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Topic Guide

Sensory Processing

Helping Children Navigate Their Sensory World.

Sensory Processing Disorder affects how the brain receives and responds to information from the senses. For children with SPD, everyday experiences can be overwhelming, confusing, or underwhelming. At Van Every Family Chiropractic Center, we specialize in supporting children with sensory differences through gentle, neurologically-focused care.

SPD is not about the senses themselves working incorrectly, it's about how the brain processes the information it receives. The brain must receive sensory input, filter what's important, integrate information from multiple senses, generate appropriate responses, and regulate arousal levels. This is fundamentally a nervous system function, which is why supporting nervous system health can be so helpful.

Understanding SPD

When the spine is misaligned, it creates interference in the nervous system's communication. Chiropractic care removes this interference, allowing the nervous system to process sensory information more effectively. Research shows spinal adjustments can influence brain wave patterns, autonomic nervous system balance, and sensory processing in the brain.

Common Signs of SPD in Children

Plain language context before you read the full guide.

Patterns To Notice

  • Sound Sensitivity: Distressed by everyday noises that don't bother others. May cover ears or become agitated in loud environments.
  • Touch Aversion or Seeking: Either dislikes being touched, hugged, or certain textures, or constantly touches people and objects seeking input.
  • Visual Sensitivity: Becomes distressed in bright lights or visually busy environments. May avoid eye contact or squint frequently.
  • Meltdowns from Overload: Intense emotional reactions triggered by sensory overwhelm that may look like behavioral problems but are actually neurological.
  • Constant Motion: Can't sit still, always moving, fidgeting, or seeking intense physical input like crashing and spinning.
  • Balance & Coordination Issues: Clumsy, uncoordinated, or has poor body awareness. May bump into things or seem unsure of their body in space.

How Chiropractic Helps with SPD

  • Nervous System Optimization: Sensory processing is fundamentally a nervous system function. Removing spinal interference allows the brain to receive, filter, and integrate sensory information more effectively.
  • Autonomic Balance: Many children with SPD are stuck in "fight or flight" mode. Our care helps restore balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, supporting calmer regulation.
  • Sensory-Sensitive Environment: We understand that healthcare settings can be challenging for children with SPD. We modify lighting, sounds, and other sensory aspects and never rush our care.
  • Ultra-Gentle Techniques: Our gentle, neurologically-focused approach is exceptionally light-touch, perfect for children who are touch-sensitive. We read your child's cues and respect their boundaries.

Our Approach to SPD

Our doctors specialize in caring for children with sensory and developmental differences, bringing deep understanding and patience to every visit.

1

Sensory-Sensitive Evaluation

We start with a detailed conversation about your child's sensory profile and challenges. The examination happens at your child's pace, we never rush. A gentle neurological evaluation helps us understand your child's nervous system. Building trust always comes first.

2

Gentle, Individualized Adjustments

Using Talsky Tonal Chiropractic and KST techniques, our doctors deliver extraordinarily gentle adjustments, often no more pressure than you'd use to test a ripe tomato, that are safe and comfortable even for newborns. We address areas of spinal interference affecting nervous system processing. We can adjust children in whatever position they are comfortable, and parents are always welcome to hold or comfort their child during care.

3

Coordinated Care & Progress Tracking

We work alongside occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech therapists, counselors, and other providers. Regular reassessments track improvements in sensory tolerance, emotional regulation, sleep, and overall function.

What Parents Often Notice

Every person is different. These are educational points to help you ask better questions.

  • Less sensory overwhelm in challenging environments.
  • Fewer meltdowns and better emotional regulation.
  • Falling asleep easier and sleeping more soundly.
  • Better attention and concentration.
  • Improved coordination and motor skills.
  • More comfort in group settings and social interactions.
  • Willingness to try new textures and foods.

Questions Parents And Adults Ask

How does chiropractic help with sensory processing?

Sensory processing is a nervous system function. The brain must receive, filter, integrate, and respond to sensory input. When the spine is misaligned, it creates interference in this communication system. Chiropractic care removes the interference, allowing the nervous system to process sensory information more effectively.

My child is very touch-sensitive. How do you handle that?

We completely understand and respect touch sensitivities. We never rush and always read your child's verbal and non-verbal cues. We can modify our approach, use lighter touch, let your child sit in your lap, or take breaks as needed. Many touch-sensitive children come to enjoy and look forward to their adjustments after the first few visits.

Does SPD occur with other conditions?

Yes. SPD frequently co-occurs with autism spectrum disorder (up to 90% have sensory differences), ADHD, anxiety disorders, learning disabilities, developmental delays, and auditory processing disorder. Our comprehensive approach addresses the whole child, whatever their diagnosis or combination of challenges.

Can chiropractic work alongside occupational therapy?

Absolutely. Chiropractic care works beautifully alongside occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, counseling, and sensory diet programs. We address the nervous system foundation while these therapies build specific skills. We are happy to coordinate with your child's other providers.

Free Resource

Read The Full Sensory Processing Guide

The guide gives you the deeper walkthrough, practical framing, and next-step questions for your family.