Updated on Jul 16, 2026
Author: Dr. Tony Ebel, DC, CPPFC, CCWP
Revised for Inspire Chiropractic by Davis Madole, Reviewed by Dr. Shah Khan DC, CACCP
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) goes by many names, including Sensory Integration Dysfunction and Neurosensory Dysfunction. Regardless of the label, the underlying challenges and the steps that help calm the sensory storm are often very similar.
At Inspire Chiropractic, we believe sensory challenges are one of the most commonly overlooked struggles children face.
Many children with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, learning challenges, emotional struggles, and behavioral concerns also experience underlying sensory processing difficulties. That is why supporting sensory regulation should be an important part of helping these children thrive.
Unfortunately, many sensory challenges are missed early in life. Parents are often told, “They’ll grow out of it” or “Let’s wait and see.”
But waiting does not address the root cause.
Overcoming the Challenges
Many children with sensory challenges eventually receive therapies like occupational therapy, physical therapy, or speech therapy. These incredible professionals play an important role in helping children develop new skills and strategies.
However, many families still feel like something is missing.
That missing piece is often understanding what is happening inside the nervous system.
To truly help a child reach their full potential, we have to look beyond the behaviors we see on the outside and understand the neurological processes happening underneath.
So, What Causes Sensory Challenges?
Our sensory system is designed to constantly receive information from our environment and help our body respond appropriately.
This process is called sensory processing.
The foundation for this ability develops very early in life, especially during pregnancy, birth, and early childhood when the brain and nervous system are rapidly developing.
This is where the concept of the “Perfect Storm” comes in.
Today’s children experience more stressors and environmental challenges earlier than ever before. When multiple stressors build up during important stages of development, the nervous system may struggle to properly process, organize, and adapt to sensory information.
Dr. Bruce Lipton describes the role of the nervous system this way:
“The function of the nervous system is to perceive the environment and coordinate the behavior of all other cells.”
The key words are perception and coordination.
When the nervous system struggles to properly perceive information, the body has difficulty responding appropriately.
Making Sense of SPD
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to sensory challenges.
Every child is unique, and their nervous system responds differently.
Children with SPD may struggle with:
- Certain clothing textures
- Loud sounds
- Specific foods
- Movement and balance
- Changes in routine
- Touch and physical sensations
The sensory system is incredibly complex, which is why every child’s care should be personalized.
At Inspire, we often see common factors in children experiencing sensory challenges, including:
- High-stress pregnancies
- Birth interventions such as C-section, forceps, or vacuum extraction
- Colic, reflux, or digestive challenges as infants
- Frequent ear infections or illnesses
- Repeated antibiotic or steroid use
These experiences do not mean a child is destined to struggle, but they can contribute to increased stress on a developing nervous system.
The Nervous System Connection
The brain, spinal cord, and nerves work together as the body’s communication system.
Think of the nervous system like air traffic control.
It is constantly receiving information, deciding what is important, and coordinating the body’s response.
The brainstem and upper neck area play a major role in processing and organizing sensory information. These areas help determine what information gets filtered, what reaches higher brain centers, and how the body responds.
This is why early movement milestones such as:
- Holding the head up
- Rolling
- Crawling
- Walking
- Developing coordination
are so important for neurological development.
The common thread we often see in children with sensory challenges, ADHD, and Autism Spectrum Disorders is difficulty processing, integrating, and adapting to their environment.
Neurological Input Problems, Not Simply Behavior Problems
Many sensory challenges are not behavior problems.
They are neurological processing challenges.
What parents see on the outside–meltdowns, avoidance, sensitivity, or difficulty adapting–is often the result of what is happening internally within the nervous system.
Instead of only trying to change the behavior, we must also understand the neurological foundation creating that behavior.
When the nervous system becomes better regulated, many children are better able to handle transitions, emotions, sensory input, and everyday challenges.
Supporting the Whole Child
The goal of Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care is not to change who a child is.
Every child has unique strengths, personality, creativity, and individuality.
The goal is to support the nervous system so children can better regulate, adapt, and experience the world around them.
Many families report improvements such as:
- Better emotional regulation
- Easier transitions
- Improved sleep
- Greater comfort with sensory input
- More confidence in everyday activities
The goal is not to remove what makes a child unique. It is to help them access their full potential with greater ease.
Focusing on Neurological Development and Function
At Inspire Chiropractic, our approach begins by understanding how your child’s nervous system is functioning.
Through a detailed history, examination, and INSiGHT Scans, we gather objective information about nervous system stress and patterns that may be affecting your child’s ability to regulate.
INSiGHT Scans help measure:
- Heart Rate Variability (HRV)
- Surface EMG patterns
- Thermal nervous system patterns
This information helps create a personalized care plan based on your child’s specific needs.
The process begins with a comprehensive evaluation, followed by a Report of Findings where we review the results and discuss recommendations for supporting your child’s health goals.
Helping Your Child Find More Balance
If you have been navigating sensory challenges for years, trying different therapies, diets, or supplements, you may be looking for a deeper understanding of what is happening beneath the surface.
A nervous system-focused evaluation can provide another piece of the puzzle.
At Inspire, our goal is to create a positive, supportive experience designed around your child and your family.
Every child deserves the opportunity to feel calm, confident, connected, and capable of navigating the world around them.
Understanding the nervous system is the first step toward helping children thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sensory Processing Disorder?
Sensory Processing Disorder describes challenges with how the nervous system receives, organizes, and responds to sensory information from the environment.
What are common signs of sensory challenges in children?
Signs may include sensitivity to sounds, textures, foods, movement, changes in routine, or difficulty regulating emotions and transitions.
Are sensory challenges only related to behavior?
No. Many sensory challenges begin with how the nervous system processes information. The behaviors parents see are often the result of underlying neurological stress.
Can chiropractic care help children with sensory challenges?
Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care focuses on supporting nervous system regulation and communication. Many families report improvements in areas like sleep, emotional regulation, and adaptability.
Are INSiGHT Scans a diagnosis for SPD or Autism?
No. INSiGHT Scans do not diagnose medical conditions. They measure nervous system function and help providers understand how a child’s nervous system is responding and adapting.
Why is early support important for sensory challenges?
The brain and nervous system develop rapidly during early childhood. Supporting healthy neurological development early can help children build stronger foundations for regulation and adaptation.
Request an appointment with us today to get started!
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Original Article: https://pxdocs.com/sensory/sensory-processing-disorder/
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