When people think of chiropractic care, they often picture adjustments to relieve back or neck pain. It’s understandable that many are surprised to learn that chiropractic care can also benefit children with ADHD and autism spectrum disorders. This reaction usually comes from a limited view of what chiropractic care does—when in reality, adjustments have a powerful impact on the nervous system, specifically the autonomic nervous system, which plays a critical role in our health and behavior.

The autonomic nervous system is divided into two parts: the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. The sympathetic system, known as the “fight-or-flight” response, acts like the gas pedal in a car, accelerating your body’s responses to stress or danger. When the sympathetic system is activated, your body prioritizes survival functions, down-regulating other systems. Imagine being in fight-or-flight mode 24/7—would it be a good time to sleep, digest food, or learn? Absolutely not. This heightened state of alert can be incredibly disruptive to daily life, especially for children.

The parasympathetic system, on the other hand, is like the brake pedal, promoting rest, growth, and development. It’s responsible for digestion, sleep, immune function, and other essential processes that help us maintain health and calm. Ideally, the autonomic nervous system keeps a balance between these two systems, allowing us to respond to stress when needed and return to a state of calm afterward.

However, many children with ADHD and autism spectrum disorders experience an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system, a condition known as dysautonomia. In this state, their nervous systems can get “stuck” in sympathetic mode (overactive) or struggle to activate the parasympathetic response (underactive), leading to issues with behavior, sleep, digestion, focus, and social interaction.

So, how does chiropractic care help with this? It starts with understanding where these systems are located in the body. The parasympathetic nerves originate in the upper cervical spine and the sacral region. Misalignments or restrictions in these areas can interfere with normal parasympathetic function, making it harder for the body to “pump the brakes” and enter a state of rest. By correcting these misalignments, chiropractic care helps restore proper function to the autonomic nervous system, bringing the body back to balance.

Through specific and carefully directed chiropractic adjustments, we often see significant improvements in kids with ADHD and autism spectrum disorders. Parents report changes in their child’s behavior, improved speech and awareness, better sleep, and even more regulated digestion. These are often life-changing shifts that can restore peace and balance to the entire family.

Chiropractic care does not “cure” ADHD or autism, but by addressing dysautonomia and helping to regulate the autonomic nervous system, it provides the body with the support it needs to function as intended. If you’re curious about how chiropractic care can support your child’s unique needs, contact us at BETTER LIFE Family Chiropractic & Wellness to learn more. Sometimes, a simple adjustment is all it takes to set the stage for a better, more balanced life.