What is Sensory Processing Disorder?
You may have heard of Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) from a teacher, therapist, or concerned family member—or maybe you’ve simply Googled “why does my child hate tags and loud noises?”
Sensory Processing Disorder isn’t a buzzword or a trend. It’s a neurological challenge that affects how the brain receives, organizes, and responds to sensory input. And for kids struggling with SPD, everyday life can feel overwhelming, unpredictable, and exhausting.
But what’s actually happening beneath the surface? And more importantly—what can you do to help?
When Senses Become Too Much
Our brains are constantly taking in and filtering sensory messages: the brightness of a light, the volume of a sound, the way a shirt feels against our skin, or the bounce of each footstep while walking.
Most of the time, our nervous system filters that input without us ever noticing. But for children with SPD, those signals come in either too intensely, not intensely enough, or all jumbled up—making it difficult for the brain to decide what’s important and how to respond.
That’s when we see:
Meltdowns over minor transitions
Aversion to textures, seams, and tags
Hyperactivity or constant movement
Difficulty with sleep or regulation
Withdrawal in noisy or busy settings
This isn’t “bad behavior.” It’s a nervous system under stress.
The Root Cause: A Dysregulated Nervous System
Sensory challenges aren’t just about what’s coming in from the environment—they’re about how well the nervous system is able to process and organize that input.
The three Ts—Thoughts (emotional stress), Traumas (physical stress), and Toxins (chemical stress)—can all interfere with healthy neurological development. These stressors often lead to subluxations, or areas of miscommunication within the nervous system that interrupt its ability to function properly.
When a child’s system stays in fight-or-flight mode too often or for too long, they struggle to adapt to their surroundings. That’s what makes socks feel like sandpaper and birthday parties feel like chaos.
INSiGHT Scans: The Missing Piece
At our practice, we use INSiGHT scans to dig deeper. These gentle, non-invasive scans allow us to measure:
Where stress is stored in the spine and nervous system
How the brain and body are communicating
How well your child is adapting to stress
Instead of guessing or relying only on external behaviors, we use these scans to see what’s really going on inside—and create care plans tailored to each child’s unique needs.
Gentle Adjustments. Big Shifts.
Once we understand the patterns, we begin gentle, neurologically focused chiropractic adjustments. These aren’t about popping or cracking—they’re about restoring communication between the brain and body by reducing tension and improving vagus nerve function.
Over time, we often see:
Decreased sensitivity to sounds, lights, and textures
More emotional flexibility and better transitions
Improvements in focus, behavior, and sleep
A calmer, more connected nervous system
Your Child Deserves to Feel Safe in Their Own Body
Parents—if you’ve been told your child will “grow out of it” or that it’s all in your head, you’re not alone. Many families have walked through years of confusion and frustration before finding answers.
That’s why pediatric chiropractic care is such a powerful tool.
We use INSiGHT scans to see how well your child’s nervous system is regulating and adapting. When we adjust areas of subluxation and stored stress, we help the brain and body communicate better—so that the nervous system can shift from survival to strength.
Want to help your child feel more calm, connected, and confident in their world? We’re here to support you every step of the way.