Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Children: Root Cause of Autism, ADHD, and Sensory Issues?
Is Mitochondrial Dysfunction at the Root of Your Child’s Delays?
If you’re a parent of a child with developmental delays, speech issues, or sensory struggles, you may feel like you’ve tried it all—therapy, diet, even medication—yet something still feels “off.” What if the missing link wasn’t just in the brain, but in how your child’s cells produce energy?
At Sprout Family Chiropractic in San Diego, we believe healing starts at the root. And one of the most overlooked roots of neurodevelopmental challenges is mitochondrial dysfunction in children.
What Are Mitochondria? A Parent’s Guide to Cellular Energy
Imagine your child's cells are like tiny factories, each with different departments doing essential jobs. The mitochondria are often called the powerhouses of these factories, because their most well-known job is to produce most of the energy (called adenosine triphosphate or ATP) the cells need to function. This energy production is called cellular bioenergetics.
You can think of mitochondria as the tiny power plants inside every cell in your child’s body. They don’t just give cells energy—they do a lot more, especially in growing kids where every system is still developing. Here's how:
What Mitochondria Do and Why It Matters for Your Child’s Development
Build and Repair: Help create building blocks (like fats and proteins) needed for growing brains, muscles, and nerves.
Create Energy: Turn food into usable energy (ATP) that powers your child’s brain, muscles, and organs.
Balance Calcium: Control calcium levels, which are vital for muscle tone, movement, and how nerves communicate.
Handle Cell Stress: Manage byproducts; too much can cause inflammation and damage.
Send Out Help Signals: Act as an early warning system by triggering immune responses; overactivation can cause inflammation.
Decide When Cells Should Die: Guide the healthy removal of old or damaged cells; imbalance can lead to poor development or repair.
Store Important Tools: Hold molecules that help regulate inflammation, healing, and how cells respond to stress.
What Is Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Children? | Sprout Family Chiropractic in San Diego
When mitochondria don't do their job properly, a condition known as mitochondrial dysfunction, the body doesn’t produce enough energy. This can lead to a wide range of symptoms depending on which parts of the body are affected—especially the brain, muscles, and digestive system, which all use a lot of energy. More and more research is coming out showing the critical role mitochondria play in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in kids.
Mitochondrial dysfunction is especially relevant for kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) because their brains have unusually high energy demands during critical periods of development, and even mild problems with energy production can disrupt important brain processes.
The Role of Mitochondria and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Kids
The Brain Needs a LOT of Energy
Your child’s brain is small in size but huge in energy needs. Even though it only makes up about 2% of their body weight, it uses around 20% of their oxygen just to function. That’s because the brain is always:
Growing
Making new connections
Sending and receiving signals
And all of that takes a constant supply of energy.
That energy comes from mitochondria—tiny structures inside cells that act like power plants. They take oxygen and nutrients and turn them into fuel (ATP) that the brain and body can use.
When Mitochondria Don’t Work Well in Kids with ASD…
If your child’s mitochondria aren’t working properly their brain may not get enough energy when it needs it most. And that can affect development in many ways.
Children with autism often show signs of subtle mitochondrial issues, even if they haven’t been diagnosed with a mitochondrial disease.
How This Affects Brain Development and Function
Mitochondria help brain cells (called neurons) do their jobs. If they don’t work well, it can affect:
1. Communication Between Brain Cells
Neurons use a lot of energy to send messages.
Without enough fuel, those messages may be slower or disrupted.
This can affect speech, focus, and how the brain responds to the world.
2. Building and Maintaining Brain Connections
The brain builds connections (called synapses) where learning and memory happen.
These areas need a lot of energy.
Mitochondrial issues can make it harder for the brain to form or maintain these connections—something researchers believe may play a role in autism.
3. Managing Calcium and Chemicals in the Brain
Mitochondria help balance calcium, which affects how neurons fire and communicate.
If this balance is off, it can interrupt brain signaling and development.
4. Handling Cell Stress
Making energy produces some “chemical sparks” called oxidative stress.
A healthy body can clean them up—but if too many build up (as they often do in children with mitochondrial problems), they can damage brain cells.
Kids with autism may have lower antioxidant defenses, making them more sensitive to this kind of stress.
5. Cleaning Up and Repairing Cells
Mitochondria help get rid of damaged cell parts.
If this clean-up system isn’t working well, toxic build-up can happen, affecting brain health and development.
Why Mitochondrial Dysfunction Matters in Autism
All of these roles—energy production, cell communication, stress management, and clean-up—are critical for a developing brain. If the mitochondria aren’t working well, it can:
Lower energy levels
Disrupt brain signaling
Delay development
Increase inflammation
Worsen sensory and behavioral challenges
And while your child may not have a classic mitochondrial disease, many children with ASD show signs of mitochondrial dysfunction on a smaller scale—things like enzyme imbalances or poor energy processing. In fact, research shows that up to 80% of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit signs of mitochondrial dysfunction even without a diagnosis of mitochondrial disease.
Are Mitochondria to Blame for Autism? What We Know
We don’t fully know yet. Some researchers believe mitochondrial dysfunction in children could be one of the many contributing factors, while others think it may be a result of other imbalances. But either way, mitochondria clearly play a role—and that makes them an important area of focus for therapy and support. And this is why we do just that for kids with ASD in our pediatric chiropractic office in San Diego.
How Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Nervous System Stress Fuel Each Other
Mitochondria and the nervous system are like teammates—when one struggles, the other feels it.
If your child’s mitochondria (the energy makers in each cell) start to break down, the brain and nervous system don’t get the fuel they need to stay calm, focused, or in balance. This can lead to a nervous system that’s stuck in stress mode—hyper, anxious, or shut down.
But here’s the tricky part:
When the nervous system is dysregulated (constantly overwhelmed, in fight-or-flight, or not able to rest), it sends stress signals that damage mitochondria even more.
So now the body has:
Less energy,
More inflammation,
And a harder time calming down or bouncing back.
It becomes a loop:
Stressed nervous system = more pressure on mitochondria
Struggling mitochondria = less energy for regulation
Which leads to an even more dysregulated nervous system...
And the cycle continues.
The 3 Types of Stress That Damage Mitochondria
Stress doesn’t just affect your child’s mood or energy in the moment—it can actually reach deep into their cells and impact the health of their mitochondria, which means it affects everything your child’s body and brain can do.
Whether the stress is physical (like poor posture or low tone), chemical (like processed food or toxins), or emotional (like anxiety or sensory overload)—each type adds pressure to your child’s system. Over time, this stress can overwhelm the mitochondria, leading to lower energy production, increased inflammation, and difficulty keeping up with the demands of growth and development.
Real-Life Stressors That Affect Kids’ Mitochondria
In our pediatric chiropractic office in San Diego, here are common examples of stress parents describe their child has experienced.
Physical Stress: Wear and Tear on the Body
This includes anything that physically strains your child’s body or nervous system.
Think of it like the "bump and bruise" stress—even if there’s no visible injury. Things like:
Birth trauma or difficult delivery
Poor posture or muscle imbalances
Developmental delays or low tone
Falls, accidents, or repetitive movement strain
Sleep disruptions or exhaustion
Growth spurts
These stresses can overload the body’s ability to self-regulate, often leading to compensation patterns and nervous system tension.
Chemical Stress: What Goes In the Body
Chemical stress comes from anything your child’s body has to process or defend itself against.
Think of it like "toxic overload"—too much junk, not enough fuel. For example:
Processed foods, additives, and dyes
Environmental toxins (mold, pesticides, air pollution)
Medications or antibiotics
Gut imbalances (candida, leaky gut)
Nutrient deficiencies (especially B vitamins, magnesium, etc.)
Chemical stress can weaken the immune system, disrupt digestion, and stress the mitochondria.
Emotional Stress: The Inside-World Struggles
This type of stress affects your child’s mind and emotions, even if they can’t always express it clearly. Think of it like "brain and heart pressure"—what your child feels on the inside. Common examples are:
Sensory overwhelm or sensory processing difficulties
Transitions or changes (new school, moving)
Separation anxiety or fear
Feeling misunderstood or unsupported
Nervous system stuck in “fight or flight”
Emotional trauma—even if it’s subtle
Even if a child can’t articulate their emotions, their nervous system still carries the stress, and it can show up as behavior, digestive issues, sleep problems, or regression.
Why All Types of Stress Matter for Your Child’s Brain
All three types of stress—physical, chemical, and emotional—can add up in a child’s nervous system. When the stress load gets too heavy, it seems like an insurmountable task to break the loop of:
Stressed and dysregulated nervous system ⟷ mitochondria dysfunction
This is why the goal of care in our office is to address nervous system dysregulation AND mitochondrial health so your child’s body can return to balance and function at its best.
Signs of Mitochondrial Dysfunction at Different Ages
As pediatric chiropractors for kids with neurodevelopmental disorders we see kids of all ages with a variety of health problems and challenges. When the nervous system and mitochondria are not working properly it can and does look different at different ages.
Infants & Toddlers:
Motor milestone delays (delayed crawling, sitting, or walking)
Colic (poor sleep or inconsolable crying)
Failure to thrive (feeding difficulties) or gastrointestinal issues
Hypotonia (low tone or floppy limbs)
Breathing difficulties
Preschool & Elementary-Aged Kids:
Sensory processing disorder (sensory overload in loud or busy spaces )
Behavioral issues (emotional outbursts or “shutdowns”)
Fatigue after normal activity
Frequent infections
Neurological problems (seizures, tremors, developmental regressions)
Tweens & Teens:
Brain fog and memory issues
Anxiety, mood swings, or low energy
Sleep problems (trouble sleeping or staying asleep)
Poor focus, decision making or academic problems at school
Frequent illness
Is mitochondrial dysfunction reversible?
In many cases, yes—mitochondrial dysfunction is reversible or at least significantly improvable, especially when it's caused by stress, environmental toxins, poor nutrition, or nervous system overload (rather than a rare genetic disorder).
Mitochondria are dynamic structures. They can:
Regenerate through a process called mitochondrial biogenesis
Repair themselves when stress is reduced
Be supported by the right nutrients, movement, and nervous system regulation
For children with neurodevelopmental challenges like autism, ADHD, or speech delays, addressing mitochondrial dysfunction can lead to meaningful improvements in:
Energy levels
Mood and focus
Immune function
Learning and development
Why Parents in San Diego Choose Sprout Family Chiropractic for Neurodevelopmental Support
We use a nervous system-first approach to support both brain development and mitochondrial health.
Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Adjustments
We deliver gentle, specific adjustments to reduce subluxations and restore optimal brain-body communication—helping reduce stress and improve energy efficiency.
Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
We use Erchonia’s FDA-cleared lasers to:
Boost mitochondrial ATP production
Reduce inflammation and oxidative stress
Enhance neural connectivity and brain oxygenation
This low-level laser therapy is non-invasive, painless, and kid-friendly.
INSiGHT Scanning Technology
Our objective, non-invasive scans evaluate:
HRV – Nervous system adaptability
sEMG – Muscle tone and energy “waste”
Thermal scan – Vagal tone and inflammation
These scans give us a clear map of where support is needed most.
Some childhood conditions we have helped with in our practice:
ADHD
Anxiety
Speech delays
Constipation
Not meeting milestones
Sleep problems
Tremors
Seizures
Mood swings and tantrums
Hypotonia
Weight gain problems (failure to thrive)
Asthma and chronic allergies
How Parents Can Support Their Child’s Mitochondria at Home
So if healthy mitochondria means more energy, better brain function, improved mood, and stronger immune support for your child, what can you as a parent do at home to support your child’s mitochondrial health?
Here are simple, daily things you can do to help support your child’s mitochondria—starting at home.
Fuel the Body
Give your child the right nutrients to power up their cells.
Prioritize protein and healthy fats – These are key building blocks for brain and mitochondrial function (think: eggs, salmon, avocado, grass-fed meats, nut butters).
Include colorful fruits and vegetables – These provide antioxidants like vitamin C, E, and phytonutrients that protect mitochondria from damage.
Support with key nutrients:
B vitamins (especially B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, folate)
Magnesium – for energy metabolism and calming the nervous system
CoQ10 – helps mitochondria make energy (can be supplemented if needed)
Omega-3 fatty acids – reduce inflammation and support brain function
Stay hydrated – Water is needed for all cellular processes, including energy production.
Lower the Toxic Load
Reduce the number of things the body has to fight off or filter out.
Choose clean personal care and cleaning products – Avoid products with artificial fragrances, parabens, and phthalates.
Avoid processed foods and artificial additives – Many dyes and preservatives can increase oxidative stress in the body.
Use filtered water – To reduce exposure to heavy metals, fluoride, and other environmental toxins.
Limit plastic use – Especially when heating food. Choose glass or stainless steel instead.
Support gut health – A healthy gut helps clear toxins more efficiently. Include fermented foods (if tolerated) or talk to your provider about a high-quality probiotic.
Improve Recovery
Help the body repair and recharge so mitochondria can do their job.
Prioritize sleep – Deep sleep is when mitochondria repair and regenerate. Create a calming bedtime routine and consistent sleep schedule.
Encourage downtime – Rest, quiet play, and sensory breaks throughout the day allow the nervous system to reset.
Use gentle detox support (if appropriate) – Epsom salt baths (magnesium), gentle lymphatic massage, and dry brushing can help support cellular clean-up.
Support antioxidants – Through diet and supplements like NAC, glutathione, or vitamin C (consult your provider for the right fit).
Movement
Daily movement helps improve energy flow, circulation, and mitochondrial function.
Encourage outdoor play – Sunshine boosts vitamin D and circadian rhythm (both help mitochondria).
Incorporate movement into daily routines – Jumping, crawling, climbing, and animal walks are great for kids and stimulate both the nervous system and mitochondrial activity.
Try rhythmic or cross-body movements – Activities like dancing, swimming, walking, or yoga can help regulate both the brain and the body.
Limit screen time – Replace passive stimulation with active play whenever possible to help build real-life resilience and energy production.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Neurodevelopment
FAQ #1: What are the signs of mitochondrial dysfunction in children?
Some of the most common signs of mitochondrial dysfunction in kids include:
Low energy or fatigue
Delayed motor milestones or poor muscle tone
Frequent illness or weakened immune function
Sensory processing issues or behavior changes
Digestive issues like constipation or poor appetite
Speech delays, regressions, or cognitive challenges
Even without a formal diagnosis, many children with autism or developmental delays show signs of mitochondrial stress.
FAQ #2: How is mitochondrial dysfunction identified?
Mitochondrial dysfunction is often recognized through clinical signs, not just lab tests. In some cases, healthcare providers may use:
Organic acid testing
Metabolic blood or urine panels
Genetic testing
Functional assessments like INSiGHT scans
At Sprout Family Chiropractic in San Diego, we use non-invasive nervous system scans to detect stress patterns and energy inefficiency that may signal mitochondrial dysfunction.
FAQ #3: Is mitochondrial dysfunction the same as mitochondrial disease?
No. Mitochondrial dysfunction means the mitochondria aren’t working as efficiently as they should, often due to stress, poor nutrition, or developmental overload.
Mitochondrial disease is a more severe, often genetic condition that typically requires a specialist. However, many kids—especially those with ASD—have signs of mitochondrial dysfunction without meeting the criteria for disease. It’s still worth supporting!
FAQ #4: How does nervous system dysregulation affect mitochondria?
When a child’s nervous system is stuck in “fight or flight” mode, it sends stress signals throughout the body. This increases inflammation, depletes key nutrients, and puts extra strain on mitochondria.
This creates a cycle: a stressed nervous system weakens mitochondria, and weak mitochondria make it harder for the brain to self-regulate—leading to more stress. That’s why addressing both systems together is so important.
FAQ #5: Can mitochondrial function be improved?
Yes! Mitochondria can respond very well to the right support. You can improve mitochondrial health by:
Providing nutrient-dense foods and healthy fats
Reducing chemical exposures and gut stress
Supporting deep sleep and recovery
Encouraging movement and outdoor play
Using therapies like chiropractic and low-level laser therapy to reduce stress and boost energy flow
At Sprout Family Chiropractic in San Diego, we combine brain-based care with cellular energy support to help kids heal from the inside out.
FAQ #6: Is this low level laser therapy (LLLT) for ASD safe for children?
Yes—absolutely.
We specialize in gentle, neurologically-focused pediatric care. Everything we do—from our adjustments to our low-level laser therapy—is tailored for children and completely non-invasive, painless, and safe.
Our chiropractic adjustments use light pressure—often no more than you'd use to check a ripe avocado.
Our Erchonia lasers are FDA-cleared for use in children and do not generate heat or discomfort.
INSiGHT scans are completely non-invasive and use no radiation.
Parents often comment on how relaxed, calm, or even more connected their child seems after a visit. Safety, comfort, and trust are at the heart of everything we do.
FAQ #7: How quickly will I see results in my child?
Every child is different. Some parents notice early changes in sleep, digestion, or behavior after a few visits. Others see gradual improvements in speech, focus, or mood over several weeks or months.
We track progress using INSiGHT scans, parent feedback, and clinical observation to make sure your child is moving in the right direction.
FAQ #8: What’s the difference between your approach and what other therapists do for ASD, like speech therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists or ABA therapists?
We love working alongside other therapists—but our focus is different.
Traditional pediatric care is often diagnosis- and medication-focused, aiming to manage symptoms or refer for therapy. At Sprout Family Chiropractic in San Diego, we take a root-cause approach by looking at:
How the nervous system is functioning
Whether the body is under stress
How well the mitochondria (cellular energy centers) are supporting development
We use tools like INSiGHT scans, low-level laser therapy, and gentle pediatric adjustments to improve brain-body communication, reduce inflammation, and support energy production from the inside out.
FAQ #9: What kind of results have you seen in children with mitochondrial dysfunction or neurodevelopmental delays?
At Sprout Family Chiropractic, we’ve supported families of children with a wide range of challenges—everything from autism and ADHD to low tone, chronic constipation, and speech delays.
Parents have reported improvements in:
Speech and communication (more words, better clarity, spontaneous talking)
Mood and behavior (fewer meltdowns, more emotional regulation)
Sleep (falling asleep more easily and staying asleep longer)
Focus and school performance
Motor skills (crawling, walking, coordination)
Digestion (more regular bowel movements, reduced constipation)
Immune resilience (fewer illnesses and quicker recovery)
Every child is different, and results vary based on individual needs. But by supporting both the nervous system and mitochondrial function, we create the best possible conditions for healing and development.
Pediatric Mitochondrial & Nervous System Support in San Diego
If you’re a parent in the San Diego area seeking holistic, non-invasive support for your child with autism, ADHD, speech delays, sensory processing issues, or hypotonia, we’re here to help. Sprout Family Chiropractic in San Diego specializes in pediatric and neurodevelopmental care using advanced tools like INSiGHT scans and Erchonia low-level laser therapy.
If you’ve tried everything and still feel like something’s missing, we’re here to help. We go beyond symptom management for children with neurodevelopmental disorders. We look deeper—at the nervous system, mitochondria, and how your child’s body is truly functioning.
Using non-invasive nervous system scans, gentle pediatric adjustments, and cutting-edge low-level laser therapy, we create a customized care plan to support your child’s healing from the inside out.
Step 1 is simple: Schedule your New Patient Consultation and take the first step toward restoring balance, building resilience, and helping your child thrive.
Sources:
Rose, S., Niyazov, D.M., Rossignol, D.A. et al. Clinical and Molecular Characteristics of Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Mol Diagn Ther 22, 571–593 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40291-018-0352-x
Khaliulin, I., Hamoudi, W. & Amal, H. The multifaceted role of mitochondria in autism spectrum disorder. Mol Psychiatry 30, 629–650 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41380-024-02725-z
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your child’s healthcare provider for personalized guidance.