NEUROBEHAVIORAL DISORDERS: AUTISM, ADHD, DYSLEXIA,
OCD, LEARNING DISABILITIES, PERVASIVE DEVELOPMENTAL
DELAY, SENSORY PROCESSING DISORDER, ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, ASPERGERS
These days, most of us have had a personal encounter with someone who has a condition like Autism. Current research confirms that Autism and associated conditions like ADHD and Dyslexia are increasing at an alarming rate. There is good and bad news in this progression. The bad news is that these conditions actually exist and are becoming more prevalent. The good news is that these conditions, by definition, are not purely passed down through genetics that can’t be helped or even corrected. In fact, this information indicates the ability to make improvements and corrections in many of these conditions. The current terminology that is used to characterize conditions like Autism and ADHD is FUNCTIONAL DISCONNECTION SYNDROME. Big words and concepts to be sure, but in a nutshell, what this terminology means is that these conditions are no longer thought of as chemical imbalances in the brain or disorders of pure behavior, but rather, are disorders that are a result of the breakdown of communication between different regions of the brain. In fact, much of the research in modern neuroscience points toward different networks, or communicating regions, of the brain to explain how the human brain works rather than individual regions working independently of each other. This makes Functional Neurology uniquely qualified to assess and treat conditions like Autism and ADHD. In cases of problems with Neurobehavioral Disorders, a skilled Functional Neurologist will be able to perform a comprehensive history and examination to determine which of these brain networks are working improperly and design appropriate treatment in order to restore function to these areas. In addition, any other factors that might be affecting these conditions such as diabetes, anemia, inflammation, etc. will be addressed as the neurological systems are dependent on an appropriately functioning biochemical system to operate properly.