• Dharamaraj G

• Adaptation, Psychological
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Brain / physiology
• Chiropractic
• Functional Neurology (FN)
• Melillo, Robert J.
• Open Access Document
• Psychological Well-Being

Narrative: This case report describes ASD Level 3 nonverbal boy undergoing a novel Melillo Method™ therapy and looking at retained primitive reflexes as a measure of developmental delay. Retained primitive reflexes are the most basic stage of motor development, and knowledge of this motor-language relationship could provide insights into nonverbal autism.

The main symptoms presented were delayed speech, sleeping issues, emotional regulation with behaviour, and sensory issues. Clinical examination revealed many retained primitive reflexes, with many postural reflexes still present as well as a deficiency in core stability, vestibulo-occular systems and cognition.

Intervention included a 12 program including the use of Photobiomodulation (low level laser), Rezzimax therapy (sensory motor input with vibration), Neurosage (digital therapy utilising color, sound and vibration), and coactivation with the use of coloured glasses (light) and essential oils to stimulate the olfactory system. This program is centre-based and aims to integrate sensory input and strengthen motor skills through regular frequency and duration of multimodal approach, as well as home-based exercises to integrate primitive reflexes.

In the 12 week period the subject became able to have meaningful conversations, decreased his aggressive meltdowns, had consistent eye contact and was more coordinated with crossing the midline. These are all skills not previously demonstrated, as stated by his mum and feedback from his other therapists, once they restarted care.

The changes seen in this child over 12 weeks are numerous, and the examination revealed a decrease in the strength with the Retained Primitive Reflexes. Retained Primitive Reflexes are the most basic stage of motor development and knowledge of this motor-language relationship could provide insights into non-verbal Autism.

Author keywords: Chiropractic - Functional neurology - Autism Spectrum Disorder - Melillo Method™ - Adaptability - Well-being -  Brain potential. 

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