A diagnosis of Sensory Processing Disorder can be scary but what does it mean?
Many common conditions of a Sensory Processing Disorder such as ADD/ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and many Learning and Behavioral Issues are based from the sensory system.
What Is The Sensory System?
You’ve heard of the immune system, digestive system, circulatory system… there’s also a sensory system. It’s the system in our bodies that allows us to sense our world around us.
With the senses we can see, hear, touch, taste, smell, keep our balance, know where we are in the space around us, depth perception, volume control, textures, colors, scents…
All of these senses talk to the brain. This allows the brain to instruct and regulate the body perceptions, movements and functions.
What Does It Mean That My Child Has Sensory Processing Disorder?
“Sensory Processing Disorder” means that there is a miscommunication or an interruption in the communication between your child’s senses and their brain. Therefore, the brain isn’t able to instruct and regulate the body properly.
The result of this disruption can go both ways. Either there is too much sensory information flooding the brain…or not enough sensory information able to get to the brain.
Because childhood is vital in the growth and development of a person, it’s best to not “wait and see”. It’s best to not just “see if they grow out of it.”
It’s best to know. Now.
With a simple exam and painless neurological scan, you can know. In turn, that will allow you to identify the cause and treat them as soon as possible.
Therefore freeing their brain to be in control and able to grow, develop and regulate their body properly.
Is there a step before Occupational or Physical Therapy?
In most cases when these sensory challenges are finally realized, therapy is seen to be the first option. It’s important to know there is a step before therapy.
The step that zeroes in on addressing the root cause of the challenges and imbalances.
A healing, enlightening and correcting first step with Pediatric Chiropractic.
Common Signs and Indicators:
- C-section, vacuum, forceps, or increased difficulty, pulling, or twisting of the child’s head and neck during delivery.
- Colic, reflux, and gas pains in infancy.
- Torticollis and plagiocephaly.
- Constipation and digestive issues.
- Frequent ear and sinus infections.
- Speech delays.
- Abnormal motor development early in life (i.e. Skipped crawling).
- Poor balance and coordination, frequent falls and injuries.
What Is The Most Common Cause Of Sensory Processing Disorder?
Sensory Processing Disorder can be caused by a variety of different things.
The most common causes we encounter are:
- traumatic birth injuries to the upper neck and brainstem regions (ie. forceps, vacuum extraction, C-section),
- childhood falls, and
- improper development through excessive use of infant car carriers, walkers, and jumpers.
How Does Chiropractic Help Sensory Processing Disorder?
A chiropractic examination includes:
- A thorough case history looking at detailed aspects of the pregnancy and labor/delivery, early motor development, and more.
- Computerized testing of the NeuroSensory System that gives us a great look at how well the nervous system is functioning and how well it is organized and integrated.
- Physical examination to check for imbalances in posture, gait, coordination, etc.
If imbalances are found, then we will discuss with you how specific, gentle, neurologically-tuned chiropractic adjustments can help restore proper function to your child’s brain, nervous system and sensory system.
We specialize in helping kids and families of those with Sensory Processing Disorder. Click here to contact us today.
