Childhood Developmental Challenges

Host: Dr. Marco Ferrucci

The Chiropractic Source

Special Guest: Dr. Matthew Antonucci Carrick Brain Centers

Understanding Childhood Developmental Challenges

Dr. Robert Melillo – Disconnected Kids

ADD/ADHD/Autism – An Epidemic?!?

Today there are some 16 million children diagnosed with a severe attention, behavioral and learning problems. That’s an alarming 22% of America’s children!! By far the most prevalent childhood disorder throughout the world.

Just 10 years ago, Autism was a rare disorder, with approximately 1 in 10,000 children born in the United States.

Now, 1 out of every 88 child born are diagnosed with Autism.

Breakthroughs in neuroscience now show that Autism, Asperger’s, ADHD and other neurological conditions are in fact, one and the same.

The only difference is the degree to which the Neuraxis is dysfunctional.

Statistics & Facts

Last year, doctors in the US wrote an estimated 20 million prescriptions for RITALIN.

Between 1990 and 1998, the use of Ritalin increased at a staggering rate of 800%, even though it has severe side effects….one that has been well documented as being DEATH!!

This year, 1.5 million children entering school (1 out of every 6 Kindergarteners) will be diagnosed with some type of neurological disorder that affects the ability to learn and socially interact.

In the last 10 years, the number of children in Special Education classes have jumped by an unbelievable 46.9 percent.

Then why haven’t the methods that doctors, psychologists, and behavior specialists use to diagnose and treat these conditions not changed in 50 yrs?!?

Still believe there’s no acknowledged or explainable root cause Still believe there’s no cure for this problem and that it’s genetic Still using medications/drugs that don’t fix the problem, rather just slap a band-aid on the

issue

Getting to A Cause

Multifactorial….so it’s only logical to take a multi-modal treatment approach (use body’s 5 senses)

#1 – Lack of environmental stimuli, leads to lack of proper brain development.

Lack of physical exercise Overweight & obesity Absentee parenting TV & video games Stressful pregnancies/birth Stressful lifestyles Environmental toxins Inadequate/improper nutrition (gluten

and casein)

Genetics Maternal Health Birth Experience Toxin Exposure Early Dysbiosis Barrier Compromise Neglect, Abuse Abnormal Motor Development Trauma Subluxation Hypothyroidism Immune System Medication Exposure Seizure Disorders Neurofibromatosis Sensory Experience

Medical Brain Based Been attempting to treat these

problems since the 1950’s

Medications treat the brain globally, that at best just mask the symptoms of ADD/ADHD

Have suppressive affects on the both hemispheres

More meds prescribed each year, but ADD/ADHD is growing at an alarming rate!!

Recognizes brain asymmetry as the cause of ADD/ADHD (not cortical size, but FOF differences)

Targets certain lobes of the brain as dysfunctional and modalities are targeted to increase their FOF

Drug-free, sensory-motor exercises, dietary changes

We treat your child, not their label

Functional Disconnection Syndrome

Two Differing Models of Care

The Dynamic Nervous System

The Nervous System The Brain makes up the Central Nervous System

(CNS) The Spinal Cord and Spinal Nerves makes up the

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

The Nervous System is responsible for controlling and coordinating all aspects of human function.

Anatomy of the Brain

Brain Stem 3 areas which make up the Brain Stem?

Midbrain (Mesencephalon) Pons Medulla

Cerebellum Lobes of the Brain:

Frontal Lobe Parietal Lobe Temporal Lobe Occipital Lobe

“Floral” Development The “Stem”- The Brain Stem

Responsible for all Primitive Functions Primitive Reflexes, Breathing,

Heart Rate, Blood Pressure, Sleep/Wake Cycles, and the Cranial Nerves

The “Leaves”- The Cerebellum Sometimes called “The Little

Brain” Responsible for Balance and

Coordination, Postural Muscles, and coordinating Eye Movements

The “Flower”- The Upper Centers of Brain 4 Lobes of the Brain

FLOWER

LEAF

STEM

The “Flower”

Frontal Lobe Executive Function, Attention, Impulse

Control, Motivation, and Eye Movement.

Parietal Lobe The human “body map”, Inputs from the

lower portion of our world, and Coordinates pursuit eye movements.

Temporal Lobes Integral part of Speech, Language, and

Memory, Inputs from the upper portion of our world, and is Functionally linked to our Limbic System.

Occipital Lobes Integral part of Vision and Visual

Processing

Functional Disconnection Syndrome (FDS)

Dates back to the late 1800’s when scientists realized that certain neurological conditions are the result of a communication problem between the right and left hemispheres of the brain.

FDS is the cause of all symptoms associated to ADD/ADHD/Autism.

The two hemispheres of the brain are not electrically balanced, or synchronized.

The hemispheres then in turn can’t share and integrate info, not allowing them to function as a whole.

The brain is hence, functionally disconnected.

Fix the disconnect – that is increase the side of the brain that’s not functioning properly – and the symptoms and disorder go away.

Left Brain (Gas pedal) Right Brain (Brake

pedal)

APPROACH!! Small picture Verbal communication Small muscle control Word reading Math calculations Conscious actions Positive emotions High-frequency sound Low-frequency light Linear and logical thinker Curious and impulsive actions Likes routine, sameness Activates immunity

WITHDRAWL!! Big Picture Non-verbal communication Large muscle control Reading comprehension Math reasoning Unconscious actions Negative emotions Low-frequency sound High-frequency light Understanding abstract concepts Cautious and safe actions Likes newness, novelty Suppresses immunity Spatial awareness Social skills

2 Separate Hemispheres, 2 Separate Functions

Right vs Left Brain Weakness

Neuro-Plasticity

Neuroscientists over the last several decades have found the brain to be extremely “plastic”, or having the ability to reach out and make new connections and physically and chemically grow – if given the right stimulation.

This phenomenon has been termed Neuroplasticity.

Brain imaging scans show that when given proper stimulation, the weaker side of the brain will become stronger and faster, and new connections will grow.

This is exactly what a brain balance program does, it targets deficient areas of the brain and applies the proper stimulation to increase its ability to function.

Our Approach to Childhood Developmental Challenges

What do we as Brain-Based Doctors do to help?

Spinal Adjustments Extremity Adjustments Postural Exercises Balance Exercises Eye Exercises Sensory Input (Visual, Auditory, Smell) Dietary/Lifestyle changes Nutritional Supplementation

Special Guest:Dr. Matthew Antonucci

Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist (DACNB)

Fellow of Functional Neurology (FACFN)

Fellow of Childhood Developmental Disorders (FACDD)

Fellow of Vestibular Rehabilitation (FABVR)

Assistant Professor – Carrick Institute

Staff Clinician – Carrick Brain Centers

FAQ

1. Can you briefly elaborate on some of the causes to someone developing an imbalance in brain function?

FAQ

2. What are some of the long term effects of the medications that have been prescribed for so many years?

FAQ

3. Accompanying many of these disorders are behavioral issues. What is your advice for parents dealing with these behavioral issues?

FAQ

4. Many parents think it is something that they did that caused their child to suffer like this, what is your response when you hear parents blame themselves?

FAQ

5. What is one final tip or advise you would want to leave our audience watching?

Thank You!

• QUESTIONS??• Contact Info:

• Dr. Marco Ferrucci• The Chiropractic Source• DrMarco@TheChiropracticSource.com• www.TheChiropracticSource.com

• Dr. Matthew Antonucci• Carrick Brain Centers – Atlanta• CarrickPatients@Gmail.com• www.CarrickBrainCenters.com