ADHD in Kids: Natural Treatment Options, Root Causes, and Pediatric Chiropractic in San Diego
If your child struggles with focus, big emotions, meltdowns, or sensory overload, it might not be just “behavior”—it could be signs of ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), or sensory processing challenges.
At Sprout Family Chiropractic in San Diego, we specialize in helping children with neurodevelopmental conditions like ADHD, autism, and SPD by addressing one of the most overlooked pieces of the puzzle: the nervous system.
Using gentle, drug-free tools like Insight Scans, pediatric chiropractic adjustments, and low-level laser therapy, we help uncover the why behind the struggles—and support your child’s ability to focus, regulate, and grow.
What Are the Root Causes of ADHD in Children?
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions in children—but it often overlaps with other challenges like autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and sensory processing disorder (SPD). These conditions can show up differently in each child, but they often share a common root: a dysregulated nervous system.
Symptoms may include:
Trouble focusing or completing tasks
Impulsive behavior or frequent emotional outbursts
Constant movement or an inability to sit still
Sensory sensitivities to sound, touch, or texture
Social or communication difficulties (especially in autism)
These struggles are not the result of poor parenting or willpower. More and more research points to underlying neurological imbalances, including:
Retained primitive reflexes and delayed motor development
Low vagal tone, affecting the body’s ability to calm and regulate
Inflammation and poor gut-brain communication
Prenatal or birth-related stress
Chronic overstimulation from screen time or environmental toxins
Whether your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, autism, or sensory processing disorder, understanding the root causes is the first step toward real, drug-free support—and lasting change.
How Does the Nervous System Affect ADHD in Kids?
Many children with ADHD, autism, or sensory processing challenges live in a constant state of nervous system overload. Instead of being able to shift between calm and alert, their body stays stuck in “fight-or-flight” mode—even during everyday tasks like sitting in class, getting dressed, or trying to fall asleep.
This is called sympathetic dominance, and it’s a sign that the nervous system isn’t adapting properly to stress.
Common signs of nervous system dysregulation include:
Difficulty sleeping or staying asleep
Meltdowns or emotional outbursts over small changes
Sensory overload from noise, bright lights, clothing, or touch
Frequent tummy aches, constipation, or picky eating
Poor impulse control or extreme reactivity
This isn’t a behavior problem—it’s a neurological response. A child who appears defiant, distracted, or emotionally “out of control” is often showing signs that their nervous system is overwhelmed and under-supported.
By looking at the nervous system as the root, we can begin to understand why these symptoms show up—and how to help your child feel more calm, focused, and regulated.
The Vagus Nerve and ADHD: How This One Nerve Affects Focus, Mood, and Behavior
The vagus nerve plays a powerful role in your child’s development—and it may be the missing link in understanding ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and sensory processing difficulties.
This nerve connects the brain to nearly every major organ system, including the heart, lungs, digestive tract, and immune system. It’s also the main communicator for the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps children:
Stay calm and focused
Regulate emotions
Fall asleep and stay asleep
Process and integrate sensory input
Rest, digest, and grow
When vagus nerve function is low—called poor vagal tone—the body struggles to shift out of stress mode. This can lead to symptoms that look like:
Meltdowns, mood swings, or emotional outbursts
Short attention span or difficulty following directions
Sensory sensitivities and overwhelmed behavior
Sleep disturbances or frequent night waking
Delayed speech or poor social engagement (common in autism)
At Sprout Family Chiropractic, we use CLA Insight™ scans to assess how well your child’s vagus nerve and overall nervous system are functioning. We don’t just look at symptoms—we look at why the system is struggling to regulate in the first place.
What It’s Like for a Child Living with ADHD
For a child living with ADHD, autism, or sensory processing challenges, everyday tasks can feel overwhelming—both physically and emotionally.
These children often experience the world differently. Their brain and body are constantly working overtime to keep up, filter stimulation, and maintain control. But from the outside, it can look like:
“Acting out,” when they’re really overstimulated or anxious
“Not listening,” when they’re trying their best to focus
“Being defiant,” when transitions or unpredictability feel overwhelming
On the inside, it can feel like:
Constant frustration from not being able to control their body, behavior, or emotions
Feeling “different” or ashamed after getting in trouble again
Struggling to make or keep friends due to emotional reactivity
Academic challenges that affect confidence, motivation, and self-worth
Exhaustion from trying to hold it all together in school or public spaces
When you understand what your child’s nervous system is going through, you realize:
They’re not broken. They’re overwhelmed. And their body is doing its best to adapt.
12 Signs Your Child’s Nervous System May Be Dysregulated
Whether your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, autism, or sensory processing disorder, or you simply know something feels “off,” one of the most overlooked pieces of the puzzle is often the nervous system.
When the nervous system is out of balance, it can become stuck in a chronic state of fight-or-flight—leading to constant stress signals that affect how your child thinks, feels, sleeps, digests, and interacts with the world.
This state of nervous system dysregulation is common in kids with ADHD and neurodevelopmental conditions. Here are some of the most frequent signs we see in our San Diego practice:
12 Signs Your Child’s Nervous System May Be Dysregulated
Frequent meltdowns or emotional outbursts
Trouble transitioning between activities or changes in routine
Sensory sensitivities (clothing textures, sounds, lights, touch)
Constipation, picky eating, or chronic digestive issues
Difficulty falling or staying asleep
Poor posture, clumsiness, or low muscle tone
Constant movement, fidgeting, or impulsivity
Difficulty focusing or staying on task
Frequent illness, congestion, or slow recovery from being sick
Separation anxiety, fear of new situations, or withdrawal
Speech delays or difficulty expressing needs
Seeming “on edge” even in safe, calm environments
If several of these signs feel familiar, your child may not just need more discipline or structure—they may need a nervous system that can finally calm, adapt, and connect.
At Sprout Family Chiropractic, we specialize in helping families uncover these hidden patterns with gentle, non-invasive scans and personalized care plans that support your child’s brain and body from the inside out.
How Sprout’s Insight Scans Reveal What’s Really Going On
If your child is struggling with ADHD, autism, or sensory processing difficulties, the real question is:
Why?
Why can’t they stay calm?
Why are they so easily overwhelmed?
Why aren’t traditional therapies giving you the full picture?
At Sprout Family Chiropractic, we use advanced Insight Scanning technology to help answer those questions. These scans allow us to see how your child’s autonomic nervous system is actually functioning—beyond what we can observe externally.
What Our Insight Scans Measure:
Heart Rate Variability (HRV): Gives us a window into vagus nerve function and your child’s ability to regulate and recover from stress
Thermography: Detects patterns of tension, imbalance, or inflammation in the spine and nervous system
Surface EMG: Measures muscular tone and motor control, which is often impacted in kids with retained reflexes, low tone, or ADHD-like behaviors
These scans are completely non-invasive, gentle, and safe for children of all ages—including those with sensory sensitivities or who are on the autism spectrum. They’re one of the few tools that help uncover what’s happening beneath the behavior.
Once we understand the why, we can begin to support the how—with customized, drug-free care that helps your child regulate, focus, and thrive.
What Parents of Children with ADHD Go Through
If you’re raising a child with ADHD, autism, or sensory processing challenges, chances are you’ve already tried everything.
And still, you might feel…
Overwhelmed by daily meltdowns, transitions, and routines that feel like battles
Heartbroken watching your child struggle in school, social settings, or even at home
Isolated—because others don’t understand what your days are really like
Confused or unsure about the next steps: therapy, medication, waiting lists, or “just give it time”?
Guilty for feeling frustrated—even when you know your child isn’t trying to be difficult
Maybe you’ve been told your child will “grow out of it.” Or maybe you’ve been told that medication is your only option.
But what if the real issue isn’t their personality, or your parenting?
What if it’s their nervous system—and what if there’s a way to support it, naturally?
At Sprout Family Chiropractic, we help families move from overwhelm to clarity with safe, neurologically focused care designed to get to the root—not just manage symptoms.
You’re not alone. And you don’t have to walk this path without answers.
ADHD and the Nervous System: What Every Parent Should Know
Most parents think of ADHD, autism, and sensory processing issues as brain-based conditions. But there’s more to the story. These are not just “mental” or “behavioral” disorders—they are often signs of a dysregulated nervous system.
When the nervous system can’t properly shift between calm and alert states, your child stays stuck in fight-or-flight mode—making it harder to focus, adapt, connect, or feel safe in their body.
This stress-driven state explains many of the challenges we see in kids with ADHD and neurodevelopmental conditions:
Constant fidgeting or difficulty sitting still
Impulsivity or emotional outbursts
Sensory overload in noisy, bright, or unpredictable environments
Poor digestion, picky eating, or chronic constipation
Sleep struggles that affect recovery and behavior
Trouble making or maintaining social connections (especially in children with ASD)
But here’s the good news: The nervous system is highly adaptable—especially in children.
When we reduce stress on the system, support vagus nerve function, and help the brain and body communicate more clearly, we often see powerful changes in how kids learn, play, sleep, and engage with the world around them.
Natural ADHD Support at Sprout Family Chiropractic
At Sprout Family Chiropractic in San Diego, we specialize in neurologically focused, pediatric chiropractic care for kids with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and sensory processing challenges.
Our care goes far beyond spinal alignment or back pain. It’s all about helping the nervous system function better—so your child can feel calmer, more connected, and more capable in everyday life.
Whether your child is struggling with focus, sleep, big emotions, or meltdowns, we start by asking:
“What’s going on underneath the surface?”
Here’s how our care helps get to the root of the issue:
Step 1: Insight Scans Show the Root of Your Child’s ADHD Symptoms
We use CLA Insight™ Scanning technology to gently and non-invasively measure:
Vagal tone and stress response via Heart Rate Variability (HRV)
Tension and inflammation in the nervous system via thermal scanning
Motor control and muscle activation, which can reflect retained reflexes or developmental delays (especially in kids with ASD)
These scans give us real-time data on your child’s nervous system regulation, and guide us in creating the most effective, personalized care plan.
Step 2: How Chiropractic Helps Kids with ADHD Naturally
Our adjustments are safe, gentle, and customized for children—including those who are sensory-sensitive, nonverbal, or always on the move.
We use specific, light-force techniques to help:
Support reflex integration and brain-body communication
Help children feel calmer, more focused, and more in control of their responses
We’ve seen meaningful changes in:
Mornings and bedtime becoming easier
Tantrums and meltdowns decreasing
Focus and learning improving
Kids simply feeling better in their own body
Step 3: Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) to Support the ADHD Brain
We’re proud to offer photobiomodulation therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT)—a safe, non-invasive tool used to support kids with ADHD, autism, and developmental delays.
LLLT works by:
Stimulating mitochondrial function to improve brain energy
Reducing inflammation that disrupts focus, learning, and behavior
Supporting neuroplasticity and calm, regulated states
Many of our families see positive shifts in mood, sleep, attention, and verbal expression after adding laser therapy to their child’s care.
Natural support doesn’t mean doing nothing—it means working with the body, not against it.
And when we support the nervous system, the changes ripple outward into every part of your child’s life.
Research-Backed ADHD Support: What the Science Says About Vagus Nerve, Chiropractic, and Laser
We understand that when you’re exploring options for your child—whether it’s for ADHD, autism, or sensory processing challenges—you want to make informed, evidence-based decisions.
At Sprout Family Chiropractic, our approach is rooted in science, research, and results. While there’s still more large-scale research needed in the holistic pediatric space, many of the tools we use are backed by growing clinical and peer-reviewed support.
Here’s What the Research Shows:
1. Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and ADHD/ASD
HRV is one of the most studied markers of nervous system regulation and vagus nerve function. Children with ADHD and autism often show reduced HRV, reflecting poor adaptation to stress and difficulty calming the body and brain.
Studies in Biological Psychology and Neuro Endocrinology Letters have shown that lower HRV is linked to attention challenges and emotional dysregulation in kids with ADHD.
2. Vagus Nerve Stimulation Improves Focus and Regulation
Research has shown that stimulating the vagus nerve—even non-invasively—can improve attention span, emotional regulation, and working memory in both children and adults.
A review in Frontiers in Psychiatry found that vagus nerve stimulation helps improve behavior and brain performance in neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD.
3. Chiropractic Care Supports Quality of Life in Neurodivergent Kids
Gentle, nervous system-focused chiropractic care has been associated with improvements in sleep, digestion, attention, and behavior in children with ADHD, autism, and sensory issues.
A case series in the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – Chiropractic documented positive behavioral and sleep changes in children receiving chiropractic care for neurodevelopmental symptoms.
4. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) Enhances Brain Function
Photobiomodulation (LLLT) has been shown to stimulate mitochondrial activity, reduce brain inflammation, and support neuroplasticity—all of which are essential in regulating behavior and focus.
A study published in Photobiomodulation, Photomedicine, and Laser Surgery demonstrated that LLLT improved cognitive performance and emotional control by increasing brain energy and connectivity.
Science is catching up with what so many parents already see in practice:
When we support the nervous system—gently and consistently—kids can thrive without needing to rely solely on medications.
What This Research Means for Your Family’s Next Steps
Research is clear: the nervous system plays a powerful role in your child’s ability to focus, self-regulate, sleep, digest, and connect.
Whether your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, sensory processing disorder, or is just showing signs of dysregulation—you deserve answers rooted in science, not guesswork.
At Sprout Family Chiropractic in San Diego, we don’t offer a one-size-fits-all solution. We offer:
A deep understanding of your child’s nervous system function
A customized, drug-free care plan using gentle chiropractic and laser therapy
A path that honors your child’s unique needs, instead of masking their symptoms
You don’t have to wait for a crisis.
You don’t have to medicate as your only option.
You don’t have to wonder what’s really going on anymore.
We’re here to help you uncover the root—and support your child in becoming their calmest, most connected self.
What to Expect at Your Child’s First Visit to Sprout Chiropractic
We know that starting care for your child—especially when they’re navigating ADHD, autism, or sensory processing difficulties—can feel overwhelming.
That’s why we’ve designed every part of our process at Sprout Family Chiropractic in San Diego to be calm, kid-friendly, and tailored to your child’s individual needs.
Here’s what your first visit will look like:
A Warm, Sensory-Aware Welcome
Our space is designed with children in mind—especially those who are sensitive, easily overstimulated, or constantly in motion. There’s no pressure to sit still or act a certain way. We adapt to your child—not the other way around.
Feel free to bring a comfort item, snack, or anything that helps your child feel safe. Our goal is to create an experience that feels peaceful and judgment-free from the moment you walk in.
A One-on-One Consultation with Dr. Nicole or Dr. Rachel
We’ll sit down with you to talk through your child’s:
Developmental history and birth story
Current challenges with focus, behavior, sleep, digestion, or sensory processing
Any previous diagnoses like ADHD, autism, or SPD
Your goals, concerns, and what you’ve already tried
This isn’t a rushed visit or surface-level overview. It’s a full conversation where you’ll feel heard, supported, and informed.
INSiGHT Scanning (No X-rays, No Pain)
We’ll use non-invasive Insight Scans to gather real-time data on your child’s:
Vagal tone and stress response (via HRV)
Spinal tension or inflammation (via thermal scan)
Motor and muscular function (via EMG)
These scans are safe and comfortable for kids of all ages—including those who are sensory-sensitive, nonverbal, or shy. Many kids even think they’re fun!
No Adjustments on Day One
We don’t adjust on your child’s first visit. This allows us time to carefully review their scan findings, consider all factors, and create the most personalized and gentle care plan possible.
Your Next Visit: Custom Care Plan + Answers
On your second visit, we’ll go over everything in detail: scan results, nervous system patterns, and our care recommendations. You’ll leave with a clear, customized path for helping your child regulate, adapt, and thrive—naturally.
Worried Your Child Won’t Cooperate?
We hear this often—and we get it. Wiggly, high-energy, sensory-sensitive, anxious… we welcome it all. We’ll meet your child where they are and move at their pace.
Your child doesn’t need to be “easy” for care to be effective. They just need a safe space and the right support.
Why More Parents Are Choosing Natural, Drug-Free ADHD Support
For many families, the first recommendation after an ADHD or autism diagnosis is medication. And while medication can help in some cases, it doesn’t address the underlying imbalances in the nervous system that contribute to your child’s challenges.
That’s why more and more parents are looking for natural, drug-free options to support their children with:
ADHD and attention issues
Anxiety, sleep problems, and emotional outbursts
Speech delays or social disconnection
At Sprout Family Chiropractic, we don’t treat symptoms—we help support the system behind them.
By restoring calm and balance in the nervous system through gentle adjustments, Insight Scans, and low-level laser therapy, we’ve seen kids experience:
Fewer meltdowns and easier mornings
Better focus and longer attention spans
Improved sleep and digestion
More verbal expression and emotional connection
A sense of calm and control in their own bodies
Natural doesn’t mean passive. It means working with the body, not against it.
And when the nervous system is supported, everything else begins to shift.
What San Diego Parents Are Saying About Our ADHD Care
Hearing from other parents can make all the difference—especially when you're deciding how to support your child.
Here are a few stories from families in San Diego who turned to Sprout Family Chiropractic for support with ADHD, autism, sensory processing challenges, and more:
“We were told our daughter had sensory issues and possible ADHD. We didn’t want to start medication right away, so we gave Sprout a try. Within weeks, her meltdowns got shorter, bedtime was smoother, and she started sleeping through the night. It felt like we finally understood what her body needed.”
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“Our son is on the autism spectrum and used to be extremely sensitive to noise and touch. Chiropractic and laser therapy at Sprout helped him become more calm, more verbal, and more connected to the world around him.”
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“We came in thinking chiropractic might help with posture or tension. What we didn’t expect was how much it would help our son focus better in school, have fewer outbursts, and start enjoying social settings again.”
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We’ve helped dozens of families across San Diego navigate these same struggles—and we’d be honored to support yours, too.
FAQ: Holistic ADHD Support for Children
Is chiropractic care safe for kids with ADHD or autism?
Yes. At Sprout Family Chiropractic, we specialize in working with children who are neurodivergent, sensory-sensitive, or on the move. We use gentle, neurologically focused techniques that are safe for all ages—no cracking, twisting, or pressure.
Can chiropractic care help my child focus or regulate better?
Many parents report improvements in focus, sleep, digestion, and emotional regulation after starting care. While we don’t "treat" ADHD or autism, we help calm the nervous system and support better self-regulation, which often leads to real-life improvements.
What’s the connection between the vagus nerve and ADHD/autism?
The vagus nerve helps regulate mood, digestion, immune health, and focus. Research shows that kids with ADHD, autism, and sensory challenges often have low vagal tone, meaning they struggle to shift out of stress mode.
Supporting vagus nerve function is a core part of what we do.
Do you diagnose or treat ADHD or autism?
No—we don’t diagnose medical conditions or replace your pediatrician or specialist. What we offer is nervous system-focused support that complements your existing care by helping your child’s body regulate, adapt, and calm more effectively.
What if my child is anxious, hyper, or doesn’t sit still?
No problem. That’s what we’re here for. We specialize in working with wiggly, sensory-sensitive, or behaviorally complex kids. Everything we do is adaptable to your child’s pace and comfort level.
How soon will I see results?
Every child is different, but many families report changes within the first few weeks—like easier bedtimes, fewer meltdowns, better digestion, or calmer transitions. Real neurological change takes consistency, and we guide you every step of the way.
What makes Sprout Family Chiropractic different?
We’re one of the few pediatric chiropractic offices in San Diego that:
Specializes in neurodevelopmental and sensory conditions like ADHD, ASD, and SPD
Uses CLA Insight Scans to measure nervous system function
Combines chiropractic care + low-level laser therapy (LLLT)
Offers a sensory-aware, calm, and flexible environment for every child
Can this approach reduce the need for medication?
For some families, yes. While medication may still play a role, our care is designed to address the root cause of many symptoms. That means less masking—and more lasting change.
What If You Have ADHD Too? A Note to Parents Who Get It
We see you.
If you’re a parent with ADHD—diagnosed or self-identified—there’s a good chance you’re navigating your child’s challenges while also managing your own.
Maybe you’ve thought:
“I don’t have the bandwidth for one more thing.”
“I want to help my child, but I’m barely staying regulated myself.”
“What if I’m part of the problem?”
Please hear this: You’re not broken. And you’re not alone.
At Sprout Family Chiropractic, we create space for families who live with nervous system intensity—because we understand that healing doesn’t happen in isolation.
That’s why we’ve designed our practice to be:
Sensory-aware and ADHD-friendly
Flexible and judgment-free
Calming, clear, and structured (without overwhelming you with too many tasks or handouts)
You don’t need to be perfectly regulated to support your child.
You just need tools, guidance, and a place where your family is understood.
We’re here for both of you.
Ready to Take the Next Step for Your Child’s Focus and Wellbeing?
If your child is struggling with ADHD, autism, or sensory processing challenges, and you’ve been searching for answers that go deeper than behavior charts or medication…
We’re here to help.
At Sprout Family Chiropractic in San Diego, we specialize in neurologically focused, drug-free care for kids who are overwhelmed, sensitive, emotional, wired, or shut down—and for the families who love them.
Here’s How to Get Started:
Book a consultation—online or by phone
Visit our sensory-aware office for Insight Scans and a gentle evaluation
Receive a personalized care plan that helps your child’s nervous system calm, regulate, and grow
You don’t need to have all the answers.
You just need a place that knows where to start.
Scientific References and Supporting Studies:
HRV and ADHD:
Thayer, J. F., Hansen, A. L., Saus-Rose, E., & Johnsen, B. H. (2009). Heart rate variability, prefrontal neural function, and cognitive performance: The neurovisceral integration perspective on self-regulation, adaptation, and health. Biological Psychology, 79(3), 244–260.
Tonhajzerova, I., Ondrejka, I., Javorka, M., et al. (2009). Cardiac autonomic regulation in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Neuro Endocrinol Lett, 30(4), 478–481.
Vagus Nerve Stimulation and ADHD:
Lamb, D. G., Porges, E. C., Lewis, G. F., & Williamson, J. B. (2017). Non-invasive vagal nerve stimulation effects on sympathetic nerve activity, stress, and emotional regulation: A review. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 8, 7.
Bremner, J. D., Gurel, N. Z., Wittbrodt, M. T., et al. (2020). Noninvasive vagal nerve stimulation effects on sympathetic nervous system, inflammation, and pain: A randomized controlled trial. Brain Stimulation, 13(5), 1187–1196.
Chiropractic and Pediatric Neurodevelopment:
Alcantara, J., Ohm, J., & Kunz, D. (2010). The chiropractic care of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A retrospective case series. Explore: The Journal of Science and Healing, 6(3), 173–182.
Miller, J. E., & Benfield, K. (2008). Adverse effects of spinal manipulation therapy in children younger than 3 years: A retrospective study in a chiropractic teaching clinic. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 31(6), 419–422.
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) and Brain Function:
Hamblin, M. R. (2016). Shining light on the head: Photobiomodulation for brain disorders. BBA Clinical, 6, 113–124.
Naeser, M. A., Saltmarche, A., Krengel, M. H., Hamblin, M. R., & Knight, J. A. (2011). Improved cognitive function after transcranial, light-emitting diode treatments in chronic, traumatic brain injury: Two case reports. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 29(5), 351–358.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your child’s healthcare provider for personalized guidance.