A chiropractic neurologist in Delray Beach is taking an interesting approach to treating children with autism, ADHD, Tourette’s syndrome and other developmental delays.

John Conde offers what he calls “brain-based rehab,” which has been becoming more popular over the past decade as more parents look for alternative treatments for their children.

The idea is that you can focus exercises on certain parts of the brain to make nerve cells grow and talk to each other faster.

John Conde

“That’s autism – the speed of processing is really delayed,” Conde said, which can cause outbursts, awkward behavior, lack of eye contact or other symptoms.

Conde’s practice uses neurological tests (like eye-tracking and balance tests, for example) to find the functional issues.

Then kids come in for hourlong sessions a couple of times a week. It doesn’t replace occupational or physical therapy, but can accompany it. (Some insurance companies cover a portion of the sessions).

The staff also looks at nutrition and any food sensitivities.

Licensed chiropractic neurologists , who are required to  undergo three years of post-doctorate training, do not perform surgery or prescribe medicine.

Conde said some patients see results after a couple of months – improvement in memory, focus, speech and more behavior control.

“We see a lot of kids getting a lot better” – much more functional, Conde said.

In the most dramatic of his cases, a 9-year-old boy who had been mute since birth began to speak.

There is much research – and much controversy – around developmental delays, their causes and treatments. It’s hard for parents to figure out what to try, even what to believe in the wake of the fraudulent studies that purported to link autism to vaccines. (The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends vaccinations).

Conde, who did not vaccinate his two daughters (now ages 4 months and 4 years old), said it was a difficult decision.

“It’s your choice. Parents have to be educated,” he said.

Parents are asking questions: A 2007 survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 87 percent of pediatricians had been asked by parents about alternative and complementary medicine.

Learn More

• Read about some of Conde’s exercises for the brain in 3-Minute Guru.
• Visit  thecondecenter.com.
• Find a guide to special diets on MomsMiami.
• PlayTown Cafe has one night a month reserved for parents and kids with special needs. The next one is 5:30-7:30 p.m. Feb. 2.

The Conde Center is at 401 W. Atlantic Ave., Suite 014, in Delray Beach. Call 561-330-6096.

Passing along this item from Sun-Sentinel.com about a special event this weekend for kids with autism: their own screening of Nanny McPhee Returns.

Lights will be brought up and the sound turned down; no previews or advertisements will be shown; and families can bring their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks.

The nearest participating theater is in Fort Lauderdale. Get all the details at Sun-Sentinel.com.

It’s great to see venues like this making accommodations for special needs kids.