NONVERBAL

LEARNING DISORDER:
AN 11-YEAR-OLD A functional
neurology

WITH A CASE OF approach for

helping children
with brain-based
FUNCTIONAL problems

DISCONNECTION
SYNDROME
Samuel Nicholson,
Chiropractic Master’s Candidate

6th May 2014

 Madrid College of Chiropractic - RCU María Cristina
Nonverbal Learning Disorder: an 11-year-old with a case of Functional Disconnection Syndrome

ABSTRACT

Objective: To inform chiropractic students attending Madrid College of Chiropractic about

considering utilizing a specific chiropractic protocol based upon hemisphericity in treating children
with autism’s spectrum disorder.

Methods and Results: An 11-years-old female patient received a Nonverbal Learning Disorder
diagnosis at the age of four, and since that time has been treated with allopathic drugs and special
blue-colored glasses to reduce her symptoms and improve her capacities. On the second visit she
was treated with high-speed low-amplitude chiropractic adjustments based on neurological
findings and vertebral subluxation complexes to restore her mechanical loss of function and to
stimulate the correct side of the cerebrum and cerebellum. These procedures were based upon
functional neurology protocols described by Drs. Carrick, Donofrio and Melillo.

Discussion: Because of the author’s lack of experience and the length of the first part of the
Melillo’s Protocol used in assessing the side of brain hemisphericity, it was not possible to execute
his program exactly as he proposed. The patient also wasn’t able to comply with the prescribed
scheduled adjustments, nor to maintain the at-home exercises. In spite of this, the effects of
extremity and spinal chiropractic adjustments created a positive behavioral changes beginning
with first treatment.

Conclusion: All Chiropractic teaching programs should consider including functional neurology
because of its practical and fast applications. Chiropractic university clinics should consider
Protocols and Theories that are not taught in the curriculum but have been demonstrated to work
in a private clinical situation.

Keywords: Case report, child, health, nonverbal learning disorder, nonverbal learning disability,
chiropractic, vertebral subluxation complex, hemisphericity, Melillo’s At-Home Brain Balance
Program

Madrid College of Chiropractic – Real Centro Universitario María Cristina, San Lorenzo de El
Escorial, Madrid, Spain, 2014. snicholson@rcumariacristina.com

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 Madrid College of Chiropractic - RCU María Cristina
Nonverbal Learning Disorder: an 11-year-old with a case of Functional Disconnection Syndrome

“Nonverbal Learning Disorder Syndrome (NVLD or NLD) is a specific type of learning disability that
affects children's academic progress as well as their social and emotional development” (1). It’s
considered one of the manifestations of the autism spectrum syndrome (2) (3). Although no cause
for this disorder has been definitely identified, it is known that deficits in the functioning of the
right hemisphere of the brain play a significant role (4) (5).
This information should encourage any practitioners who deal with this kind of disorder to
investigate the concept of hemispheric asymmetry of the brain. This is probably one of the most
controversial concepts in functional neurology today.

The fact that the human brain is asymmetrical has been fairly well established in the literature (4) (6)
(7) (8) (9) (10) (11)
. There’s a functional difference as well as an anatomical difference. These two
hemispheres control a vast array of functions. The level at which each hemisphere operates is
dependent on the central integrative state of that particular hemisphere which is determined, to a
large extent, by the afferent stimulation it receives from the periphery. Other factors that affect
their levels of function are nutrient and oxygen supply.
“Traditionally the concepts of hemisphericity were applied to the processing of language and
visuospatial stimuli"(6). “Today, the concept of hemisphericity has developed into a more elaborate
theory that involves cortical asymmetric modulation of such diverse constructs like the thalamus,
amygdala, hippocampus, caudate, basal ganglia, substantia nigra, red nucleus, the cerebellum,
brainstem nuclei, and peripheral nervous system” (12).

Interpretation and treatment with hemisphericity is discussed in the chiropractic literature, one
the most challenging is diagnosing and treating those individuals with autism. The NVLD can be
considered a light form of autism (13) (14) (15), which manifests different zones of hypo- or hyper-
activity in each hemisphere (16). This condition has been named cross-dominance and requires
more tools, knowledge and tests to assess the activity of each brain region.

The hemisphericity concept is appreciated more and more among health practitioners. Four
outstanding contributors are: Dr. Frederick Carrick, founder of Carrick's Functional Neurology
Program employed in his 28 clinics worldwide (17), Dr. John C. Donofrio, President of the American
Chiropractic Neurology Board (1995-2014) (18) (19), Dr. Robert Melillo creator of the Brain Balance
Program and Director of the Brain Balance Centers, author of Disconnected Kids(20) and Walter
Schmitt (21) who developed procedures to identify and correct hemisphericity with Applied
Kinesiology.

Neurological function is based upon a stimulus imposed on an individual receptor or collective

receptors to activate neurologic pathways. These pathways function as long as they have
adequate oxygen, glucose and stimulus. In an autistic brain one or more of these three ingredients
is compromised. Stimulation to correct these compromises in the cortex and cerebellum provides
the solution to correct this autistic imbalance.

Based upon the premise that the brain can change if given the proper stimulation, Dr. Robert
Melillo, chiropractic researcher in childhood neurological disorders, created a childrens’ program
that includes sensory/motor training and stimulation, and cognitive and academic activity plans
coupled with nutritional testing and easy-to-follow dietary guidelines. This unique integrated
approach is the key to what makes Brain Balance potencially effective. Dr. Melillo’s research (15) (22)
(23)
and extensive clinical experience led him to postulate disorders like ADHD, Dyslexia, processing

Samuel Nicholson, Chiropractic Master’s Candidate

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 Madrid College of Chiropractic - RCU María Cristina
Nonverbal Learning Disorder: an 11-year-old with a case of Functional Disconnection Syndrome

disorders, and autism spectrum disorders as manifestations of an underlying problem called

Functional Disconnection Syndrome. (NOTE)
This imbalance in brain development was the common thread between all these learning and
behavioral issues. He theorized, based on the science of neuroplasticity, that if he designed a
program that could effectively stimulate the weaker hemisphere of the brain, it could, in fact,
grow and develop new and stronger neural connections. In turn, this would remediate the many
symptoms associated with these learning and developmental disorders.
Dr. Melillo has developed a protocol based upon on hemisphericity to address these conditions
and has a 20 years track record with success.

CASE PRESENTATION

Patient’s demographics and history

The patient, an 11-years-old female, was brought by her mother to check her spine to exclude
scoliosis, which the mother had. She also wanted to see if chiropractic could help her daughter’s
mental disorder which was diagnosed at the age of four: Nonverbal Learning Disorder also called
Nonverbal Learning Disability.

She had intermittent episodes of herpes in the left eye from the age of 19 months until the age of
6. For the past year she has taken Aciclovir further damage to her cornea, which has a 10% loss of
visual acuity. Her blood tests revealed no immunological compromise to the eyes. From the age
from 5 to 7 years old she took Medikinet and Rubifen and since 7 Concerta, three drugs used in
ADHD treatment. She has chronic otitis media and tonsillitis with compromised breathing but a
negative for sleep apnea.

The use of the chromatic blue eye-glasses has permitted her to read fluently. Unfortunately,
because of the high cost, her parents limited its use.

She had a normal life style, attended a normal school, though she struggled with some subjects
like mathematics, she takes English class at home twice a week. She trains in karate twice a week
and sometimes rode a bicycle even if it was difficult. Her mother clearly confirmed her motor
difficulties which were obvious in the examination room. She manifested lack of coordination and
synchronous motion in intentional activities. At 19 months she started to walk and at that time,
when she fell down, she wasn’t able to rise by herself. This persisted until the age of three. During
her childhood she also suffered repetitive right ankle sprains. It was obvious that she had a stable
and lovely relationship with her mother.

The only familial complaint was her mother’s scoliosis. At 9 months dental braces were applied for
2 years due to anomalous growth. Her mother mentioned she ate most foods but drank little fluid.
She is a lights sleeper but respiratory, cardiovascular or abdominal complains are denied except
for excess intestinal flatulence. Her mother said she’s difficult to awaken in the morning and she
starts her day very slowly.

NOTE: In 2004 the American Chiropractic Association's Council on Neurology set the name of Functional Disconnection Syndrome (FDS) for this condition of imbalance
between the hemispheres. The imbalance caused by FDS may be more than just a decreased input in one hemisphere relative to the other; it may also include
asynchronous timing of the hemispheres as they work together Chiropractic for Learning and Behavioral Disorders. By Kurt W. Kuhn, D.C., Ph.D. Original manuscript 2005
Updated to this PDF form 2007

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Nonverbal Learning Disorder: an 11-year-old with a case of Functional Disconnection Syndrome

Clinical Exams

During the visit the patient was well behaved with no compulsion for hyperactivity. During the
physical examination the relevant signs were an extreme pronation bilaterally, with both astragals
touching the floor; there was a normal active range of motion of the spine but a positive thoracic
Adams Test. The motion palpation vertebral subluxation complexes were found bilaterally in the
asymptomatic cervical region, bilaterally in a painful lumbar region and in the right sacroiliac
articulation. Brain hemisphericity was not defined on that day and no adjustment was performed
before the 2th visit.

Inspection revealed an excavated sternum along the first three ribs bilaterally. No pain was elicited
upon the palpation or maximum chest expansion. The abdominal muscles were taught with
normal intestinal peristalsis. Percussion revealed excessive abdominal gas confirming the history.
The vital signs were measured: Blood tension: R=120/85mmHg; L=110/90; Radial pulse: R=86 bpm;
L=85bpm; Oxygen saturation: R=92%; L=95%; Heart rate= 84bpm; Respiration= 19/min; Weight=
35.5kg; Height= 1.48mt; BMI=16.2.

The following tests and their significance were:

WEAK SIDE INTERPRETATION OF
TEST
OF THE TEST HEMISPHERICITY
Hit knee with contralateral heel Right Left
Slide heel down to the contralateral tibia to
Right Left
the hallux
With close eyes touch the nose with one of
Left Right
hand finger
Prono-supination of arms (both out-
Right and Left Bilateral, if significant
stretched and with elbows close to body)
Smell: liquid chocolate under a nostril She can detect it
but she’s not able Bilateral, if significant
to definite it
Ocular convergence Left Left
Pursuit eye movement Right > Left Right
Saccadic eye movement Right and Left Bilateral, if significant
Strength of jaw lateral movement vs
Right and Left Bilateral, if significant
resistance (by command or imitation)
Corneal reflex Equal (No hemisphericity)
Mandibular reflex Equal (No hemisphericity)
Lower soft palate Right Right
SCM and upper trapezius Equal (No hemisphericity)
Reflex of C5; C6; C7; L4; 1+ on both sides Bilateral, if significant
Reflex of S1 2+ on both sides (No hemisphericity)

Hemisphericity is not established with any certainty from the above tests. From the 2th to the 6th
visit Melillo’s Program (Disconnected Kids (20) ) was begun and then completed to confirm the
hemisphericity.

Samuel Nicholson, Chiropractic Master’s Candidate

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 Madrid College of Chiropractic - RCU María Cristina
Nonverbal Learning Disorder: an 11-year-old with a case of Functional Disconnection Syndrome

Methods and Results throughout seven chiropractic sessions

On the second visit treatment was initiated to a weaken right hemisphere because of the following
findings: lower soft palate on the right side, lower oxygenation on the right hand, increased tone
on ipsilateral posterior muscles of right leg and positive right Adam Test. This test demonstrated
the concavity on the right T5-T9 area, which corresponds to a possible right hemisphericity where
the paravertebral muscle are firing more on the right than on the left encouraging the spinal
deviation(24) (25).
The adjustments were performed to reduce the mechanical instabilities as determined by the
motion palpation and to stimulate the right hemisphere as determined by the above four findings.

The mother reported improvement in the patient’s attention and energy levels following the
introduction of chiropractic care. She reports she was astonished because her daughter was able
to ride a bicycle in the public park without crashing into people or obstacles as a result of her
improved coordination. In the last visit I instructed the mother in the first part of Melillo’s At-
Home Brain Balance Program to start specific exercises. She cancelled many appointments due to
the Easter Holydays and vacations of the early May.

DISCUSSION

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

“Autism Spectrum Disorders are a range of complex developmental disorders that can cause
problems with thinking, feeling, language, and the ability to relate to others. They are neurological
disorders, which means they affect the functioning of the brain. How autism disorders affect a
person and the severity of symptoms are different in each person” (26). Within in the Nonnverbal
Learning Disorder (NVLD) is the right hemisphericity in which the processing of nonverbal and
visual-spatial information is impaired. This leads to deficits in balance and coordination, pattern
recognition, mathematical ability, and visual memory (1).
“Some children may have the academic difficulties associated with NVLD but do quite well socially
and emotionally. For example spatial and coordination problems make printing and writing,
learning math, telling time, reading and coloring maps and keeping one's place on the page
difficult from early grades. By secondary school more complex verbal language is based on
nonverbal processes like spatial relationships (in science, for example), logical ordering, and
sequencing (both skills necessary for writing essays). Throughout the school years, children with
NVLD are often inattentive and poorly organized because they have trouble integrating and
interpreting incoming information. They tend to pay attention to each detail as it comes in, rather
than combining them into more meaningful wholes. The effort quickly leads to information
overload, with which these students will often cope by clinging to familiar habits and routines that
help them to structure their world. Sometimes this means of coping appears as misbehaviour.
Possibly the biggest area of concern for children and adults with NVLD is social skills. One result of
having trouble processing nonverbal and spatial information is missing or misinterpreting subtle
social cues like facial expressions, gestures and tones of voice. The recognition that they are being
rejected may not come until they are older; their hurt and confusion grows because they are
unable to understand the increasingly complex social rules of adolescence (1).”
The theory of hemisphericity brings a clear understanding as to why each suffer of NVLD present
with different symptoms.

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Nonverbal Learning Disorder: an 11-year-old with a case of Functional Disconnection Syndrome

Fast Neurological Assessment

Dr. Donofrio proposes how to evaluate, in a few steps, the hemisphericity of seemingly healthy
people (24) (25). I used the following finding for the chiropractic adjustments. The brain deficiency is
assigned to side of: lower blood oxygenation [in this case: 92% on the right, 95% on the left],
higher dilation of pupil [in this case: almost symmetric], lower soft palate [in this case: on the
right], increased tone on ipsilateral anterior muscles of arms [in this case: not present] and
ipsilateral posterior muscles of legs [in this case: right leg]. The conclusion was a Right Brain
Hemisphericity.

These signs are the result of a weaker activation of the right side of the brain. The cortex cannot
adequately inhibit the structures of the midbrain. This pathway is inhibitory to neurons in the
midbrain (mesencephalic rostral reticular formation), which is the homolog of the sympathetic
nervous system (SNS), and the midbrain more powerfully inhibits the pons, which is the origin of
the parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS) (caudal paramedian pontomedullary region). The
parasympathetics are responsible for supplying the oxygen and nutrients for controlling the supply
to every vital organ. If the cortex is weaker on one side, there will be diminished ipsilateral PSNS-
activity, which leads to decreased oxygen and nutrition to the vital organs on the same side. At the
same time in the musculoskeletal system the muscles become ramped up for a sympathetic fight
or flight response (27). This is accomplished by neuronal activity in which we get firing of neurons to
the anterior muscles above the T6 vertebral level and firing to the posterior muscles below the T6
vertebral level. This will encourage internal rotation of the upper extremities and external rotation
of the lower extremities to prepare the fight or flight response. There is also firing to the erector
spinae muscles which attach to the iliac crest which will encourage a pelvic distortion (AS ilium) on
that side, as found in this patient (25).

Brain Balance Program

The concept of the Disconnection Syndrome between two sides of the brain actually dates back to
the end of the nineteenth century when the scientists became aware that certain neurological
conditions are the result of communication problem between the two hemispheres rather than an
injury to one specific area. “In 1973, the concept of a functional disconnection was used to explain
the symptoms of a condition called alexia, which is the inability to read words [incapacity of left
brain]. A functional disconnect is not the result of an injury to the brain. To me, this said, that if
the brain is not injured, then the disconnected can be fixed” assumed Dr. Robert Melillo (20), world-
renowned chiropractic neurologist, professor and researcher in childhood neurological disorders.
“Modern Medicine was searching for a solution by focusing on what appeared to be the main
issue. With ADHD, it was an attention problem or impulsivity. With dyslexia, it was a reading
problem. With autism, it was a socialization and communication problem. No one was looking at
the other problems these children had: they involved every system in the body, not just the
brain”. The At-Home Brain Balance Program is a cutting-edge approach by integrating three key
pillars of brain development: in sensory-motor exercises, neuroacademic exercises and
bionutricional activities. The Sensory Motor Examination is a series of physical activities that are
designed to identify the areas of your child’s brain that might have a developmental delay, which
can lead to an imbalance or functional disconnection. Dr. Melillo assesses all aspects of motor skill
and development, sensory detection, and sensory processing during this portion of the

Samuel Nicholson, Chiropractic Master’s Candidate

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 Madrid College of Chiropractic - RCU María Cristina
Nonverbal Learning Disorder: an 11-year-old with a case of Functional Disconnection Syndrome

assessment. “The Neuroacademic Exercises or Cognitive Examination is a standardized academic

achievement test that measures 120 different academic skills. Over the course of the test, it
becomes clear which types of academic skills are strong and which are weak and, further,
highlights the corresponding areas of the brain that are affected. Along with academic
achievement it assesses cognitive skills, reading ability, and social development and behavior. Bio-
nutrition combines core principles of biochemistry with diet and nutrition. Nearly every child he
sees with learning and developmental issues has some biochemical imbalances, as well as dietary
issues like food sensitivities and vitamin, mineral, and amino acid deficiencies. […] Without fuel,
the brain can’t make new proteins to build new branches or make and repair cells that produce
energy. Without fuel, brain cells will fatigue, get damaged, and die. Stimulation without fuel, or
fuel without stimulation, does not work” Melillo says (20).

Chiropractic Care

“Cleave reports two cases of individuals of 20 and 17 years old diagnosed with autistic behaviors.
He demonstrated improvement in both cases during the period of 4 and 5 months with visit
frequency of one per week (28).

Preiss discusses the alleviation of autism spectrum disorders symptoms following a multi-
disciplinary approach. He observed a progressive reduction in behavioral and sensory issues using
Craniosacral Therapy (CST), Myofascial Release (MFR), Sensory Integration (SI), and gluten
elimination over a 5 1/2 year period (29).

To suggest that observable behavior might be caused by sensory dysregulation Barnes reports on
an 11 year old boy with medically diagnosed attention deficit hyperactivity disorder who
experienced academic and behavioral improvements concomitant with reduced subluxations
following the introduction of chiropractic, nutritional, visual and counseling therapy (30).

Elster provides a report of a 9 year old boy diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome, ADHD, depression,
asthma, insomnia and headaches undergoing chiropractic care to reduce an upper cervical
vertebral subluxation. The author reports an immediate reduction in symptoms following the
initiation of care followed by the complete absence of symptoms within six weeks of chiropractic
care. Beyond reporting on the outcomes of this case, Elster reviews a significant body of literature
that suggests traumatic head injury as a trigger for Tourette’s, ADHD, depression, insomnia and
headaches (31).

Young reports on a case of a 4-year-old boy who underwent chiropractic treatment and showed
improvement in his ADHD symptoms. The child was diagnosed with an Atlas subluxation and
adjusted with a hand held adjusting instrument. After six treatments his temper tantrums ceased
and aggressive behavior abated. In addition to chiropractic the boy was also placed on an omega 3
fatty acid supplement, and was given proprioceptive exercises (32).

Bastecki reports on a patient with cervical kyphosis who underwent Chiropractic Biophysics
technique. The patient was a 5-year-old diagnosed with ADHD and treated by a pediatrician
unsuccessfully with methylphenidate, Adderall, and Haldol for three years. The child received 35
chiropractic adjustments over an 8 week period. Cervical curve measurements revealed a change
from a 12 degree C2-7 kyphosis to a 32 degree C2-7 lordosis following chiropractic treatment. The

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Nonverbal Learning Disorder: an 11-year-old with a case of Functional Disconnection Syndrome

child's facial tics resolved and his behavior vastly improved with the child's pediatrician stating
that the child no longer exhibited symptoms of ADHD (33)” (34)

One of the other potential causes of hemisphericity was proposed by Dr. Walter H.Schmitt (35).
He suggested a strong psycho-emotional pathway created in the cerebellar-cortical-cerebellar
adaptation loop, called “Injury Recall”. This is a result of a severe traumatic injury or repeated
minor injuries. The circular pathway could negate the actual side of hemisphericity if it went
unidentified by investigate procedures. This approach is not part of this paper, but I would
propose that future Master Chiropractic Candidate consider investigating this theory.

Nutrition Care

“It is also important to note the nutrition can play an important role in treatment of ADHD.
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for proper brain development and function and modern diets
have an improper ratio of fats, mainly lacking the essential omega-3. Research is beginning to
show a direct correlation between deficiencies in omega-3s and childhood neurodevelopmental
disorders such as ADHD. After three months of omega-3 supplementation, significant
improvements in spelling, reading, and behavior were noted in those children compared to a
placebo group (36)”

According to Dr. Melillo there is the possibility to suggest diminishing or abolishing drug therapies
(20)
, but until this juncture this modification was not considered.

During the patient’s initial 6 visits the protocol was interrupted for various reasons in the patient’s
private life. With better compliance in the future the patient’s response can be more accurately
followed and recorded. Within seven weeks a new Resident will be in charge of this case and
during this time he will be apprenticing with me and he will become familiar and be able to
continue and eventually conclude this patient’s care.

CONCLUSION

This case demonstrated that in just 7 chiropractic visits it’s possible to create positive behavioral
and psychomotor change in a child with Nonverbal Learning Disorder.

The author’s opinion is that the investigative projects in magisterial classes at this Chiropractic
University should be expanded to include protocols that have been successfully demonstrated in
private chiropractic clinics, even though that protocol may not be taught at this institution. Of
course, the subject matter should meet with the approval of a Director Chiropractic Studies.With
this opportunity students can extend the knowledge acquired in the preceding 4 years and find
motivation to prove new clinical approaches for the benefit of mankind.

Samuel Nicholson, Chiropractic Master’s Candidate

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 Madrid College of Chiropractic - RCU María Cristina
Nonverbal Learning Disorder: an 11-year-old with a case of Functional Disconnection Syndrome

PRIVACY AND PERMISSION

Before starting the chiropractic care into the University Clinic Centre, the patient’s parent signed
the Informed Consent. With it they permit the anonymous use of the patient information for
educational purposes for the students practicing in the Titulación en Quiropráctica of the Madrid
College of Chiropractic.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation to the Clinic Director, Carlos Gevers, who
permitted me to utilize this special Protocol which, while is not part of curriculum subjects,
demonstrate positive results.

A special thanks to our tutors, Glen Heese, who helped interpret this work into English and
Fernando Maldonado, who provided many bibliographic references.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

The author or other participants to this Case Report do not realize any remunerated professional
activity related with this study.

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Nonverbal Learning Disorder: an 11-year-old with a case of Functional Disconnection Syndrome

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Samuel Nicholson, Chiropractic Master’s Candidate

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Nonverbal Learning Disorder: an 11-year-old with a case of Functional Disconnection Syndrome

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www.rcumariacristina.com ; info@rcumariacristina.com
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 Madrid College of Chiropractic - RCU María Cristina
Nonverbal Learning Disorder: an 11-year-old with a case of Functional Disconnection Syndrome

References on how to write a scientific article or a case report

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come scrivere e Diffondere letteratura grigia Versione1.0. Roma: Istituto Superiore di Sanità.
Marzo 2006 http://www.glisc.info/nancy_ITA.pdf

Samuel Nicholson, Chiropractic Master’s Candidate

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