Living with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) can be an overwhelming and isolating experience for both children and their families. SPD affects almost 80% of children born by C-section, making it a surprisingly common condition that often goes unrecognized and misunderstood.
For these children with Sensory Processing Disorder, everyday experiences like going to school, playing with friends, transitioning between activities, or even getting dressed and brushing their teeth can be a constant struggle due to their unique way of perceiving and responding to sensory information.
But what if there was a way to address the root cause of SPD and unlock your child’s full potential? In this article, we’ll explore the world of Sensory Processing Disorder, diving deep into its causes, symptoms, and how to help a child with SPD through the life-changing power of Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care.
What is Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)?
Sensory Processing Disorder is a condition that affects how children perceive and respond to sensory information from the environment. Children with SPD may struggle with processing information from one or more senses and they may exhibit a range of Sensory Processing Disorder symptoms, which can be broadly categorized into three main patterns:
- Hypersensitivity (Over-responsiveness): Hypersensitive children can be easily overwhelmed by sensory input, such as loud noises, bright lights, or certain textures. They may react strongly to seemingly minor stimuli, like covering their ears in response to a vacuum cleaner.
- Hyposensitivity (Under-responsiveness): Some children with SPD may be under-responsive to sensory information, seeming to have a high tolerance for pain or a lack of awareness of their surroundings. They may not respond when their name is called or may seem clumsy and uncoordinated.
- Sensory Seeking: Some children with SPD actively seek out sensory experiences, craving intense or repetitive stimulation. They may engage in behaviors like spinning, jumping, or crashing into objects, often to the point of disrupting daily activities or putting themselves at risk.
Autism Spectrum Disorder vs. SPD and the Impact on Daily Life
Autism Spectrum Disorder and SPD share similar attributes, particularly in how they present in daily life. However, while sensory issues can be a symptom of autism, SPD is its own condition, and it’s important to recognize its unique impact on a child’s life.
SPD can have a significant impact on various aspects of a child’s life, including:
- Learning and academic performance: Children with SPD may struggle to focus in class, struggle with fine motor skills like handwriting, or become easily distracted by background noises or visual stimuli.
- Social interactions and relationships: Sensory issues can make it challenging for children to engage in play with peers, understand social cues, or cope with the sensory demands of group settings like birthday parties or crowded playgrounds.
- Emotional regulation and behavior: The constant challenges of processing sensory information can lead to frustration, anxiety, and meltdowns, making it difficult for children to manage their emotions and behavior.
At the core of these challenges lies a complex interplay of neurological factors, including proprioception (the sense of body position) and mechanoreception (the sense of movement). When these systems are not functioning optimally, it can lead to the symptoms and struggles associated with SPD.
Fortunately, by understanding the unique nature and impact of sensory integration disorders and Autism Spectrum Disorder, parents can begin to recognize the unique signs of each in their own children and seek out the support and interventions needed to help them thrive.
Sensory Processing Disorder and ADHD
Sensory Processing Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often co-occur, as both conditions involve challenges with regulating and responding to sensory input.
Children with ADHD may struggle with sensory modulation, leading to either sensory seeking or sensory avoidant behaviors, similar to those seen in SPD.
Research suggests that the underlying neurological imbalances and dysfunction that contribute to SPD may also play a role in the development of ADHD. In particular, the dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system, known as dysautonomia, has been linked to both conditions. When the “fight or flight” response of the sympathetic nervous system becomes overactive and the “rest and digest” response of the parasympathetic nervous system is underactive, it can lead to a state of chronic stress and hyperarousal that affects attention, impulse control, and sensory processing.
Additionally, the vagus nerve, a key component of the parasympathetic nervous system, has been implicated in both SPD and ADHD. Dysfunction of the vagus nerve can disrupt the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches, contributing to a range of symptoms, including difficulty with self-regulation, emotional reactivity, and sensory processing challenges.
In short, the hallmark of ADHD is an overactive and easily distracted brain. That is exactly what sensory difficulties and subluxation do to a developing brain, they overwhelm it with “noise” and cause it to be distracted, off track, and overloaded with unnecessary sensory stimulation.
Addressing the underlying neurological imbalances through approaches like Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care promotes better sensory integration, attention, and overall well-being for affected children.
The Role of the Nervous System in Sensory Processing
To truly understand Sensory Processing Disorder, it’s essential to explore the intricate workings of the nervous system and how imbalances can lead to the challenges faced by children with SPD.
The nervous system is the body’s command center, responsible for receiving, interpreting, and responding to sensory input from the environment. In typically developing children, this process occurs seamlessly, allowing them to navigate the world around them with ease.
However, when the nervous system is not functioning optimally, as in the case of SPD, sensory processing becomes disrupted, leading to various challenges and symptoms associated with the disorder, such as sensory overload.
Proprioception and Sensory Processing Disorder
Proprioception, the sense of body awareness, movement, and position in space, is crucial in sensory integration and overall neurological development in kids.
Proprioception refers to the body’s ability to sense its position and movement in space, which is crucial for tasks like balance, coordination, and motor control. This significant portion of brain function involves various areas, including the motor cortex, cerebellum, and sensory cortex, all working together to ensure smooth and precise movement.
Approximately 50-60% of the brain’s function is dedicated to proprioception and coordinating movement. Which means that when proprioceptive input is distorted and altered from things such as subluxation and dysautonomia, it can easily distract, distort, and confuse other brain functions leading to things like behavioral and emotional dysregulation (meltdowns and tantrums), difficulty paying attention, and so much more.
This crucial component of sensory processing becomes easy for parents to understand when we think about how our brain functions when we are overwhelmed and overloaded at work, stuck sitting at our desk or in traffic for hours, or just have an overwhelming and chaotic schedule trying to keep up with all of life’s demands. When your brain becomes overloaded, distracted, and anxious but then you go for a walk or hit the gym for a good workout, how does it make you feel? More relaxed, calm, and focused right? That is the impact of proprioception and movement stimulation to our brain – it’s calming, regulating, and organizing.
In short, children struggling with Sensory Processing Disorder need to prioritize movement stimulation and optimize proprioceptive input into their overwhelmed and distracted brains in order to get things back on track. This is why most SPD kids are recommended to begin Occupational Therapy (OT) and other movement-based therapies. But so often if subluxation and nervous system dysfunction are present, the benefits of OT are going to be limited instead of optimized.
Dysautonomia and Subluxation: An Imbalance in the Autonomic Nervous System
One of the primary culprits behind neurological dysfunction in SPD is a condition called subluxation. Subluxation refers to altered neurosensory function due to reduced movement and proprioceptive input, specifically from the upper neck and throughout the entire neurospinal system, which interfere with proper neurological communication. When subluxations occur, they can disrupt the flow of sensory information, making it difficult for the brain to interpret and respond accurately to incoming stimuli.
The most common type of sensory input altered by subluxation is called sensorimotor input, which controls both gross and fine motor tone, coordination, and overall function. This is why birth trauma and subluxation are commonly linked to both developmental delays and the most common presentations of SPD, since they directly alter this vital neurodevelopmental function.
Another critical factor in the neurological origins of SPD is a condition called dysautonomia, which refers to an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS consists of two branches: the sympathetic nervous system, responsible for the “fight or flight” response, and the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes “rest and digest” functions.
In children with SPD, the sympathetic nervous system is often stuck in overdrive, leading to a constant state of heightened arousal and sensitivity to sensory input. At the same time, the parasympathetic nervous system may be underactive, making it difficult for the child to relax, regulate their emotions, and process sensory information effectively.
The Vagus Nerve: A Vital Player in Sensory Processing
The vagus nerve, the longest and most complex of the cranial nerves, plays a crucial role in regulating the autonomic nervous system and, consequently, in sensory processing. This nerve acts as a major communication highway between the brain and various organs, including the digestive system, heart, and lungs.
When the vagus nerve functions optimally, it promotes calm and relaxation, helping children process sensory information. However, dysfunction can lead to overactivation of the sympathetic nervous system and underactivation of the parasympathetic nervous system, worsening sensory processing difficulties.
By understanding the neurological underpinnings of SPD, including the roles of subluxation, dysautonomia, and the vagus nerve, parents can begin to appreciate the complexity of their child’s challenges and the importance of addressing these underlying imbalances.
“The Perfect Storm” of Factors That Cause Sensory Overload
In many cases, the development of Sensory Processing Disorder can be traced back to a combination of factors that, when occurring together, create a “Perfect Storm” of neurological dysfunction and sensory overload.
This concept highlights the multifaceted nature of SPD and the importance of considering a child’s unique experiences and circumstances when seeking to understand and address their challenges.
Some of the key factors that can contribute to the development of SPD include:
- Prenatal stress and maternal health: Maternal stress during pregnancy can have a profound impact on fetal brain development, potentially setting the stage for neurological imbalances that may later manifest as problems with sensory input.
- Birth trauma and interventions: Complications during labor and delivery, such as prolonged labor, forceps or vacuum extraction, or cesarean section, can cause physical and neurological stress to the infant, increasing the risk of subluxation and dysautonomia.
- Early life stressors and environmental factors: Exposure to toxins, nutritional deficiencies, or emotional stress in the early years of life can further compromise a child’s neurological development and exacerbate sensory processing difficulties.
By understanding the complex interplay of these elements, parents and practitioners can work together to develop targeted interventions that address the root causes of a child’s sensory processing difficulties.
The PX Docs Approach to Resolving Sensory Issues in Kids
At PX Docs, we recognize the critical role that neurological function plays in a child’s overall health and well-being, particularly in the context of Sensory Processing Disorder. Our unique approach, Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care, addresses the underlying imbalances and dysfunction that contribute to SPD, providing families with a safe and drug-free path to healing.
Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care differs from traditional chiropractic approaches in its specific focus on the nervous system and its relationship to sensory processing. Our doctors undergo extensive training in pediatric neurology and the latest research on SPD, allowing them to develop highly targeted and individualized care plans for each child.
Central to our approach is the use of INSiGHT Scans to determine the precise areas requiring adjustments to address subluxation and dysautonomia. By restoring proper sensory input and balance to the nervous system, we help optimize neurological function and improve the brain’s ability to process and integrate sensory information.
Below is an image with a series of three Sensory EMG Scans performed on a child struggling with Sensory Processing Disorder, ADHD, and Anxiety. The first scan on the far left shows that this child’s sensory and proprioceptive system are entirely overwhelmed and “stuck on” sympathetic overdrive, as evidenced by all the red bars indicating this stuck sensory overload. Then as care progresses in the middle and far right scan, you can see his nervous system become much calmer and more sensory regulated (white and green bars only).
These positive changes on EMG indicate that his subluxation and dysautonomia were vastly improved and his nervous system is now much calmer, balanced, and regulated. With these functional changes and improvements to his sensory processing and overall nervous system function, this patient experienced far fewer meltdowns and overwhelm, and began to have vastly improved focus, concentration, and emotional regulation with transitions, busy days, and so forth.
Benefits of Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care for Children with Sensory Processing Disorder
Children who receive Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care at PX Docs often experience significant improvements in their sensory processing abilities, as well as a range of other benefits, including:
- Enhanced nervous system regulation and resilience
- Improved ability to self-regulate emotions and behavior
- Better sleep, digestion, and immune function
- Increased focus, attention, and learning ability
- Greater confidence and overall well-being
By addressing the root causes of sensory issues in kids and supporting the healthy development of the nervous system, our approach empowers children to overcome challenges and thrive in all aspects of their lives.
Logan’s Story: A Sensory Success Story
Logan’s parents exhausted every traditional therapy and method to help calm his sensory storm and assist him in managing his emotions, behavior, and sensory cues.
From infancy, Logan struggled with sensory processing issues, contrary to what his pediatrician had assured his parents. His sensory nervous system continued to develop into stress, dysfunction, and everyday challenges. Eventually, his parents discovered the “Perfect Storm” work and learned about the true causes of Sensory Processing Disorder.
They were able to naturally calm Logan’s sensory storm without resorting to drugs or traditional therapies such as PT, OT, and Speech Therapy.
Today, Logan is thriving in 8th grade, excelling in school, and living his best life.
Empowering Families to Embrace Hope and Healing
For parents of children with Sensory Processing Disorder, the journey can often feel overwhelming and isolating. But at PX Docs, we want you to know that you are not alone—and that there is hope for your child and your family.
If you suspect that your child may be struggling with sensory issues or if you have been searching for answers and solutions, we invite you to visit the PX Docs Directory and find a qualified practitioner in your area.
With the right support and intervention, your child can overcome their challenges and unlock their full potential—and your family can experience the joy, connection, and well-being you deserve.
