FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Taylor J. Poehls, DC
9001 N. 76th St, Suite 104
Milwaukee, WI 53223
(414)354-5377
drpoehls@chiropracticco.com
Case study illustrates promising results
Improvement in a Child with Pervasive Developmental Disorder Undergoing Chiropractic Care
A recent article in the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health reported on a three-year old boy diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) who underwent chiropractic care over the course of 5 months.
Following the introduction of chiropractic care and lifestyle changes, this child 
experienced an improvement in his quality of life. Brown Deer-based Dr. Taylor Poehls, D.C., who regularly monitors health and wellness issues closely in professional journals and other publications, was not surprised by these findings. “Studies of a similar nature have been conducted previously with similar outcomes,” said Dr. Poehls, “but more research into the role of chiropractic and lifestyle changes are called for in this population of children.”
Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) is an Autism Spectrum Disorder that is a developmental condition with no known etiology. Parent’s usually become suspicious of their child’s behavior around 18 months of age when regression of certain behaviors and actions begin. The diagnosis is based upon behavior including impairments in social interaction skills, communication skills, and repetitive or restrictive behavior and/or interests. Also noted are a lack of meaningful language skills, empathic abilities and motor skills. Nearly 50% of children with autism never develop communicative speech and therefore become easily distressed with normal everyday life occurrences and activities.
In this study, a three-year old male presented at a chiropractic office seeking chiropractic care. He was diagnosed with PDD by a developmental pediatrician and had communication problems which became noticeable at 15 months of age, as well as apraxia, and speech delay.
The patient received chiropractic care over the course of 5 months. The care consisted of chiropractic adjustments, balancing exercises, foot taping and dietary modifications. The outcomes were measured by re-assessments, parental evaluation and health care provider and teacher reports. “The child began making friends, became more interactive, less defiant and was reported to be an overall happier child following the introduction of chiropractic care.” said Dr. Poehls.
After the first reassessment the patient’s other health care providers told the mother that he was doing much better since starting chiropractic care. By the next reassessment his other health care providers reported consistent improvement. By the final reassessment the patient had continued to respond well to the chiropractic care. He had just recently started going to school again and the teacher remarked that she saw much growth in his abilities.
“This is just one study,” explained Dr. Poehls, “but chiropractic care has been previously demonstrated to have a positive response in Autism Spectrum Disorders, so further research and investigation is merited.”
Anyone wishing more information may contact Dr. Poehls, whose office is located at
9001 N. 76th St., Suite 104, Milwaukee, WI 53223 (telephone 414-354-5377).