Battle of the Senses: When Your Child Can’t Process
By Dr. Molly Casey
If you’re a parent of young children or you teach young children, it’s nearly certain that you have heard the term “sensory processing disorders.” What are they, and what can you do to help your young one at a core level and really make an impact starting with the most conservative measures? If you’re dealing with these disorders because of a young one in your life, or these questions have run through your mind, keep reading -- we want to help you and your little one!
Sensory Processing Disorders
Sensory processing disorders, or SPDs, (also called neurosensory dysfunction or sensory integration dysfunction) characterize a group of disorders in which the body has trouble receiving and responding to information that come in through the senses. While present in both children and adults, they are most predominantly seen in children. Frequently these dysfunctions are associated with kids on the autism spectrum.
Those affected by SPDs are often over-sensitized to stimuli in their environment. Commonplace noises, the feeling of clothing against the skin, or temperature in a room -- while not bothersome to people without SPDs -- are very irritating and intrusive to those with SPDs. It frequently makes moving through daily life uncomfortable and overwhelming. The afflicted can struggle with coordination, determining where their limbs are in space, have difficulty staying in and tracking conversation, and have skin/clothing or touch issues.
Chiropractic and SPDs
Chiropractic adjustments promote proper and optimal communication throughout the body’s nervous system. When the spinal joints are restricted or not moving through their full range of motion, there is increased stress on the nervous system. Increased stress means decreased function at some level, detectable or not. Increased stress decreases the body’s ability to adapt most efficiently and function optimally. This ability to adapt with ease is important for anyone, even more so for someone dealing with SPD.
Chiropractic adjustments restore joint motion and spinal alignment promoting proper nervous system communication and, as a result, a greater ease in adaptability. In my decade of experience, those who have SPDs who are under regular chiropractic care notice a decrease in symptoms they’ve struggled with while, at the same time, an increase in their body’s ability to adapt to and withstand environmental stressors.
If you or someone you know is suffering with SPDs, know that they may find relief and greater health through regular chiropractic care. The doctors at The Joint Chiropractic focus on regular chiropractic care to increase the quality of one’s life. They’re ready to help you, or those you love, create a healthier nervous system and enjoy all the benefits that come with it.
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