How the Chiropractor of 2025 will be prepared to care for the projected increase of Autism and other Neurological Disorders that face our children

A talk by Patrick Montgomery DC, MS, FASA, FICC. In 2018 the CDC determined that approximately 1 in 59 children is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In 2018 the stats show that 1 in 37 boys and 1 in 151 girls were diagnosed with ASD. This demonstrates that boys are four times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls. Just in the last 20 years, stats have pointed to the increase of ASD, from an average of 1 in 150 to the present 1 in 59. So, what can we do about this? This is a multifaceted problem that needs a multifaceted plan. Brain development in children is dependent on physical constraints/boundaries and nutritional influences, the chiropractic physician can fill a unique need. DCs are trained in looking at the human body from a physical, structural approach. Much research and treatment is coming from specialized sections of the chiropractic profession. Those practitioners are highly trained in cranial structure evaluation and its influence on neurological function. From a nutritional approach, the chiropractic profession has long been the leader in giving nutritional advice and setting up nutritional programs for its patients. Combining these two aspects is essential for the benefit of the person who is on the spectrum. The percentage of chiropractic physicians receiving extra training in pediatrics has exploded since the 1990's, with the formation of three major pediatric chiropractic organizations. These are the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, the International Chiropractors' Association Council on Pediatrics and the American Chiropractic Association Council on Pediatrics. The first two organizations have established an extensive and detailed programs of training practicing chiropractors and chiropractic students. These programs are now offered around the world. The ACA's Council is set to establish its own program. These programs are rigorous and tied perfectly between new research and practical everyday practice experiences. The highlights of what these highly trained and dedicated Doctors of Chiropractic can and will be able to offer is what this presentation is centered around.

Learning Objectives:

1. A Pediatric Doctor of Chiropractic can physically treat a child who is on the Autism Spectrum.

2. A Pediatric Doctor of Chiropractic can build a nutritional program for the family of a child who is on the Autism Spectrum.

3. A Doctor of Chiropractic can maximize the health of an autistic child so that he/she can be better prepared to live in the everyday world