Is it A.D.D., is it A.D.H.D, is it the
Executive Syndrome, or is it dyslexia? But
does the label solve the problem? Only by
looking in the past may we begin to understand
the present, and develop a strategy to enhance
the future.
Birth is one of the most traumatic events to
which many of us may be subjected. In a study
of 1250 newborn babies, 10% were found to have
optimal physiologic function of their primary
respiratory mechanism. That is the underlying
structural and functional manifestation of
life itself. The outward manifestations of
this dysfunction apart from the observation of
distortion in the facial features, the shape
of the head, or the posture favored by the
baby at rest are:
-
Difficulty learning to suck effectively
-
Vomiting or spitting up
-
Frequent inconsolable crying
-
Sleep difficulties
Any of these problems should alert a parent to
seek an osteopathic evaluation and treatment
for this baby for this is prevention.
As growth continues does the baby roll over
in both directions and when prone (face
downward) does he begin to crawl, army style,
in an integrated cross pattern keeping the
body on the floor? Does this progress to
creeping on hands and knees with such precise
integration of opposing arm leg movements that
only two clear sounds are audible? Frequently
however a pitter-patter of four sounds may be
heard because the arm and leg are not
precisely synchronized in their movements.
Pulling to a standing position, cruising along
furniture and finally walking alone complete
the next chapter in mobility development.
These stages in the development of mobility
are also contributing to visual and auditory
function. When crawling prone, one eye and one
ear are utilized, as the arm and leg are
advanced on that side. Creeping on hands and
knees stimulates binocular vision coordinating
two eyes to provide a clear single image in
all directions and binaural hearing whereby
sounds are localized from all areas. Standing
introduces the vertical dimension to vision
and the tracking of eyes in all directions.
Language has been developing simultaneously
from the reflex cry of the newborn through
meaningful sounds to expressive vocalization
and eventually spoken organized language.
Recollection of deficiencies in any of these
stages indicates some developmental
neurological inadequacies which may still be
manifested today if tested.
In other instances however, these
difficulties may not be recalled and a happy,
healthy infancy may be reported. But perhaps
an accident occurred like a fall down stairs,
off a tricycle, or off some piece of furniture
and there was only momentary loss of
consciousness if any, no fracture and no
apparent neurological disturbance, but
gradually over a period of time certain
deterioration in behavior was noted, attention
was more easily distracted and the child
became less cooperative.
But now the children in these respective
groups are promoted to Kindergarten. It is
reported that they do not sit still, they talk
when they should listen, they do not complete
a task, they have difficulty learning letters
or numbers. The pediatrician cannot provide an
explanation. Eventually first grade challenges
them to read, to color within the lines, to
participate in group activities in the
classroom or on the playground. The teacher
suspects a visual problem. The ophthalmologist
finds healthy eyes and 20/20 visual acuity and
urges more discipline at home. Psychological
stress intensifies and the child is blamed and
punished when homework is a problem and school
sends bad reports. As the months and years go
on the academic and the psychological
conditions deteriorate, self esteem goes down
and an aura of hopelessness gathers. Something
must be done. A stimulant drug such as Ritalin
is prescribed. Performance and cooperation may
improve while the drug is used, but the
underlying problem has not been
addressed.
Consider the second child described above. An
osteopathic physician evaluates the
neurological developmental status and
considers there is no major inadequacy. But
structural changes in the head, neck, spine or
pelvis may be identified and attributed to
that traumatic episode. Osteopathic
manipulative treatment corrects those
structural problems and the behavior and
academic performance improve rapidly. Such
injuries may occur later in a child's
life. Grades deteriorate, behavioral problems
may be attributed to approaching teenage years
and stress in the family grows. Osteopathic
manipulative treatment will reverse this
downward trend and restore optimal
performance.
Now consider the child who did have a
difficult birth and exhibited the difficulty
sucking, or vomiting or inconsolable crying.
His developmental performance was less than
adequate but described as "normal."
His eyes are healthy, his pediatric status is
described as satisfactory yet he is a problem
in school and a challenge at home. The
osteopathic physician will make a thorough
evaluation. Problems during pregnancy,
difficulties during delivery, and the
immediate state after birth will be considered
carefully. Developmental milestones will not
only be considered historically but their
performance today will be observed. Classroom
activities require integrated function of the
eyes in tracking a horizontal line of print or
a vertical column of figures and in
accommodating the focus from the writing on
the board to transcribing it on the
desk.
These skills will be tested and visual
perceptual dysfunction will be recognized if
present.
A thorough physical and structural
examination will be made and the consequences
of a long labor or difficult delivery will be
identified. Another area requiring close
attention is that of nutrition for many foods
included in the typical American diet also
contribute to the learning and behavior
problems. A consultation may be recommended
with a neurological developmentalist and a
developmental optometrist as well as a program
of osteopathic treatment to address the
structural inadequacies. As a result of this
multi-disciplinary approach very gratifying
changes may occur without the use of the
standard stimulant medications, and this child
will be on the way to achieving optimal
well-being and performance.
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