Edgar Cayce on autism like symptoms

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THE EDGAR CAYCE PERSPECTIVE OF AUTISM

 

Edgar Cayce gave several readings for individuals exhibiting autistic

features. Because Edgar Cayce was more interested in the uniqueness of each

individual than in diagnostic labels, we cannot be certain as to whether these

cases are representative of autism. The word autism was never used in any

reading or correspondence. However, descriptions of behaviors and functioning

do suggest that certain persons who received readings may have suffered from

autism.

 

Notably, three readings given for an eight-year-old girl (2253), are

indicative of autism.

 

(Q) Why does she not talk?

(A) This reaction, or refractory reaction in system, prevents the contraction

in the muscular forces that have to do with the plexus from the secondary

cardiac to the central nerve system. This is directly to the vocal box. In

the corrections in the 3rd and 4th dorsal, and the 2nd and 3rd cervical, this

will be stimulated, see? as will necessary later to stimulate along the

eustachian tube for the reaction there, see? This NOT in the beginning. The

manipulations we would make at least three times each week, and ONE of the

treatments and ADJUSTMENT treatment - the other the drainages set up and the

muscular forces and tendons so relaxed as to make for the feeding out or

building up of nerve impulses as between the sympathetic and cerebro-spinal

system.

 

(Q) Why does she wring her hands?

(A) Nervous reaction. When these come, there is some form of expression - and

in the attempt to find an outlet for that INNATELY felt, the lack of knowing

WHAT to do - see?

 

(Q) Will she ever be able to understand and carry out a spoken suggestion?

(A) She will, if these [treatments] are carried out as has been outlined.

 

(Q) Where will the first improvement be noticed?

(A) The gradual relaxation, and NOT so nervous.

 

(Q) Is her brain alright, or just dormant?

(A) Just dormant. (2253-1)

 

Edgar Cayce traced the cause of the condition to pressures along the spine

where nerve plexus coordinate the functioning of the system. Nervous system

incoordination resulted producing a disturbance to the " imaginative nerve forces

of the body " causing the child to be " over sensitive. "

 

The pressures, as we find, exist principally in those of the sacral, the

lower dorsal, and the WHOLE of the cervical areas. These are especially seen in

the 4th LUMBAR plexus, that prevents coordination in the sympathetic and

cerebro-spinal impulses; while those of the central or lower dorsal,

sympathetically with the upper or 4th and 5th dorsal, prevent those impulses to

the central nerve force as to cause any reaction in this direction, and little

or no response is seen in that of a refractory reaction, save as comes through

impulses in the imaginative nerve forces of the body. Hence those tendencies of

the body to be over sensitive to certain vibrations that may be set up, without

the proper coordinating even to BRAIN impulses as to WHAT the reaction SHOULD

be. Hence often the body responds in a manner as apparently directly opposite

from that as would be, or should be, expected from voluntary or involuntary

refractory, or refraction. (2253-1)

 

Osteopathic manipulations to relieve the pressure were recommended. A mild,

natural herbal formula (containing mayblossom and ginseng) was suggested to calm

and sedate the child. An energy medicine device (Radial Appliance) was

prescribed to assist in coordinating the system.

 

Hypnotic suggestion was consistently recommended in such cases. Edgar Cayce

sometimes used the expression " suggestive therapeutics " to describe a simple,

natural form of suggestion to be used. Suggestion was recommended to address

the habitual, involuntary hand wringing and lack of normal development:

 

....as the body sinks to sleep - the talk, the quieting effect, the improvements

through the psychopathic effect that may be created by suggestion as the body

goes to sleep. Something as this, though it may be altered according to that

one giving same. Do not make same as rote, or as just something to be said, but

with that intense desire to be a channel of aid and help TO the individual:

 

AS YOU (calling the child by ITS OWN name, that it responds to even by any

FORM of suggestion) AS YOU SINK INTO A QUIET RESTFUL SLEEP, THE ORGANS OF THE

BODY WILL SO FUNCTION THAT THE VERY BEST WILL BE BUILDED IN THE PHYSICAL AND

MENTAL BEING, GIVING THAT RESPONSE THAT WILL BE A NORMAL ACTIVITY FOR THE ORGANS

OF THE SENSORY SYSTEM. (2253-2)

 

(Q) Is there anything we can do to get her to stop wringing her hands?

(A) Only applying those things that will alter the present nervous reactions in

the system will change same. THIS body, would be well for the suggestions to be

made under the influence of hypnosis, or auto-suggestion to the body as it

sleeps. This must be made by someone in sympathy with the activities of the

body, and THIS would relieve such stress on the general system. (2253-3)

 

Although we have no long-term documentation in this case, a letter from Mrs.

Pope of the Rosehill School (where the child was staying) noted, " I think she

has improved noticeably and more so since she has had the battery although it

has been used such a short time. "

 

Four readings were given for a nineteen year old male [2014] who had been

" abnormal about eleven years " and who was exhibiting repetitious, involuntary

movements and antisocial behaviors:

 

(Q) What is the reason for, and what can be done for the habit reaction he has;

such as the spitting, drawing of the mouth down, and waving of the fingers

before his nose and mouth?

(A) These, as indicated, are reflexes through the sensory nerve system; lack of

coordination between impulses and the guided or directed forces in the mental

reactions of same.

Keep up the applications indicated for corrections, making the suggestions -

and not attempting to control by violent means! (2014-3)

 

(Q) Would you advise scolding or hitting him, when he is so uncontrollable? or

what method would you advise?

(A) Patience, kindness, gentleness, ever; not in that of scolding or tormenting

at all. But in cajoling, and in kindness and in patience, these are the

manners.

Remember, these conditions are for purposes. While they become very trying

to the individuals who attempt to administer to the needs of the body, know

that these are purposeful in thine own experience also.

 

(Q) Is this stubborn, fresh and disobedient attitude due to his ailment?

(A) Due to the ailment; else there would be other measures indicated. And in

the building up of the body, there must be the response to kindness and

gentleness and love, - more than to force, power, might, hate or scolding.

(2014-2)

 

Again, this series of readings described nervous system incoordination

involving the sensory nervous system. Pressures along the spine and in the

abdominal nerve plexus associated with the digestive system were noted.

Abdominal castor oil packs and spinal manipulations were suggested to relieve

the pressures and coordinate the nervous systems. The Radial Appliance was also

recommended to assist with the coordination. A mild laxative tea was prescribed

to improve eliminations through the colon as chronic constipation was a problem.

 

For the behavioral problems and general pathological conditions, suggestive

therapeutics was recommended:

 

(Q) What type of suggestion would you recommend?

(A) As just indicated, the type that is to be given continually; of the

creative forces or God, - love manifesting through the activities of the body.

These as helpful forces will bring the bettered conditions for this body.

(2014-3)

 

The minimal follow-up correspondence does not indicate whether the

recommendations were applied consistently or the eventual outcome in this case.

 

A series of twelve readings were given for a young girl (1179) who was seven

years old when she received her first reading. Her readings and follow up

correspondence suggest possible mild autism. Her readings described a

" supersenstive " system with psychic or imaginative tendencies:

 

These conditions are rather of the unusual nature; or the body physically

and mentally is supersensitive and the psychic forces are developing much faster

than the bodily functionings. Or the body functionings are of such a nature

that the sensitiveness of same precludes some activities through the nominal

physical developments. (1179-1)

 

There are periods when there are unusual activities in the psychic forces of

the body. The imaginative reactions to the sensory and the external forces in

the experience of the body at times find physical expression in moods.

(1179-7)

 

The child was somewhat withdrawn and difficult. Her mother's comment

immediately following 1179-1: " Now I know better how to cope with this child,

who reacts so differently from my other children - she is so unusual in so many

ways. "

 

The mother's difficulty in dealing with the child's antisocial behaviors was

noted:

 

DO NOT make it an issue with the body! Advise with, but do not rave at nor

scold nor make the entity conscious of same by constant nagging, or insistency!

And this will be better, it will be found, in ALL the ways of IMPRESSING the

body in ANY manner for any activity.

As has been indicated, the body is supersensitive, and is made aware of

self's shortcomings or self's virtues by a continual impressing on same. Listen

to the entity's arguments, always. Never tell her to shut up or stop, but hear

it out! Then, parallel same by counsel as respecting what MIGHT be better if

paralleled in THAT direction. (1179-6)

 

Social withdrawal and interpersonal deficits were cited in the

correspondence. The child also apparently had some difficulty with reading.

 

Edgar Cayce described problems with the digestive system which were

contributing to the difficult psychosocial development of this child. Various

digestive aids and nutritional supplements were recommended, including

Ventriculin, a dietary supplement made from the gastric tissue of hogs.

 

As with the other cases cited above, the Radial Active appliance was

suggested to assist with nervous system coordination. Spinal manipulations were

recommended. A basic diet, focusing on body building foods, was emphasized. In

one reading, when asked about substituting other grains for wheat, Edgar Cayce

responded:

 

(Q) Should the body discontinue the use of wheat products, substituting RYE

BREAK, WHITE RICE, OATMEAL CEREAL, BUCKWHEAT AND CORNMEAL PANCAKES?

(A) It would be well to discontinue the greater portion of the wheat products,

if these others are used - and they are all very well to be used. (1179-5)

 

Although suggestive therapeutics was not directly mentioned, the readings

did insist on the importance of providing spiritual guidance to the child

through Bible stories.

 

According to correspondence from her mother, Ms. 1179 became a school

teacher at age twenty-two and married thirteen years later.

 

Although the above cases vary greatly with regard to symptoms and severity,

some common themes are worth noting. In all these cases Edgar Cayce focused on

nervous system incoordination involving the sensory nervous system. All these

individuals were described as over sensitive (even " super-sensitive " ). Nerve

pressures were cited as causative factors. Spinal manipulation was consistently

recommended, as was the use of the Radial Appliance to assist with balancing and

coordinating the system.

 

Problems with the digestive system and intestinal tract was significant in

two of these cases (1179 and 2014). Therapies such as abdominal castor oil

packs, diet, and dietary supplements were suggested.

 

The mental and spiritual aspects of healing were prominent in all three

cases. Suggestive therapeutics was usually recommended. The spiritual focus of

the family and caregivers was strongly emphasized.

 

Thus a blending of treatments into a well integrated treatment plan was

often recommended by Edgar Cayce for the treatment of autism. Here is a summary

of some of the most common treatment recommendations.

 

TREATMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

 

Conceptually, the Cayce approach to autism focuses on assisting the body in

healing itself by the application of a variety of therapies intended to address

the underlying causes of the condition. The mental and spiritual aspects of

healing are strongly emphasized.

 

Here are some general therapeutic recommendations intended to address the

underlying causes of autism:

 

1. MANUAL THERAPY (SPINAL MANIPULATION): Cayce often recommended spinal

manipulations to correct specific problems which may be a primary cause of

autism. It is difficult to obtain the osteopathic adjustments specified by

Cayce. However, a chiropractor may be of help. The frequency of the adjustments

will depend on the recommendations of the individual chiropractor or osteopath.

The use of an electric vibrator may also be helpful for individuals unable to

obtain regular spinal adjustments.

 

2. ELECTROTHERAPY: Regular use of the Radial Appliance to coordinate nerve

functioning and circulation is recommended.

 

3. INTERNAL CLEANSING: Because autistic symptoms were sometimes linked to

problems with the alimentary canal resulting in poor eliminations, hydrotherapy

is recommended to improve eliminations through the colon. Hydrotherapy includes

drinking six to eight glasses of pure water daily and obtaining colonic

irrigations to cleanse the bowel. Following the diet should also assist with

internal cleansing. Hot castor oil packs applied over the abdomen are

recommended to improve circulation (especially lymphatic) and eliminations

through the alimentary canal.

 

4. DIET: The Basic Cayce Diet is intended to improve assimilation and

elimination. The diet focuses heavily on keeping a proper alkaline/acid balance

while avoiding foods which produce toxicity and drain the system. Essentially,

the diet consists mainly of fruits and vegetables while avoiding fried foods and

refined carbohydrates ( " junk food " ). Certain food combinations are emphasized.

 

5. SUGGESTIVE THERAPEUTICS: The use positive suggestions during the presleep

period and during therapy sessions (such as massage and the Radial Appliance) is

recommended to awaken the inner healing response. The spiritual attunement of

the caregiver is essential.

 

6. MEDICATION: The use of a mild natural sedative (such as Passion Flower

fusion) may be helpful for excitable children. Laxatives and dietary

supplements may be helpful, particularly for individuals with significant

gastrointestinal symptoms. Although Ventriculin is no longer available, similar

products such as Secretin (made from hog gastric tissue and available only by

physician's prescription) have proven helpful for some persons suffering from

autism.