Unlocking the Full Potential of Your Child’s Brain

By Dr. John Conde

Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist and Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Neurology Board

AD/HD, autism, and related spectrum disorders have been classically regarded as a deficiency in a particular brain messenger (neurotransmitter) termed dopamine. Mainstream treatments focus on stabilizing this dopamine system and addressing behavioral irregularities. While these treatments have a place and all are helpful, none focus on the asymmetries in brain function related to the frontal lobe, thalamus, and cerebellum.

Learning/behavioral disorders such as AD/HD and autism are physical, neurological conditions involving dysfunction of brain. Dysfunction does not imply damage or disease, it indicates that certain pools of cells in your brain are under-functioning and are not as active as they should be.

Specifically, in children with AD/HD and autism there exists an electrical imbalance in brain stimulation and activity between the right and left hemisphere. The scientific term for this phenomenon is Functional Disconnection Syndrome. The result is a global decrease in brain activity primarily affecting the right hemisphere. This profoundly affects executive functions performed by the frontal lobe region of the right hemisphere such as cognition, motivation, mental focus, concentration, and body movements.

The symptoms can range from impulsivity and hyper-activity to emotional outbursts and excessive rough play. Evidence of inappropriate social graces can alienate classmates causing feelings of low self-esteem. As a result of the poor concentration and mental focus, learning becomes a challenge.

Understanding functions of the right hemisphere allows for an extrapolation of what occurs when there is an imbalance in brain function. The right hemisphere is associated with stopping movement and filtering thought, controlling gross motor/postural movements utilizing the trunk, social learning, creativity, responding to new concepts, and processing low frequency light.

The results of decreased right hemisphere function can be seen in the majority of children with spectrum disorders such as AD/HD and autism which include: preference for routine and rituals, difficulty engaging in lengthy conversation, poor social skills, tendency to fidget, tantrum episodes, clumsiness, and challenges with depth perception.

Treatment options include Hemispheric Integration Therapy (H.I.T.). This therapy is centered around maximizing the child’s brain function, focusing on the specific under-stimulated area of the brain and utilizes sensory/motor modalities. Careful observation is taken not to exceed the stamina of the cells involved, not unlike the feeling of soreness after “overdoing it” at the fitness club. Therefore, the therapies are given at a specific intensity and frequency to match those stamina levels.

Examples include hemisphere appropriate light and sound stimulation, tactile stimulation, olfactory (smell) stimulation, cross crawl mechanisms, specific eye movements, vestibular (inner ear) rehabilitation utilizing spins and abrupt changes of head positions, auditory (sound) stimulation, chiropractic adjustments on the left side, and balance activities.

Dr. John Conde is a Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist and Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Neurology Board, one of less than one thousand in the country. He is also the Director of the Unlimited Potential Program which provides a unique approach to improving health and function for individuals with spectrum disorders such as AD/HD, autism, Asperger’s, and dyslexia. Dr. Conde also focuses on neurological conditions when related to sports, balance issues and wellness care. His office is located at the Atlantic Grove, 401 W. Atlantic Ave. Ste.014, Delray Beach, FL 33444 and can be reached at (561) 330-6096 or atinfo@thecondecenter.com. Please visit their website at www.thecondecenter.com.