Definitions |
| Here are a few definitions to help explain how we practice |
![]() | Conventional medicine is built on the diagnosis/treatment model of |
![]() | Alternative medicine considers the role of non-biomedical therapies, | |
| such as energy therapy, acupuncture, massage, etc., in the maintenance of optimal function. |
![]() | Integrative medicine is holistic, drawing from each of the above to | |
| provide an individualized, and hopefully more effective, approach for each patient. |
![]() | Autism is a word describing the behavior of some children. The | |
| behaviors include marked deficiencies in language and social interaction together with abnormal interests and behaviors. In my opinion, autism is a description and not a diagnosis. About half of children with autism have mental retardation and seizures, and a few have identifiable genetic abnormalities such as Fragile X Syndrome. Clearly, many different genetic and environmental factors influence development and behavior and a limited therapeutic approach is likely to have limited therapeutic impact. |
![]() | Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified(PDD-NOS) | |
| or autism spectrum disorder (ASD): PDD-NOS describes children with autism-like symptoms, but not enough symptoms to be called autism. |
![]() | Asperger syndrome is a distinct pattern of phenomena characterized | |
| by relatively normal language development, deficiencies in social function, unusual interests, and clumsiness. Asperger Syndrome can be associated with other identifiable conditions such as ADD, anxiety, and depression. |
![]() | ADD/ADHD is called "Attention Deficit Disorder with or without | |
| hyperactivity". A more appropriate name would be "Attention Dysregulation Disorder". Like autism, ADD is defined by symptoms, and probably reflects a variety of conditions that interfere with effective regulation of the brain. About 80% of children and adults satisfying criteria for ADD will benefit from treatment with stimulants such as Ritalin or Adderall with significant improvements in function. Less well studied are approaches involving dietary changes and nutritional supplementation. The most serious and common complication of ADD is failure, and early failure can have a significant impact on the rest of a child's life. |
![]() | Behavioral disorders are defined as behaviors that result from | |
| interactions between the child and his environment. They are a reflection of temperament, tolerance of environmental stimulation, and parenting style. The understanding of behavioral disorders depends on the accurate observation of the circumstance surrounding the behavior and the emotion exhibited by the child. Behavioral disorders often respond to parenting coaching, sensory interventions, and possibly modulation of temperament with supplements, nutritional interventions, or medication. |
