a doubt that genetics alone don’t tell the full story when it comes to autism. While over 100 genes contribute to autism risk, mutations account for only 10% of cases. This prompts us to explore the environmental factors that contribute to this condition.
So, what are these environmental factors that matter most? As Neurologically-Focused Chiropractors, we go way back to the beginning. Prenatal or maternal stress emerges as a significant factor in the development of autism. Pregnancy can trigger the start of the Perfect Storm, where your stress as a pregnant mother can affect your baby’s development. If you’re stressed during pregnancy and stuck in a fight-or-flight sympathetic stress response, your baby shares those stress hormones through the umbilical cord, which connects your nervous systems.
Birth trauma also plays a pivotal role. During childbirth, interventions like forceps, vacuum extraction, and c-sections can worsen the storm. They exert great pressure on your baby’s head, neck, and delicate brainstem, potentially causing significant physical trauma, especially to the brainstem and nervous system.
This leads to subluxation, and when your child’s nervous system is stressed to the max, other challenges arise. Their immune and digestive systems suffer, resulting in frequent illnesses. Traditional pediatricians often prescribe antibiotics and other medications, which can make things worse by disturbing the gut-brain connection.
And it doesn’t end there. Factors such as exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs), household toxins like mold, chemicals in everyday products, and toxins in medications and medical interventions should all be considered.
Environmental Factors Lead to a Dysregulated Nervous System
What do these stressors and toxins do to a child’s developing nervous system? They create a neurological “tipping point,” where the delicate balance is disrupted, and the nervous system becomes locked into a state of sustained fight-or-flight response.
This nervous system dysregulation has far-reaching implications, affecting various aspects of a child’s health and development. From compromised gut and immune function to challenges with motor skills, sleep, and inflammation, the ripple effects are profound.
As these challenges accumulate, the brain and nervous system struggle to cope, manifesting in the core elements of autism. Communication difficulties, social interaction challenges, sensory processing issues, stimming, and restricted/repetitive behaviors become apparent indications of this underlying dysregulation.
Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care Can Help
So, parents, if your child has been diagnosed with autism and you’ve been told that there’s nothing you can do to help because it’s “purely genetic,” it’s time to go deeper. Understanding the role that environmental factors may have played will help you discover how your child can truly heal and experience a significantly improved quality of life.
At Highest Health Chiropractic, we understand the deep, true neurological reasons behind the rise in autism, and we are able to use advanced technology, INSiGHT Scans, to find subluxation and neurological imbalances. Improvement is possible! By targeting root causes, we can gradually restore nervous system function through gentle chiropractic adjustments. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Highest Health Chiropractic today and learn that shifting your framework empowers you to open up new paths to progress for your child. If you are not local to us, check out the PX Docs directory to find a PX Doc near you!
Decoding Autism: Exploring Genetics, Triggers, and Hope
/in Uncategorized /by Dr. Nate DeJongDecoding Autism: Exploring Genetics, Triggers, and Hope
As parents, we’re constantly navigating the unknown, seeking answers and solutions for our children’s well-being. One of the most daunting challenges many of us face is understanding autism and its causes. With autism rates skyrocketing, affecting 1 in 36 children today, it’s important that we look into the factors contributing to this complex condition.
Trying to understand autism often begins with one burning question: Is autism genetic? Still today, many of us hold onto the assumption that genetics and heritability solely explain the sharp increases in autism diagnoses and the wide variation in symptoms across the spectrum. However, we’re here today to contest that assumption and introduce an empowering new perspective.
While genes undoubtedly play a role through genetic predisposition, even traditional medical doctors and media outlets are starting to acknowledge the existence of an “environmental” factor. However, they often stop short at this acknowledgment, leaving the concept of the environment as a vague blanket statement. Here’s where we differ – our goal is to take you deep into the real root causes and known triggers of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).
Today, we understand that there’s a full-on environmental “Perfect Storm” brewing for children struggling with autism, and genetics only plays a small part in the bigger picture.
This blog is for you, parents, and caregivers of children anywhere on the autism spectrum seeking clarity, community, and care options that dive deep into the true root cause of autism. Rather than simply attributing it to genetics and hoping to navigate around its challenges, we aim to provide understanding and actionable solutions.
We’ll introduce what we call “The Perfect Storm,” where accumulated stressors and dysfunctions disrupt nervous system function over months and years, altering childhood development. We want to provide you with drug-free answers that will help your child through their storm.
What “Environmental Factors” Contribute to Autism?
We know without a doubt that genetics alone don’t tell the full story when it comes to autism. While over 100 genes contribute to autism risk, mutations account for only 10% of cases. This prompts us to explore the environmental factors that contribute to this condition.
So, what are these environmental factors that matter most? As Neurologically-Focused Chiropractors, we go way back to the beginning. Prenatal or maternal stress emerges as a significant factor in the development of autism. Pregnancy can trigger the start of the Perfect Storm, where your stress as a pregnant mother can affect your baby’s development. If you’re stressed during pregnancy and stuck in a fight-or-flight sympathetic stress response, your baby shares those stress hormones through the umbilical cord, which connects your nervous systems.
Birth trauma also plays a pivotal role. During childbirth, interventions like forceps, vacuum extraction, and c-sections can worsen the storm. They exert great pressure on your baby’s head, neck, and delicate brainstem, potentially causing significant physical trauma, especially to the brainstem and nervous system.
This leads to subluxation, and when your child’s nervous system is stressed to the max, other challenges arise. Their immune and digestive systems suffer, resulting in frequent illnesses. Traditional pediatricians often prescribe antibiotics and other medications, which can make things worse by disturbing the gut-brain connection.
And it doesn’t end there. Factors such as exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs), household toxins like mold, chemicals in everyday products, and toxins in medications and medical interventions should all be considered.
Environmental Factors Lead to a Dysregulated Nervous System
What do these stressors and toxins do to a child’s developing nervous system? They create a neurological “tipping point,” where the delicate balance is disrupted, and the nervous system becomes locked into a state of sustained fight-or-flight response.
This nervous system dysregulation has far-reaching implications, affecting various aspects of a child’s health and development. From compromised gut and immune function to challenges with motor skills, sleep, and inflammation, the ripple effects are profound.
As these challenges accumulate, the brain and nervous system struggle to cope, manifesting in the core elements of autism. Communication difficulties, social interaction challenges, sensory processing issues, stimming, and restricted/repetitive behaviors become apparent indications of this underlying dysregulation.
Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care Can Help
So, parents, if your child has been diagnosed with autism and you’ve been told that there’s nothing you can do to help because it’s “purely genetic,” it’s time to go deeper. Understanding the role that environmental factors may have played will help you discover how your child can truly heal and experience a significantly improved quality of life.
At Highest Health Chiropractic, we understand the deep, true neurological reasons behind the rise in autism, and we are able to use advanced technology, INSiGHT Scans, to find subluxation and neurological imbalances. Improvement is possible! By targeting root causes, we can gradually restore nervous system function through gentle chiropractic adjustments. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Highest Health Chiropractic today and learn that shifting your framework empowers you to open up new paths to progress for your child. If you are not local to us, check out the PX Docs directory to find a PX Doc near you!
The Perfect Storm: Insights into Childhood Neurological Disorders
/in Uncategorized /by Dr. Nate DeJongThe Perfect Storm: Insights into Childhood Neurological Disorders
If you’re a parent struggling with the challenges of chronic neurological conditions in your child—ranging from autism, ADHD, and Sensory Processing Disorder to anxiety, seizures, and OCD—then you’re likely familiar with the emotions that come along with these challenges such as frustration, exhaustion, and a relentless pursuit of answers. Despite navigating traditional medical avenues, searching online resources, and trying out various therapies like PT, OT, and speech, you might still feel like you’re stuck without solutions or definitive answers.
Welcome to what we call “The Perfect Storm“—an accumulation of traumatic events, toxins, and developmental disruptions that can leave your child’s nervous system in an endless state of imbalance. This can begin as early as during pregnancy, labor and delivery, and early childhood, causing your child to go off track.
This blog is for parents who refuse to resign themselves to the status quo of chronic illness and medication dependency. It’s for those who seek genuine understanding and drug-free alternatives to support their child’s well-being. As we dive into the details of The Perfect Storm, our aim is to empower you with knowledge and actionable insights to reclaim control over your child’s health journey.
Understanding The Science of The Perfect Storm
Before discussing what we call The Perfect Storm, it’s important to understand the scale of this issue. Shockingly, statistics reveal that 1 in 4 children struggle with chronic illness, while sensory issues affect 1 in 6 kids, and Autism Spectrum Disorder affects 1 in 36 children. These numbers shine a massive light on the urgency of addressing the root causes behind these health challenges in our kids today.
One of the fundamental truths often overlooked is the interconnectedness of various health issues in children.
Conditions like colic, constipation, eczema, and ear infections aren’t isolated incidents that children outgrow; rather, they serve as precursors to more complex neurological conditions such as Autism, ADHD, and sensory issues. This interconnectedness forms the blueprint of The Perfect Storm, a sequence of events that shapes a child’s developmental trajectory.
The Origin of The Perfect Storm
The Perfect Storm very often begins during pregnancy, where high levels of maternal stress can profoundly impact fetal development. As a pregnant mother, if your nervous system is stuck in a “fight or flight” sympathetic stress response, then all those stress hormones are shared with your developing baby’s nervous system. The umbilical cord doesn’t just bring nutrients and oxygen to your baby, but also serves as the electrical “power” cord that connects your nervous system to your baby’s nervous system.
Next is the birthing process, which only aggravates the storm – particularly with interventions like forceps, vacuum extraction, and c-sections – which all put immense pressure on your baby’s head, neck, and delicate brainstem area as they yank, twist, and pull on a brand-new infant. These procedures can subject infants to significant physical birth trauma, particularly affecting the brainstem and nervous system.
This immediately shifts your baby’s nervous system into a sustained “fight or flight” sympathetic response, which results in subluxation and shuts down or suppresses the function of the Vagus Nerve and Parasympathetic Nervous System, which is in charge of rest and digestion.
It’s crucial to understand that when your child’s nervous system becomes overstressed and imbalanced, a host of challenges arise. Their immune and digestive systems bear the brunt, leading to frequent illnesses. When this happens, unfortunately, the typical response from pediatricians often involves prescribing antibiotics and other medications. However, these medications can worsen the situation by disrupting the connection between the gut and brain, further derailing the child’s health.
This downward spiral can eventually manifest as autism, asthma, allergies, ADHD, anxiety, and more. Despite each condition being treated separately, they all stem from underlying issues like subluxation, neurological dysfunction, and dysautonomia—a state where the Autonomic Nervous System has lost its equilibrium and functionality.
The Role of Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care in Restoring Balance
Neurologically-Focused Pediatric Chiropractors at Highest Health Chiropractic know about this deep foundational, true root neurological cause of chronic illness in our kids. We are equipped with advanced technology that can help restore nervous system function by identifying and addressing subluxation and neurological imbalances. Using state-of-the-art technology, INSiGHT Scans, customized care plans, and adjustments, the aim is to alleviate stress, activate the Parasympathetic Nervous System, and facilitate better brain-body communication for your child.
We never want you to feel alone in the storm, so if you’re ready to start down a new path toward understanding the true root cause and healing for your child, we want to help.
Please reach out to Highest Health Chiropractic today! By equipping yourself with knowledge and embracing proactive measures, you can rewrite the narrative of your child’s health journey. We want to help you and your child navigate the storm and emerge stronger on the other side. If you are not local to us, check out the PX Docs directory to find a PX Doc near you!
Stretches and Exercises for Pain Relief
/in Uncategorized /by [email protected]There is no shortage when it comes to chiropractic maneuvers practiced in today’s world, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to know all of them. Luckily there’s only around a handful which are favorites amongst chiropractors because of the success rate and popularity amongst clients. So below, we have listed the most common exercises you […]
Back Care Tips
/in Uncategorized /by [email protected]The issue with back problems is that you don’t truly understand how terrible it is until you have them. Visiting a chiropractor in Sioux Falls is a great way to redress these issues, yet these might only be short-term if you don’t appropriately care for your back. This is the reason we have listed some […]
Frequently Asked Questions About Sioux Fall Chiropractic Care
/in Uncategorized /by Dr. Nate DeJongWhat To Expect At Your First Chiropractic Appointment
/in Uncategorized /by Dr. Nate DeJongFirst days are always nerve-wracking and they can keep you nervous and on your toes. From the first day of school to the first kiss, the first day at a new job or even your first time seeing a chiropractor for Sioux Falls chiropractic services, it is natural to have first-day butterflies in your stomach. However, this is mostly because each of these ushers in something new. Your first appointment with a chiropractor is no different because it ushers in a path to health and wellness, attending to your needs and delivering a positive healthcare experience.
While we understand that you may be terrified ahead of your first appointment with your chiropractor, below are some of the things to expect.
Scheduling an Appointment
Before your first appointment with a chiropractor in Sioux Falls, you want to make sure that you have scheduled an appointment and spoken to the chiropractor about a specific time to come in. To schedule an appointment, you can explore any of their communications platforms, whether through their website, email, phone, or by visiting their physical location to speak to their administrative staff. After making an appointment, you will be given a scheduled time to meet with the chiropractor to discuss your health needs and complaints.
Checking Into the Chiropractic Clinic
On the scheduled appointment day, you will be required to go into the chiropractic office where you will meet with the administrative staff to confirm your appointment. Most chiropractors offer a waiting area ahead of the appointment where clients can relax and remain comfortable until they are called in for their scheduled consultation. This experience can be similar to meeting with a doctor.
During the wait time, the staff may take some vital information including your height, weight, and blood pressure while also showing you the office layout to aid navigation from one point to the other.
Getting To Know Your Doctor
Your first meeting with the chiropractor will entail a series of questions from both ends. Your doctor will ask questions which are expected to help them better know you and understand the conditions for which you require improvements. The doctor will also complete a variety of physical assessments including reflex testing, neurological and range motion tests palpitations, orthopedic testing, and muscle strength tests to better diagnose your condition and develop a better approach to treatment. During this time, you may also be subjected to such examinations as an x-ray.
The Adjustment
If you have undergone an x-ray, the doctor will interpret the results, return you to the treatment room and perform a series of manipulations which are aimed at re-aligning affected areas in the body.
Please note that your first appointment may be filled with moving different body parts as much as possible in order to get a good idea of areas which require adjustments. Your doctor will be gentle but apply firm pressure to ensure those body areas of interest are firmly re-aligned. More often than not, you will be advised to relax and enjoy the process.
After Your Adjustment
Your chiropractic doctor may schedule you for another appointment day depending on the level of treatment and care you require. In some cases, the chiropractor may also incorporate deep tissue techniques like ultrasound, electrical stimulation, cold laser therapies, and others to ensure that the set goals are achieved.
Your chiropractor will always strive to leave you in a better state than you walked into their office. To get started, visit Highest Health Chiropractic at http://www.siouxfallschiro.com/blog/what-expect-your-first-appointment.
Highest Health Chiropractic
3601 W 57th St
Sioux Falls, SD 57108
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Chiropractic Care for Headaches & Migraines!
/in Uncategorized /by Dr. Nate DeJongWhy spinal problems frequently return
/in Uncategorized /by Dr. Nate DeJongThere are pain problems that are easy to deal with, but that is not really the case when it comes to back pain. Most often, back pain indicates that something has happened to your spinal cord, but spinal cord pain is often hard to understand. The spinal cord runs from just above your lumbar segments through the cervical and thoracic spinal canal and up to the base of your brain. Sometimes there are problems with the cervical spine that can cause an impact on the spinal cord and produce pain and other issues such as difficulty with coordination; problems with the nerve roots are quite common, but very often the cause is not as clear as it should be. Going to a chiropractor in Sioux Falls is a good idea. Most people who start to experience back pain just take some back pills and wait for magic to happen; and if the pain does subside to a certain extent, they just keep going that way. But the fact that there is pain indicates that something much worse might be wrong and should be looked at by professionals. Neglecting to seek the appropriate help that your back needs is why that pain will keep coming back. Acting as if it simply does not exist is not going to make it go away!
If you can’t get rid of your back pain, you should contact us
A chiropractic procedure can help the nerves in your thoracic spine to heal as they should, resulting in less back pain problems. It is well known that people who get chiropractic help experience more energy and are more active; this is because chiropractic treatment helps to reduce the tension that they have in their spines and allows the nerves to work more effectively. There are people who doubt the efficacy of these treatments, and they look down on the idea of periodic chiropractic checkups. But their pain only gets worse until they end up coming around to the idea of getting help. That back pain might subside for some time but what really caused the problem, to begin with, is still there and the pain will come back eventually and get worse.
Facing problems that do not go away
Spinal problems might not produce any noticeable symptoms for a long time, or even years after the initial injury occurs; so, by the time you actually realize that something is wrong, there is no telling how long it has actually been going on for or how severe the real problem is. But patients will often come in and say that it just happened when they suddenly lifted something weighing a mere ten pounds! Well, maybe that is when they noticed it, but the underlying issue has been there a lot longer. But there is help for your pain problems, of course. The first step is to go in for a checkup and then follow a good chiropractic care plan. Such a plan will provide you with noticeable improvement in as little as a few weeks. But that is only the beginning, because the underlying muscles and soft tissues must be properly treated for lasting spinal recovery. Some people who do go for initial treatment fail to follow up with their plan because they think that once they feel some improvement that is all that they need and they fail to take advantage of the benefits that ongoing supportive care would provide.
Contact us to schedule a checkup
If you have been experiencing back pain, then we can help. Get in touch right away and get more information here: https://highesthealthchiropractic.com/
Highest Health Chiropractic
3601 W 57th St
Sioux Falls, SD 57108
(605) 610-8801
Follow Us On Social Media:
https://twitter.com/highesthealthSF
https://www.facebook.com/Highest-Health-Chiropractic-1498880020436797/?fref=ts
https://www.instagram.com/highest.health.chiropractic/
Chiropractic Can Boost The Immune System
/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by Dr. Nate DeJongHow Does Sitting Affect My Spine?
/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by Dr. Nate DeJong