Chronology of Neurological dysfunction

Chronology of Neurological Dysfunction

The real rise in increased numbers of neurological dysfunction children with a diagnosis of autism, Asperger Syndrome, dyslexia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is of concern in the cost of management of these children in terms of health care and education. The cost to Government to support these individuals can be measured in millions of units of currency.
This is an attempt to catalogue the reasons for increase in numbers, however it has to be recognised that this analysis cannot be taken as, that, these neonatal, prenatal, perinatal and postnatal events and abnormalities will inevitably lead to an abnormal outcome. The abnormal events and conditions described can only be a consideration of an increased risk and not an inevitable outcome.
This analysis is an attempt to catalogue events of motherhood to suggest where with careful management, prevention of increased risk could possibly reduce the numbers of unfavourable outcome and reduce pressure on public services.

Pre conception
Age
Motherhood after 30 presents a greater risk of miscarriage, early birth, low birth weight, complications during birth.
Smoking
Increases amounts of carbon dioxide in the mother’s bloodstream and less oxygen to the fetus. Nicotine is a toxic substance for the fetus.
Drinking
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is a well- documented cause of fetal distress and loss of fetus.
Substance abuse
All toxic substances pose a risk to the fetus.
Nutrition
The growing fetus requires the best possible nutrition for growth and well being .The addition of vitamins to the mothers diet and supplementation of folic acid in the very early stages of pregnancy can reduce the effect of neural tube defects leading to Spina Bifida. Recent research is showing the need to supplement Iodine where deficient in the mothers system, hypothyrodism, which can manifest in deficiency in the fetus leading to neurological dysfunction. See web-sites www.pnas.org/cgi/doi/10.1073/pnas.051454698 and web address http://php.scripts.psu.edu-jem443-ForWork-Posters-Iodine-Paper.pdf.
Obesity
Increases the risk of heavier birth weight and increase size of the fetus. This reduces the ability for normal birth as the pelvic opening is too small for the passage of the child and increases the need for caesarian section. Caesarian section can lead to hypoxia and brain injury of the newborn.
Reduced immunity.
It is accepted that natural immunity reduces with age, and this leads to greater risk of bacterial and viral infections during pregnancy. Infections in the fetus lead to miscarriage, preterm and low birthweight, giving rise to neurological dysfunction, of the offspring, risking infant death in the first few months of life.
In his book "Children who do not look you in the eye" by Dr Antonio Parisi discussing etiopathogenesis of neurological dysfunction, states "infections which may cause the death of the foetus should be considered, followed by those which may cause brain injury compatible with survival but leading to neurological disturbance", in some cases early death
Pregnancy
Smoking
Drinking
Substance abuse
Nutrition and obesity
Infections
Risk of early termination
During pregnancy all the above discussion is relevant, continuance of any practice which has an influence on the well being of the fetus is to be discouraged.
Infections acquired by the mother are passed to the fetus and in the case of Rubella in the first three months of pregnancy, early termination can be an outcome. In the event of survival of the fetus a high risk of severe disability, cerebral palsy, remains.
Rubella is by no means the only viral or bacterial agency, which can lead to complications, a full list of other agents is noted in other articles on web site www.theautismcentre.co.uk/delacato-research.html.
Birth procedure
Preterm/low birth weight
Extended labour
Caesarian /rapid birth
Normal birth at full term is considered to be one with no complications, usually in a time period of between 2 and 10 hours, without any interventions, either mechanically, using forceps or suction devices, or surgically with caesarian section. Extended labour usually means over 10 hours.
In the case of these interventions being used, Caesarian, as an emergency procedure, or forceps, it must be construed that a neurological problem already exists with the child, that the child’s natural mechanisms which have been developed during pregnancy to initiate and aid childbirth have been compromised as a result of any abnormality developed during pregnancy. The classic example is Tonic Neck Reflux, which is there to aid childbirth, lack of which leads to emergency action being needed.
Forceps were developed to turn the baby’s head during childbirth, as the head must be in the correct position to promote the development process of learning by eliminating the retention of inhibitive reflexes. Readers should acquaint themselves with the writings of Sally Goddard on the subject of reflexes. The use of forceps to pull out the baby can lead to brain injury.
The use of caesarian intervention can lead to hypoxia, a cause of neurological dysfunction, numerous scientific papers have published worldwide and are examined in papers on this web-site.
A preterm baby can be considered to be at risk of developing a learning delay.
Early Life
Infections.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
The developing central nervous system is vulnerable to infections, and published research suggests that, any disturbance to the central nervous system, can have an effect of diminishing the child’s natural immunity system, suggesting the reason for so many learning, and development delayed children acquiring inner ear infections (glue ear), colds and influenza.
Previously the subject of retained inhibitive reflexes was touched as a barrier to learning. Asymmetric Tonic Neck Reflex is there to assist birth, The Plantar Reflex, if retained stops the child from crawling on hands and knees. The missing of this vital, and normal event in the life of a child with no learning difficulty, delays development. It is incumbent on any person responsible for that child to ensure that this stage of development is completed for the progress of the child. A child developing normally, usually crawls on hands and knees around the age of 6- 8 months, then starts to walk around the age of 1 year.
Every child diagnosed with a development and learning delay inevitably becomes the responsibility of a Special Needs Education System, struggling to meet the needs of today’s children of special educational years.
Any steps taken to reduce the numbers of children being born with a neurological dysfunction will be welcomed by the system.

Robin Burn
The Autism Centre
October 2006