Study of Chiropractic and Neuromuscular Reeducation as a Treatment for Autism Symptoms

We aim to describe and illustrate the roles of spinal manipulative therapy and neuromuscular
reeducation in autistic children at a CAM university health center with regard to the
following:

1. To measure the safety and efficacy of spinal manipulative therapy for the autism
spectrum disorders

2. To measure the safety and efficacy of spinal manipulative therapy and neuromuscular
reeducation for the treatment of the autism spectrum disorders

3. To begin to establish or debunk debated SMT treatment for autism

4. To evaluate, gauge, and improve current autism assessment tools by exploring face
validity of the measures as indicated by ongoing data collection

Inclusion Criteria:

- Children diagnosed by a physician with an Autism Spectrum Disorder between the ages
of 5 and 15

- Children with parents able to bring their child to the university health center two
times a week for 12 weeks

- Children assessed to have a level of functioning that is conducive to experiencing
and undergoing chiropractic treatment at the university health center.

- Children without the presentation and diagnosis of comorbidity

Exclusion Criteria:

- Children with comorbidity or multiple diagnoses (mental retardation, chromosomal
disorders)

- Children undergoing another treatment for their disorder, other than a form of
behavioral therapy (ABA or DTT) by a trained or licensed mental health professional.

- Children taking medication that is not deemed to be stabilized by a primary care
physician, including medication dosages that is likely to be shifted and changed
during the 12 weeks of treatment in this investigation.

- Children assessed to have severe behavioral impediments not conducive to chiropractic
treatment at the university health center.