How do I know if my child struggles with Sensory Processing Disorder?

Summer is a time for fun, relaxation, and enjoying various events like going to the beach, attending parades and carnivals, and going on vacation. However, for children with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), this season can be full of stress and difficulties. Many families first recognize the signs of sensory issues in their children during this time, noticing that they are easily overwhelmed in large crowds, struggle with loud noises, have trouble with transitions, and find it challenging to stay calm and regulated in the heat.

Sensory Processing Disorder affects a staggering 1 in 6 children, with numbers continually rising. Despite this prevalence, SPD is frequently overlooked or misunderstood by healthcare providers. Children with SPD have a nervous system that struggles to filter and regulate normal input, leaving them in a constant state of sensory overload. Sadly, pediatricians often dismiss parents’ concerns, saying, “It’s just a phase.” However, early intervention is crucial for children with SPD to thrive, and these interventions must address the root cause of the disorder, not just recommend temporary “workarounds.”

Common Signs of Sensory Processing Disorder in Children

• Oversensitivity to touch, clothing, sounds, smells, lights, and trying new foods
• Seeking or avoiding sensory input
• Difficulty with fine and gross motor skills
• Balance and coordination issues
• Poor body or spatial awareness
• Feeling overwhelmed in crowded places
• Difficulty transitioning between activities
• Emotional outbursts and difficulty self-calming
• Hyperactivity or inactivity
• Difficulty sleeping and poor attention span
• Repetitive behaviors

What’s Really Happening with the Nervous System in SPD?

Sensory processing is a three-part process:

1. Sensory input enters through the sensory nerves and the sensory aspect of the spinal cord, reading information from both internal (body) and external environments.
2. The brain and central nervous system process or interpret sensory information, determining what is important to pay attention to and react to and what should be filtered out or ignored.
3. The brain and nervous system send information and “actions” or “impulses” to various parts of the brain and body to react and respond to the incoming sensory input.

When the sensory nerve pathways into the brain and nervous system are altered and interfered with, the brain and nervous system receive “bad information.” This leads to poor decision-making or interpretation and, ultimately, challenging actions and outputs. The root cause of SPD is a neurosensory communication and connection problem called subluxation or nervous system dysregulation.

The Perfect Storm: Factors Contributing to the Development of SPD

• High-stress pregnancy
• Birth interventions
• Environmental factors
• Genetic predisposition

The Path Forward: Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care

While the root cause of Sensory Processing Disorder may not be found using common medical diagnostic testing, Neurological INSiGHT Scans are designed to find subluxation, nervous system dysregulation, and dysfunction. These scans can help you see exactly what’s causing your child’s frequent tantrums, meltdowns, and sensory difficulties.

If you feel like you’ve already tried months or even years of OT and made various sensory “workarounds” part of your everyday life, and you just want things to be easier and less “modified” for your child and family, it’s time to learn more about how Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care works.

This specialized form of chiropractic care can do wonders for children struggling with sensory issues. By addressing the root cause of SPD, chiropractic care can help your child and entire family experience an easier, calmer, and more consistent quality of life.

Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic benefits children by addressing subluxations and nervous system dysregulation. This leads to improved sensory processing and responses to sensory input. As the nervous system begins functioning better, children may experience better emotional regulation, resulting in fewer emotional outbursts and easier self-regulation. Additionally, a balanced nervous system can help with focus and attention and improve sleep.

If you suspect your child may have Sensory Processing Disorder, please reach out to Real Health Chiropractic Clinic today! Early intervention and the right care can make all the difference in your child’s development and overall well-being.

Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care offers a drug-free, non-invasive approach to addressing the root cause of SPD. By understanding the signs, causes, and available care options, you can take the first steps toward supporting your child’s sensory processing and creating a more pleasant family environment.