What is chiropractic treatment?

Chiropractic treatment mainly involves a professional called a chiropractor using their hands to manipulate and adjust the muscles, bones and joints in the spine.

Who is chiropractic treatment for?

Chiropractic treatment is used for people with neuromuscular disorders like back pain, neck pain, migraines and osteoarthritis. Supporters say it can also be used for autistic children.

Chiropractic treatment is not an established or recommended therapy for autism.

What is chiropractic treatment used for?

Chiropractic treatment is used to treat problems with muscles and joints as well as the effects these problems have on the nervous system and general health.

Supporters of chiropractic treatment say it can also help with autism characteristics like sensory difficulties and social skills. There’s not enough evidence to say whether chiropractic treatment changes autistic characteristics.

Where does chiropractic treatment come from?

Chiropractic treatment is based on the teachings of the ancient Greek physicians Galen and Hippocrates. They believed that the body functions best when there’s nothing interfering with the nervous system.

Chiropractic treatment was developed in the late 1800s by Daniel David Palmer. He claimed that misalignments of the spinal bones (subluxation) interfere with the nerves and that this can cause disease. There’s no scientific evidence that this is true.

What is the idea behind chiropractic treatment for autistic children?

Chiropractors focus on the relationship between the nervous system and spine. The idea is that by aligning the spine normally, chiropractic treatment relieves irritation to the spinal nerves.

The chiropractic profession is split into 2 groups. The first group is chiropractors who embrace the idea that spinal misalignment causes disease and that adjusting the spine is good for general health. The second group is those who limit their therapy to musculoskeletal care, particularly care of the spine.

There isn’t enough evidence to say whether either of these approaches to chiropractic treatment provides any benefit to autistic children.

What does chiropractic treatment involve?

If your child has chiropractic treatment as an autism therapy, the sessions will be at a clinic. Your child will have a longer initial assessment lasting about 40 minutes, followed by regular treatment sessions of about 15-20 minutes. The treatment will usually involve the chiropractor moving your child’s muscles, bones and joints in the spine and sometimes the skull.

Treatment sessions might be several times a week for several months or longer.

Does chiropractic treatment help autistic children?

There’s controversy about whether chiropractic treatment works for musculoskeletal issues like lower back pain. For example, a high-quality review says that this treatment is no more effective than placebos or other treatments and that more research is needed.

There’s also no high-quality evidence that chiropractic treatment helps autistic children. One study comparing chiropractic treatment to a placebo found no differences in the outcomes. Some low-quality studies and stories from families suggest that chiropractic treatment can help with some autism characteristics, but these studies and stories aren’t strong evidence.

The Chiropractic Board of Australia registers all chiropractors. It has issued a statement about misleading advertising. The Board is concerned about chiropractors claiming that chiropractic treatment can help with developmental and behavioural disorders including autism and ADHD. The Board recognises that there’s not enough evidence to support these claims.

Which professionals practise chiropractic treatment?

Chiropractors are nationally registered and regulated health care professionals. They’re registered by the Chiropractic Board of Australia. You can check whether your chiropractor is registered.

Where can you get chiropractic treatment?

You can find a local chiropractor by going to Australian Chiropractors Association – Find a chiropractor.

If you’re interested in chiropractic treatment for your child, see your GP or one of the other professionals working with your child. They can talk with you about the risks and benefits of chiropractic treatment.

You could also talk about chiropractic treatment with your NDIA planner, early childhood partner or local area coordinator, if you have one.

How are parents involved in chiropractic treatment?

If your child has chiropractic treatment, your involvement is taking your child to treatment sessions.

How much does chiropractic treatment cost?

You can expect to pay $80-$110 for an initial assessment, with follow-up appointments costing $50-$90. You might also have to pay for extra services like X-rays.

You can contact the NDIS to find out whether you can include the cost of chiropractic treatment in your child’s NDIS plan.

Therapies and supports for autistic children range from behavioural therapies and developmental approaches to medicines and alternative therapies. When you understand the main types of therapies and supports for autistic children, it’ll be easier to work out the approach that will best suit your child.