Sensory Processing in Kids: What It Is, What Can Go Wrong, and How Pediatric Chiropractic Can Help
Understanding Your Child’s Reactions Through the Lens of the Nervous System
Is Your Child Sensitive to Sounds, Textures, or Movement?
Does your child:
Cry when their shirt has a tag or their socks feel “off”?
Cover their ears at birthday parties or in crowded stores?
Constantly crash, spin, or climb things with no fear?
Seem disconnected from their body—or overwhelmed by everything around them?
These are often signs of sensory processing disorder (SPD) or sensory integration challenges—especially common in children with autism, ADHD, or developmental delays.
At Sprout Family Chiropractic in San Diego, we help families just like yours get to the root cause of these behaviors by looking at what’s happening inside your child’s nervous system.
We offer a gentle, drug-free solution for sensory issues in kids—focused on restoring calm, clarity, and connection through the brain-body relationship. If you're searching for natural ways to help your child with sensory processing disorder, you're in the right place.
What Is Sensory Processing? (And Real-Life Examples)
Sensory processing is the way your child’s nervous system interprets and responds to the world around them. It’s how the brain takes in information from the senses, makes sense of it, and decides how to react.
Many parents only think of the five basic senses, but sensory processing actually involves eight key sensory systems that help kids learn, regulate, and engage with their environment:
Visual (sight) – recognizing people, places, and objects
Auditory (sound) – filtering background noise, tolerating volume
Tactile (touch) – feeling textures, temperatures, pressure
Olfactory & Gustatory (smell & taste) – reacting to flavors, food sensitivity
Vestibular (balance & movement) – riding in a car, swinging, or climbing
Proprioception (body awareness) – knowing where the body is in space
Interoception (internal awareness) – hunger, thirst, bathroom needs, emotions
Real-Life Examples of Sensory Processing:
A child who screams when their face gets wet during bath time (tactile)
A toddler who avoids slides or swings (vestibular)
A preschooler who constantly chews on sleeves, pencils, or toys (oral/proprioceptive)
A child who never seems to notice when they get hurt (low pain awareness – interoception/proprioception)
A kid who becomes overwhelmed in a noisy classroom or family gathering (auditory/visual filtering)
When a child’s sensory system works well, they can filter out unnecessary input, respond appropriately, and stay regulated throughout daily life. But when sensory processing is off, everyday tasks can feel chaotic, confusing, or even threatening.
Can a Child Have Sensory Issues and Not Be Autistic?
Yes—absolutely. While sensory challenges are very common in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), not all children with sensory processing issues are autistic.
Many kids struggle with sensory integration due to other factors, including:
ADHD or other attention-related conditions
Developmental delays
Anxiety disorders
Birth trauma or early nervous system stress
High sensitivity or giftedness
In fact, many families come to us saying:
“My child doesn’t have autism, but they hate loud sounds, melt down over clothing, and can’t tolerate crowded places. Is that sensory?”
These experiences are common in children with sensory processing disorder, including those with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and other developmental conditions that impact sensory regulation.
Sensory issues can affect any child whose nervous system is having trouble filtering, organizing, or responding to the input it receives. That’s why it’s so important to look beyond labels and focus on the function of the nervous system itself.
What’s the Difference Between SPD and Autism?
Many parents wonder, “Is sensory processing disorder the same as autism?” The short answer is: they’re not the same—but they often overlap.
What Is Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)?
SPD occurs when the brain has trouble receiving, organizing, or responding to sensory input. A child with SPD may be overresponsive (sensitive), underresponsive (seem unaware), or constantly seeking stimulation (crashing, chewing, spinning). This can affect movement, focus, emotions, and daily functioning.
SPD can exist on its own, or alongside other neurodevelopmental conditions like ADHD, anxiety, or autism.
What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects social communication, behavior, and often sensory integration. While not every child with autism has SPD, sensory challenges are extremely common within the autism spectrum—especially when the nervous system is dysregulated.
Children with ASD often experience:
Sensory overload
Trouble with transitions or new environments
Difficulty processing facial expressions or social cues
Differences in speech, language, or motor skills
How They Overlap—and Why It Matters
A child with SPD might show sensory symptoms without social or communication challenges.
A child with autism may display both sensory issues and developmental delays in speech, motor coordination, and social engagement.
Both conditions involve nervous system dysregulation—which is why neurologically focused care can support both, even when the labels are different.
At Sprout Family Chiropractic, we don’t treat the label—we support the underlying nervous system stress patterns that often show up in both SPD and ASD. Whether a child has a diagnosis or not, we focus on helping them feel safer and more regulated in their body.
How Sensory Processing Should Work
In a well-functioning nervous system, sensory input flows smoothly through the body and brain. Each piece of information—sound, pressure, movement, temperature—is filtered, organized, and integrated so your child can respond in a calm, appropriate, and flexible way.
Here’s what healthy sensory processing looks like:
A child can tune out background noise in a classroom and focus on the teacher.
They can walk on grass barefoot without panic, or wear clothes without discomfort.
They can ride in a car, sit upright at a table, or climb a jungle gym without becoming overwhelmed or fearful.
They know when they’re hungry, when they need to go to the bathroom, or when they need to take a break.
In other words, when the nervous system is functioning well, your child can process their environment accurately and stay regulated in response to it.
This allows them to:
Stay focused in school
Transition between activities
Enjoy play and exploration
Connect with peers and caregivers
Feel at home in their body
When this smooth input-output loop is disrupted, sensory overwhelm, avoidance, or behavioral challenges are often the result—not because your child is being “difficult,” but because their brain is struggling to keep up with the sensory load.
When sensory input becomes disorganized, it doesn’t just affect behavior—it affects your child’s entire ability to connect, focus, and feel safe. A nervous system scan can help uncover what their body might be trying to tell you.
1. Sensory Seekers
These kids crave intense input. They’re constantly moving, jumping, spinning, or chewing. They may:
Crash into furniture
Climb everything in sight
Love roughhousing
Struggle to sit still
This pattern is common in kids with ADHD and sensory processing disorder.
2. Sensory Avoiders
These kids are easily overwhelmed by sensory input. They may:
Cover their ears or eyes
Avoid messy play
Refuse certain clothing
Melt down in noisy or crowded places
They try to control their environment to avoid what feels too intense.
3. Sensory Sensitive Kids
These children notice everything—but don’t always avoid it. They may be:
Distracted by background noise
Bothered by smells, lights, or textures
Emotionally reactive or anxious
They have a low threshold for input but don’t always take action to escape it.
4. Low Registration
These kids may seem passive, slow to respond, or disconnected. You might notice:
High pain tolerance
Not noticing hunger or bathroom needs
Seeming unaware of their surroundings
Difficulty initiating play or interaction
They need more intense input to fully register what’s happening.
Many children show a combination of these patterns depending on the day, task, or environment. Understanding your child’s sensory profile helps guide gentle, individualized strategies—especially when combined with nervous system-based care like pediatric chiropractic.
What Happens When Sensory Processing Is Disrupted?
When a child’s brain can’t properly process or organize sensory input, it can lead to nervous system dysregulation—which often shows up as behavior that looks impulsive, avoidant, anxious, or out of control.
This is what happens in children with sensory processing disorder (SPD) or related sensory challenges. Instead of accurately interpreting what’s happening around them, their brain receives too much, too little, or disorganized input—making it hard to feel safe, calm, or in control.
Signs of Disrupted Sensory Processing in Children:
Strong reactions to everyday sensations (e.g. tags, sounds, lights)
Frequent meltdowns or shutdowns during transitions
Difficulty sitting still, staying focused, or following directions
Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking calmly
Avoidance of certain foods, clothing, or social situations
Constant movement, climbing, spinning, or crashing into things
Emotional outbursts that seem “out of nowhere”
These are not signs of misbehavior—they’re red flags that your child’s nervous system is overwhelmed.
Many kids with autism, ADHD, or developmental delays experience sensory dysregulation, but it can also occur in neurotypical children who’ve experienced:
Birth trauma
Chronic illness
Poor sleep or nutrition
Prolonged screen time or limited movement
Early developmental stress
When sensory input feels chaotic or painful, the brain stays in a fight-or-flight state, which can delay motor development, impair emotional regulation, and make everyday experiences feel like a threat.
Supporting sensory processing isn’t just about teaching kids to cope—it’s about helping the brain and body feel safe and connected again.
How Do You Know If Your Child Has Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)?
If you're wondering, "Does my child have sensory processing disorder?"—you’re not alone. Many parents sense something is off long before there’s a diagnosis or label.
While SPD isn’t officially listed in the DSM-5, it’s widely recognized by pediatric professionals, occupational therapists, and neurologically focused chiropractors.
Sensory Processing Disorder occurs when the brain has trouble receiving, integrating, or responding appropriately to sensory input from the environment or the body. Children with SPD may be overresponsive, underresponsive, or constantly seeking stimulation.
Common Signs of Sensory Processing Disorder in Children:
Meltdowns over textures, clothing, or grooming (like brushing hair or clipping nails)
Overreacting to loud sounds or bright lights
Refusing to try new foods due to texture
Avoiding swings, slides, or physical play
Seeming unaware of hunger, thirst, or pain
Difficulty sitting still or constantly fidgeting
Crashing into furniture, people, or walls
Trouble falling asleep or waking easily
Easily startled or anxious in new environments
These sensory red flags are often present in:
Kids with autism spectrum disorder
Kids with ADHD or anxiety
Highly sensitive children
Children who’ve had a difficult birth, NICU stay, or early trauma
You don’t need a diagnosis to recognize that your child is struggling. And you don’t have to wait until they "grow out of it." The earlier sensory issues are supported, the better a child can regulate, connect, and develop.
How SPD Is Identified
If you’re unsure, start by:
Talking with a pediatric neurologically trained chiropractor
Using a standardized sensory profile questionnaire
Observing patterns in different environments (home, school, outings)
Having your child’s nervous system scanned to assess stress and regulation patterns
Even subtle signs of sensory processing issues can disrupt learning, social connection, and emotional health over time—so it’s worth exploring early.
Sensory Processing Checklist for Parents
Auditory (Sound)
Covers ears for everyday sounds (toilets flushing, vacuums, hand dryers)
Gets overwhelmed in loud environments (restaurants, playgrounds, stores)
Easily distracted by background noise
Doesn’t seem to respond when name is called
Tactile (Touch)
Refuses certain clothing textures or tags
Overreacts to being touched or brushed past
Avoids messy play (paint, sand, playdough)
Seems unaware of cuts, bruises, or injuries
Vestibular (Balance & Movement)
Avoids swings, slides, or jumping
Becomes anxious when feet leave the ground
Seeks constant motion (spinning, rocking, running)
Easily gets carsick or dizzy
Proprioception (Body Awareness)
Constantly bumps into people or objects
Loves crashing, jumping, rough play
Has poor posture or slouches often
Struggles with handwriting, buttoning, or coordination
Interoception (Internal Awareness)
Difficulty knowing when hungry or full
Doesn’t recognize the need to use the bathroom
Has trouble describing emotions or internal states
Seems out of touch with what their body is feeling
Emotional & Behavioral Clues
Meltdowns seem to come “out of nowhere”
Struggles with transitions or unexpected changes
Has frequent big emotions or anxiety
Often described as “too sensitive” or “dramatic”
Interpreting the Results
If you checked several items across different categories, it may be a sign that your child’s nervous system is having difficulty processing sensory input effectively.
While this checklist is not a diagnostic tool, it can help guide your next step – scheduling a neurological evaluation that includes INSiGHT™ nervous system scans.
Use this checklist to reflect on your child’s behaviors and sensory preferences. Check all that apply
When to Seek Help: What’s Normal vs. What’s Not
Many parents wonder, “Is this a sensory quirk—or something I should be concerned about?”
It’s completely normal for all children to have preferences. Some kids love spinning, while others don’t like loud noises. But when sensory challenges start to affect your child’s ability to function, connect, or feel calm, it may be time to look deeper.
Signs It Might Be Time to Get Support:
Your child avoids everyday activities (e.g. brushing teeth, getting dressed, riding in the car)
Meltdowns happen frequently and are hard to recover from
Your child has a hard time keeping up with motor skills, language, or social development
You find yourself rearranging your life around sensory triggers
Teachers or therapists have mentioned sensory concerns
You’re constantly walking on eggshells trying to prevent overwhelm
Sensory processing challenges aren’t always something kids “grow out of.” In fact, left unaddressed, they can affect emotional development, school readiness, sleep, digestion, and social confidence well into adolescence.
Early support can help your child feel more regulated and resilient—often with fewer interventions down the road.
You don’t need a diagnosis to seek help. If your gut says something’s off, it’s okay to listen to it.
Is Sensory Processing a Part of ADHD?
Yes, many children with ADHD also experience sensory processing challenges—even if they’ve never been formally identified as having Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD).
While ADHD is often seen as a condition of focus, attention, and impulse control, it's important to remember that all of those functions are regulated by the nervous system. And when the nervous system is disorganized or overwhelmed, sensory integration can be one of the first areas affected.
How Sensory Processing Shows Up in Kids with ADHD:
Constant movement or fidgeting (proprioceptive or vestibular seeking)
Struggling to tune out background noise (auditory sensitivity)
Easily distracted by lights, smells, or sensations
Trouble sitting still due to discomfort in their body
Seeking out intense input—chewing, jumping, or crashing
Overreaction to tags, textures, or crowded environments
Children with ADHD often have difficulty filtering sensory input and regulating their internal state, which leads to behaviors that look like “inattention” or “hyperactivity” but are actually signs of nervous system dysregulation.
Why ADHD and SPD Often Overlap
Both ADHD and SPD involve:
Difficulty with self-regulation
Challenges processing incoming stimuli
Trouble focusing in busy or overstimulating environments
Poor tolerance for transitions or change
A nervous system that may be stuck in “high alert” mode
This overlap is why many parents searching for natural ADHD support for kids end up exploring sensory integration strategies or neurologically focused chiropractic care.
By supporting the nervous system—not just managing symptoms—we can help children with ADHD feel more calm, grounded, and better able to engage with their world.
What Causes Sensory Processing Issues in Kids?
Parents often ask, “Why does my child have sensory processing issues?” or “Where did this come from?”
While every child is different, sensory challenges are often linked to how the nervous system develops, adapts, and responds to stress—both in the womb and after birth.
Sensory processing issues are not caused by poor parenting, screen time alone, or willful behavior. They usually reflect deeper patterns of nervous system disorganization, often shaped by early physical, emotional, or environmental stress.
Common Causes of Sensory Processing Disorder or Sensory Dysregulation:
1. Birth Trauma or Stressful Deliveries
Cesarean section
Forceps or vacuum-assisted delivery
Long or very fast labor
NICU stays or early separation from caregivers
These experiences can place tension on the spine and nervous system from the very beginning.
2. Retained Primitive Reflexes
Undeveloped or lingering early motor reflexes can interfere with coordination, attention, and sensory-motor integration.
3. Early Injuries or Falls
Head bumps, repeated tumbles, or unresolved body tension can affect spinal motion and proprioceptive input—key for sensory processing.
4. Chronic Inflammation or Immune Challenges
Frequent ear infections, food sensitivities, gut issues, or inflammation can keep the nervous system in a state of alert.
5. Vertebral Subluxations
When areas of the spine are not moving properly, it can distort the sensory messages being sent to the brain—causing confusion, overreaction, or shutdown.
6. Poor Posture, Low Core Strength, or Prolonged Screen Time
A sedentary lifestyle can affect how the brain receives input from the body and leads to delayed sensory development, especially in toddlers and preschoolers.
7. Neurodevelopmental Conditions
Children with autism, ADHD, anxiety, or developmental delays often show signs of sensory processing difficulties as part of a broader picture of nervous system dysregulation.
When any of these stressors affect the nervous system—especially during key developmental windows—they can make it harder for the brain to filter, prioritize, and respond to incoming information clearly.
Understanding the root causes of sensory issues in kids is the first step in creating a care plan that supports true regulation and resilience—rather than simply managing surface-level symptoms.
The Role of the Vagus Nerve in Sensory Processing
When we talk about helping children with sensory processing disorder, autism, ADHD, or emotional regulation challenges, one important piece of the puzzle is often overlooked: the vagus nerve.
The vagus nerve is the main communication highway of the parasympathetic nervous system—the part of your child’s body that helps them rest, regulate, digest, and recover from stress. It's essential for sensory filtering, immune regulation, and emotional stability.
Vagus nerve stimulation in San Diego for kids
Why the Vagus Nerve Matters for Kids with Sensory Issues
The vagus nerve connects the brain to vital organs, including the heart, lungs, digestive tract, and immune system. It helps the brain and body:
Regulate emotions
Process and recover from sensory input
Digest food and eliminate waste efficiently
Shift out of fight-or-flight mode and into calm, organized states
In children with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and sensory dysregulation, vagal tone (the strength and responsiveness of the vagus nerve) is often impaired. This can show up as:
Meltdowns after stimulation
Sensory overload and avoidance
Chronic constipation, reflux, or poor digestion
Sleep difficulties and poor immune function
How Chiropractic and Laser Therapy Support Vagus Nerve Function
At Sprout Family Chiropractic, we use gentle chiropractic adjustments and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to support vagus nerve health and function.
Chiropractic Adjustments:
Improve motion in the upper cervical spine, where the vagus nerve exits the brainstem
Reduce tension and interference along the nerve pathway
Help restore parasympathetic dominance, the state in which the body feels safe, calm, and able to regulate
Low-Level Laser Therapy:
Provides photobiomodulation—stimulating nerve tissue at the cellular level to reduce inflammation and improve function
Can be targeted over the vagus nerve (especially in the neck and abdomen) to promote better tone and responsiveness
Supports neuroimmune balance, making it easier for the body to process input and recover from stress
Together, chiropractic and LLLT create a powerful, drug-free combination for children struggling with sensory overload, meltdowns, emotional dysregulation, and nervous system fatigue.
How Chiropractic Helps Kids with Sensory Processing Issues
If your child is struggling with sensory challenges—meltdowns, avoidance, constant movement, or emotional outbursts—you might be wondering, “Can chiropractic help with sensory processing disorder?”
The answer is yes—when the chiropractic approach is focused on the nervous system.
At Sprout Family Chiropractic, we specialize in neurologically focused pediatric care that addresses how the spine and brain communicate. Because sensory processing relies heavily on the accuracy of these signals, restoring balance here can lead to noticeable improvements.
Why the Spine Matters for Sensory Integration
The spine houses and protects the central nervous system—the highway of communication between your child’s body and brain. If the spine is not moving properly (a condition called a vertebral subluxation), it can interfere with:
Proprioceptive input (body awareness)
Vestibular signaling (balance and movement)
Emotional regulation (brain-body feedback loops)
These disruptions can lead to sensory disorganization, difficulty with transitions, heightened reactivity, and poor motor control.
How Pediatric Chiropractic Supports Sensory Processing:
Restores healthy spinal motion to allow clear signals to travel between the body and brain
Improves proprioceptive input, helping kids feel more aware and safe in their bodies
Supports vagus nerve function, which calms the nervous system and improves digestion, sleep, and emotional regulation
Reduces fight-or-flight dominance, allowing the brain to shift into a state where learning and connection can happen
Enhances motor coordination, posture, and balance—key foundations for sensory integration
Unlike medication or behavioral plans that focus on managing symptoms, chiropractic care works by helping the nervous system function more clearly and efficiently—which is often where the sensory challenges begin.
In our San Diego pediatric chiropractic office we often see improvements in:
Transitions and flexibility
Response to clothing, noise, or movement
Focus and attention
Regulation of emotions
Confidence and coordination during play
Sensory challenges related to autism
Greater regulation in kids with ADHD or other developmental delays
We often work with families who’ve tried everything—occupational therapy, behavioral plans, even medications—but still feel like something’s missing. Chiropractic supports the nervous system—where many of these struggles begin.
Our Evaluation Process: What Happens at a Sensory-Focused Chiropractic Visit
We know that bringing your child to a new kind of provider—especially if they’ve had negative experiences before—can feel overwhelming. That’s why our evaluation process is designed to be gentle, sensory-friendly, and child-led from start to finish.
Here’s what you can expect when you bring your child to Sprout Family Chiropractic for sensory-focused care.
Step 1: A Quiet, Supportive Welcome
We start by creating a calm, nonjudgmental space where your child can feel safe. Whether they need to move, stim, avoid eye contact, or bring a comfort item—we welcome it all. We meet your child where they are.
Step 2: Listening to You—And the Nervous System
You’ll have time to share your child’s history, challenges, and goals. We want to understand your concerns and what has (or hasn’t) worked for your family so far.
Then, we assess your child’s nervous system function using INSiGHT™ scanning technology. These safe, non-invasive scans give us a window into how well your child’s body is adapting to stress. They show us patterns of:
Sympathetic (fight-or-flight) dominance
Proprioceptive or motor system imbalances
Areas of tension or disconnection
There are no needles, no pain, and no pressure. Most children are curious or indifferent—and we adapt to their comfort level.
Step 3: A Customized, Child-Centered Plan
If we find areas of nervous system stress, we’ll walk you through what it means and how we can help. Your child’s care plan will be individualized, based on their age, goals, and nervous system patterns—not a diagnosis or protocol.
Our adjustments are gentle and neurologically specific, using techniques appropriate for babies, toddlers, and neurodivergent children who may not tolerate traditional care.
Some kids nap during their adjustment. Others wiggle, talk, or giggle. We adjust our rhythm to theirs.
Why Choose Sprout Family Chiropractic
If you're searching for a chiropractor in San Diego who understands the unique needs of children with sensory processing disorder, ADHD, autism, or developmental delays, you're in the right place.
At Sprout Family Chiropractic, we provide care that’s designed specifically for pediatric and neurodivergent nervous systems, like children with autism (ASD), ADHD, sensory processing disorder (SPD) and other neurodevelopmental conditions. We don’t apply a one-size-fits-all model. Instead, we take the time to understand your child, how their nervous system is functioning, and what support will help them thrive. Our approach supports families looking for drug-free options for emotional regulation, motor coordination, and sensory integration.
What Makes Our Approach Different
We focus on the nervous system, not just the spine
Our goal is to improve communication between your child’s brain and body. That means looking deeper than symptoms and supporting the systems that affect sensory regulation, emotional control, digestion, and sleep.
We use INSiGHT™ Nervous System scans to guide care
This non-invasive technology allows us to measure how your child’s nervous system is adapting to stress. It gives us real data so we can create a plan based on what’s actually happening under the surface.
We offer gentle, kid-friendly care
There’s no cracking or popping involved. We use low-force, neurologically based techniques tailored to your child’s age, size, and sensory preferences.
We meet your child where they are
Some kids need to move during their adjustment. Others need to stim, bring comfort items, or skip eye contact. That’s all okay. We create a space where your child can feel safe, respected, and supported.
We collaborate with your existing care team
Our care complements occupational therapy, speech therapy, and other developmental interventions by improving the body’s ability to respond and regulate from the inside out.
Our mission is to help your child feel more calm, connected, and confident—without pressure, shame, or overwhelm. Many parents tell us Sprout feels different the moment they walk through the door.
Success Stories: How Sensory-Focused Chiropractic Has Helped Real Families
Sometimes the most powerful way to understand what’s possible is to hear from other parents who’ve been in your shoes. At Sprout Family Chiropractic, we’ve worked with families navigating everything from sensory overwhelm and developmental delays to constipation, poor sleep, and feeding difficulties.
Here are just a few of their stories:
“Everything started to click more…”
“Sprout Family Chiropractic is one of the best things I’ve done for my child who is on the spectrum. His eye contact increased, he began saying more words, and he’s understanding his world more. They adapt to his short attention span and movements with ease—and the environment is incredibly calming and welcoming.”
“From sleepless nights to sleeping through…”
“My daughter was a NICU baby, tense and unable to latch or sleep well. We were exhausted and unsure. After just a few gentle adjustments, she slept through the night for the first time and now has daily bowel movements, improved nursing, and better tummy time. Chiropractic care gave us our life back.”
“He eats, sleeps, and poops more easily now.”
“Our baby struggled with feeding and fussiness. Since starting regular adjustments, eating and sleeping have become easier, and he’s far more relaxed. If your pediatrician says ‘they’ll grow out of it,’ this is worth a try.”
“Huge change in sleep and behavior.”
“Dr. Rachel and Dr. Nicole are calm, clear, and incredibly kind. Our son’s behavior and sleep improved significantly—and we’re so grateful we found Sprout.”
“No more diapers—she’s proud of herself!”
“My 3-year-old had struggled with constipation and potty training for over a year. Now, she has regular bowel movements, goes to sleep easier, and no longer uses diapers. She’s so much happier, and so are we.”
“Developmental milestones we didn’t think were possible.”
“Our daughter was born at 26 weeks and was far behind developmentally. Since starting care, she’s hit milestones we didn’t think would ever happen. She loves her visits and lights up around Dr. Rachel and Dr. Nicole.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Sensory Processing in Kids
1. What exactly is sensory processing disorder (SPD)?
Sensory processing disorder is a condition where the brain has difficulty receiving, organizing, and responding appropriately to sensory input. This can affect how a child reacts to things like sound, touch, movement, and even internal sensations like hunger or temperature.
2. How can I tell if my child has sensory issues?
Children with sensory challenges often show signs like avoiding certain textures, covering their ears, having frequent meltdowns, or constantly seeking movement. A sensory checklist, occupational therapy evaluation, or a nervous system scan at our office can help uncover patterns.
3. Can a child have sensory processing issues without autism?
Yes. While sensory issues are common in children with autism, they can also occur in kids with ADHD, anxiety, developmental delays, or no diagnosis at all. Sensory processing difficulties are nervous system-based and can affect any child.
4. Is sensory processing a symptom of ADHD?
Many children with ADHD have co-occurring sensory processing challenges. They may be hypersensitive to noise or touch, or they may seek intense stimulation like jumping, chewing, or rough play. This is due to overlapping nervous system dysregulation.
5. How does chiropractic care help with sensory issues?
Chiropractic adjustments help improve the way the brain and body communicate by restoring healthy spinal motion. This can reduce nervous system stress, improve proprioceptive input, and support better regulation of sensory information.
6. What’s the difference between sensory seeking and sensory avoiding?
Sensory seekers crave stimulation and may jump, spin, or chew constantly. Sensory avoiders feel overwhelmed by input and may cover their ears, avoid messy play, or melt down in noisy environments. Some kids show both patterns in different situations.
7. Can sensory issues improve without medication?
Yes. Sensory processing challenges can be supported through natural, drug-free methods such as pediatric chiropractic care, occupational therapy, and creating a sensory-friendly environment. The key is helping the nervous system feel safe and organized.
8. When should I be concerned about sensory behavior?
If sensory behaviors interfere with your child’s ability to play, learn, sleep, eat, or connect with others, it’s worth exploring further. Early support can reduce stress and help your child feel more confident and regulated in everyday life.
Let’s Support Your Child’s Sensory Development—Together
If your child is struggling with sensory meltdowns, constant movement, clothing sensitivities, or difficulty handling change, you're not alone—and there’s a reason behind those behaviors.
These challenges often reflect an overwhelmed nervous system, not a defiant child. The good news is that the nervous system is adaptable. With the right support, kids can become more regulated, resilient, and confident in their environment.
At Sprout Family Chiropractic, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to feel safe in their body and supported in their development. We’re here to help you understand what’s going on beneath the surface and explore natural, drug-free ways to support your child’s sensory health.
Whether your child has a formal diagnosis or you're simply following your instincts, it’s okay to ask questions—and it’s more than okay to seek help.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your child’s healthcare provider for personalized guidance.