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Explore our blog that focuses on holistic care for any and all ages - pediatric well-being, pre/post-natal health, and adult vitality.

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What’s Really Causing Our Kids To Be So Sick?

Kick the Sick

Are you feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, and maybe even a little hopeless when it comes to your child’s chronic health issues? If you’ve tried everything from medications to natural remedies, changed diets, and even overhauled your lifestyle, but still haven’t seen the lasting improvements you’re hoping for, you’re not alone. As parents ourselves, we’ve seen countless families in your shoes, and are here to share some crucial information that could change everything for you and your child.

The Alarming Reality

Did you know that a staggering 40% of school-aged children today suffer from at least one ongoing health problem? From digestive issues and respiratory challenges to neurological conditions like ADHD and anxiety, our children are facing an unprecedented epidemic of poor health. It’s enough to make any parent feel helpless.

Beyond Toxins: The Real Culprit

When we talk about chronic health issues, many of us immediately think about the toxins and chemicals in our environment. And while that’s certainly a valid concern, there’s something even more fundamental at play – something that not enough people are talking about.

The major culprit? Chronic stress and its impact on your child’s nervous system.

Introducing Subluxation: The Hidden Disruptor

This is where we need to talk about something called subluxation. It’s a term you might not have heard before, but understanding it could be the key to transforming your child’s health.

Subluxation refers to a complex neurological dysfunction within the body, characterized by three main components:

  1. Misalignment in the neurospinal system
  2. Restricted motion and tension
  3. Neurological interference and imbalance

When subluxation occurs, it shifts the entire nervous system into “sympathetic dominance” – essentially, a state of constant stress or “fight or flight.” This imbalance, known as dysautonomia, can wreak havoc on your child’s overall health and well-being.

The Far-Reaching Impact of Subluxation

The effects of subluxation can manifest in various ways, often showing up first as:

  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Gut and digestive issues
  • Weakened immune system
  • Behavioral and emotional dysregulation
  • Motor challenges and developmental delays

If you’ve been puzzled by your child’s seemingly unrelated symptoms or their resistance to various treatments, subluxation could be the missing piece of the puzzle.

Subluxation: It’s Not Just About Kids

Something that might surprise you is that subluxation doesn’t just affect children. As adults, we’re susceptible to its effects, too. In fact, if you’re a parent struggling with your own health issues, subluxation might be the root cause you’ve been overlooking.

Adults with subluxation often experience:

  • Sleep disturbances
  • Digestive problems
  • Weakened immune function
  • Mental and emotional challenges
  • Chronic tension and headaches
  • Persistent exhaustion

Does this sound familiar? If you’ve tried every workout, yoga class, massage, supplement protocol, diet change, detox, and meditation app out there and still can’t seem to get healthy, it’s highly likely that subluxation and an imbalanced nervous system are at the core of your health challenges, too.

The Perfect Storm: Birth Trauma and Beyond

Now, let’s talk about where subluxation often begins – at birth. One of the most overlooked triggers of subluxation and nervous system dysregulation in children is birth intervention and trauma. This includes:

  • Forceps delivery
  • Vacuum extraction
  • Induced labor
  • Epidurals
  • C-sections

These interventions, while often life-saving, can put immense pressure on the delicate nerves and tissues in the brainstem and upper neck area, especially affecting the vagus nerve. This crucial nerve plays a vital role in regulating sleep, digestion, immune function, and behavioral or sensory regulation.

But birth trauma is just one piece of what we call “The Perfect Storm.” Other factors that can contribute to subluxation in children include:

  • High levels of stress and anxiety during the fertility and pregnancy journey
  • Overuse of antibiotics early in life
  • Exposure to numerous chemicals and toxins in infancy and early childhood

Understanding these factors can help us take a more comprehensive approach to your child’s health.

Taking Charge: Your Next Steps

Now that you’re armed with this knowledge, you might be wondering, “What can I do about it?” Here’s where you can take charge and make a real difference in your child’s health:

  1. Recognize the signs: Pay attention to sleep issues, digestive problems, frequent illnesses, and behavioral challenges. These could be indicators of subluxation.
  2. Consider the whole picture: Remember that your child’s health is interconnected. What seems like separate issues might have a common root cause.
  3. Explore Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care: This specialized approach can help address subluxation and restore balance to your child’s nervous system.
  4. Get a proper assessment: Look for a practitioner who offers Neurological INSiGHT Scans. These scans can reveal subluxation and nervous system imbalances that other tests might miss.
  5. Don’t give up: If you’ve tried everything else, this could be the breakthrough you’ve been searching for.

The Power of Neurological INSiGHT Scans

One of the most frustrating aspects of dealing with chronic health issues is the feeling that you’re shooting in the dark. That’s where Neurological INSiGHT Scans come in. These advanced scans are essentially a “stress test” for you or your child’s nervous system.

Here’s why they’re so crucial:

  • They take just 15-20 minutes to complete
  • They can detect subluxation and neurological imbalances that don’t show up on traditional medical tests
  • They can uncover the root cause of a wide range of symptoms, from sleep challenges and sensory issues to chronic gut problems and weakened immune responses

Most importantly, when all other medical testing and specialist visits fail to find the root cause, it’s almost a guarantee that subluxation and nervous system dysregulation are at play. In these cases, Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care could be the solution you’ve been desperately searching for.

You are not alone in this journey. The path to better health for your child (and yourself) might have been challenging, but there is hope. By understanding the role of subluxation and taking steps to address it, you’re opening up new possibilities for your family’s health and well-being.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Are you ready to find the root cause of your family’s health challenges? It’s time to find out if you or your child are affected by subluxation. Please don’t wait to schedule a consultation and Neurological INSiGHT Scan at RCW.

Don’t let another day go by wondering why your child is struggling or why you can’t seem to get healthy. Let’s work together to help your child – and you – thrive!

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How To Know For Sure That Your Baby Is On Track With Milestones

Pediatric Chiropractic

As a parent, watching your baby grow and develop is one of life’s most rewarding experiences. However, with the abundance of information available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. You might find yourself constantly wondering: Is my baby hitting milestones on time? Are they developing in the right sequence?

If you’ve ever felt this way, you’re not alone. In this blog, we’ll explore why the sequence of developmental milestones matters more than timing and how you can empower yourself to take charge of your child’s health.

The Importance of Developmental Sequence

While every child develops at their own pace, the order in which your baby reaches milestones is crucial for their overall development. Here’s why:

  1. Proper nervous system development: The sequence of milestones ensures that your baby’s nervous system and neuromuscular development progress correctly.
  2. Brain communication: For example, crawling before walking is essential because the cross-crawl pattern helps both sides of the brain start communicating with each other.
  3. Foundation for future skills: Each milestone builds upon the previous one, creating a strong foundation for future development.

Key Milestones to Watch For

Developmental or baby milestones are typically divided into age ranges:

  • 0-12 weeks
  • 3-6 months
  • 6-9 months
  • 9-12 months
  • 12-18 months
  • 18-24 months

To see a detailed list of milestones to watch for within these specific age ranges, check out this site. But remember, while these age ranges provide a general guideline, the sequence of achieving these milestones is more important than the exact timing.

When to Trust Your Gut

As a parent, you have a natural understanding of your child. If you feel that something isn’t quite right with your baby’s development, it’s important to trust your mom or dad gut. Here are some signs that it might be time to seek additional support:

  • Delays in reaching milestones
  • Skipping or reaching milestones out of sequence
  • Unusual behavior
  • Struggles with eating, sleeping, or pooping

Taking Charge of Your Child’s Health

As a parent, you are your child’s best advocate. Here are some steps you can take to ensure your baby’s optimal development:

  1. Stay informed: Educate yourself about developmental milestones and their importance.
  2. Observe closely: Pay attention to your baby’s progress and note any concerns.
  3. Trust your instincts: If something feels off, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice.
  4. Consider specialized assessments: Neurological INSiGHT Scans, including NeuroThermal and Heart Rate Variability (HRV) scans, can help pinpoint areas where stress and tension may be impacting your baby’s development.
  5. Seek personalized care: Look for healthcare providers who offer customized care plans tailored to your baby’s specific developmental needs.

The Role of the Nervous System

At the core of your baby’s development is their nervous system. When the basics like eating, sleeping, and pooping are on track, other milestones tend to follow naturally. That’s why it’s crucial to focus on your baby’s overall nervous system health.

Empowering You to Take Action

Remember, you know your baby best. If you’ve ever felt that something isn’t quite right with your baby’s development, it’s important to trust your gut and seek the answers and help you’ve been searching for.

Consider scheduling a Neurological INSiGHT Scan at RCW for your baby. Based on the results of these scans, our team then creates a customized care plan tailored to each baby’s exact developmental needs, ensuring a personalized approach instead of a “one-size-fits-all” solution.

By staying informed, trusting your instincts, and seeking specialized care when needed, you’re taking an active role in ensuring your baby’s healthy development. Remember, you are your child’s best advocate, and with the right support, you can help your baby thrive at every stage of their growth.

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Why All Chiropractic Care Isn’t Created Equal for Kids

New Patients

As a parent, you want the best for your child’s health. In today’s world of abundant healthcare options, it can be challenging to navigate the best path for your little one. You may have heard about chiropractic care, but did you know there are different types, each with its own focus and approach? Understanding these differences could be the key to unlocking your child’s full health potential.

Imagine a healthcare approach that doesn’t just treat symptoms but addresses the root cause of your child’s health challenges. A method that focuses on the nervous system – the master control center of the body. 

Let’s explore the world of chiropractic care and discover why Neurologically-Focused Pediatric Chiropractic Care might be the game-changer you’ve been searching for.

The Evolution of Natural Health Care

Over the past 16 years, we’ve seen a remarkable shift in healthcare approaches. What was once considered “alternative” or “natural” health is now mainstream. Gluten-free diets, dairy-free options, paleo eating, and supplement regimens have become common practices for many families seeking optimal health.

This explosion of holistic and natural health options is fantastic news! However, it can also lead to confusion and overwhelm. With so many choices available, how do you know which approach is best for your child?

Breaking Down the Types of Chiropractic Care

Let’s simplify things by exploring the three main types of chiropractic care:

  1. Standard Spinal Chiropractic Care: This traditional approach focuses primarily on musculoskeletal issues like back pain, neck pain, and spinal problems. It uses spinal adjustments to relieve pain and improve mobility, often incorporating therapies like massage and posture correction. While great for addressing specific pain issues, it may not fully address underlying neurological imbalances.
  2. Functional Neurology: This approach emphasizes brain-based therapies and neurological pathways. It uses a range of therapies, including sensory stimulation and cognitive exercises, with a focus on primitive reflex integration. While effective, it can sometimes involve a complex, multifaceted approach that might be overwhelming for some patients.
  3. Neurologically-Focused Pediatric Chiropractic Care: This specialized approach targets the root cause of many health issues: subluxation, nervous system dysregulation, and dysautonomia. It uses specialized neuro-tonal adjustments to restore balance to the nervous system and employs advanced INSiGHT Scans to assess nervous system health. What sets this approach apart is its emphasis on achieving neurological stability before introducing other therapies.

Why Neurologically-Focused Care Matters

When we look at the research behind the increasing prevalence of chronic health issues in children, we see that it’s often the Central and Autonomic Nervous Systems that get thrown off track first. Once subluxation, sympathetic dominance, and nervous system dysregulation set in, they can contribute to a cascade of health challenges.

These neurological imbalances can lead to:

  • Decreased gut, immune system, and microbiome function
  • Delayed or missed gross and fine motor milestones
  • Sensory processing disorders
  • Retained primitive reflexes

One of the key principles in Neurologically-Focused Pediatric Chiropractic Care is the importance of addressing health issues in the right order. Just as optimal neurological and overall health development follows a specific sequence, healing, and restoration must follow that same order.

While it might seem intuitive to tackle multiple issues simultaneously, especially in challenging cases, our clinical experience shows that a “less is more” approach is often more effective. By focusing on establishing neurological stability first, we create a strong foundation for overall health and healing.

Finding Your Path Forward

If you feel like you’ve tried everything and aren’t seeing the results you hoped for, consider these steps:

  1. Evaluate whether you have a trusted Neurologically-Focused Pediatric Chiropractor on your healthcare team.
  2. Reflect on whether your current approach feels overwhelming or potentially counterproductive.
  3. Consider hitting the “reset” button and taking a fresh look at your child’s health plan, possibly adopting a more focused, sequential approach.

Understanding the different types of chiropractic care is crucial in finding the right approach for your child’s health. While each type has its merits, Neurologically-Focused Pediatric Chiropractic Care offers a unique, comprehensive approach that addresses the root cause of many chronic health issues.

If you’ve been struggling to find answers for your child’s health challenges, or if you’re interested in a natural, drug-free approach to optimizing your child’s health, Neurologically-Focused Pediatric Chiropractic Care could be the answer you’ve been searching for.  Please don’t wait to reach out to RCW today to schedule a consultation with one of our PX Docs!

Don’t let another day go by wondering if there’s a better way to support your child’s health. Explore the potential of Neurologically-Focused Pediatric Chiropractic Care and take the first step towards unlocking your child’s full health potential.

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“Side Effects” of Chiropractic Care

Pediatric Chiropractic

As a parent, you’re constantly bombarded with health advice for your children. From the latest miracle supplements to the newest medical treatments, it can feel overwhelming trying to navigate the best path for your family’s well-being. But what if there was a natural, drug-free approach that could help your child thrive in ways you never imagined? That’s where Neurologically-Focused Pediatric Chiropractic Care comes in, and the “side effects” might just surprise you – in the best way possible!

The Current State of Children’s Health

Before we dive into the benefits of chiropractic care, let’s take a moment to consider the current state of children’s health. Did you know that approximately 40% of children today struggle with chronic health conditions? From allergies and asthma to ADHD and anxiety, our kids are facing health challenges at unprecedented rates.

As parents, we often find ourselves caught in a cycle of treating symptoms without addressing the root causes. We bounce from specialist to specialist, trying medication after medication, often feeling like we’re not making real progress. It’s exhausting, frustrating, and, let’s face it – it’s not the future we envisioned for our children.

But what if there was another way?

Enter Neurologically-Focused Pediatric Chiropractic Care

Now, I know what you might be thinking. “Chiropractic care for kids? Isn’t that just for adults with back pain?” Not at all! Pediatric chiropractic care is a specialized field that focuses on optimizing your child’s nervous system function, which in turn supports overall health and development.

Here’s the key: your child’s nervous system acts as the body’s “air traffic controller.” When it’s not functioning optimally, it can lead to a whole host of issues that might seem unrelated at first glance. By addressing nervous system dysfunction, we can help your child’s body heal and regulate itself naturally.

The Positive “Side Effects” Parents Can’t Stop Raving About

Now, let’s get to the good stuff – the amazing benefits parents are seeing in their children after starting chiropractic care. Remember, these aren’t side effects in the traditional, negative sense. These are positive changes that can transform your child’s life:

  • Improved Sleep: Is bedtime a battle in your house? Many parents report that their children sleep better and longer after starting chiropractic care. Imagine your little one finally getting the rest they need, waking up refreshed and ready to take on the day! Better sleep can lead to improved mood, better focus at school, and even a stronger immune system.
  • Better Digestive Health: Tummy troubles are all too common in kids, but they don’t have to be a fact of life. Improvements in issues like colic, reflux, and constipation are common among our young patients. A properly functioning nervous system supports optimal digestion, which means fewer complaints about stomach aches.
  • Stronger Immune System: Tired of your child catching every bug that goes around? You’re not alone. The good news is that families often report fewer illnesses and quicker recovery times after starting chiropractic care. A balanced nervous system supports a strong immune response, helping your child’s body fight off germs more effectively.
  • Better Posture and Physical Development: In our digital age, poor posture is becoming increasingly common, even in young children. Chiropractic care supports healthy physical development, setting the stage for a lifetime of good posture. 
  • Enhanced Emotional Regulation: Parenting isn’t for the faint of heart, especially when dealing with emotional outbursts and mood swings. Many parents notice their children showing better emotional stability after receiving chiropractic care. 
  • Improved Cognitive Function and Focus: In today’s fast-paced world, the ability to focus is more important than ever. Many children show enhanced brain function and better concentration after receiving chiropractic care. This can translate to improved performance in school, better problem-solving skills, and increased creativity.
  • Overall Health Improvement: Perhaps the most heartwarming change is seeing your child simply happier, more comfortable, and generally healthier. Parents often report that their children seem more at ease in their own bodies, more energetic, and more resilient overall.

How Does Neurologically-Focused Pediatric Chiropractic Care Work?

You might be wondering how exactly chiropractic care can have such wide-ranging effects. It all comes down to the nervous system – the master control system of the body.

When a child experiences physical, chemical, or emotional stress (which can start as early as the birthing process), it can create tension and misalignments in the spine. These misalignments, called subluxation, can interfere with the proper function of the nervous system.

Pediatric chiropractors use gentle, specific adjustments to correct subluxation, allowing the nervous system to function optimally. When the nervous system is working well, every other system in the body benefits – from the immune system to the digestive system and beyond.

Is Chiropractic Care Safe for Children?

This is often the first question parents ask, and it’s a great one. The safety of our children is always our top priority. The good news is that numerous studies have shown pediatric chiropractic care to be remarkably safe. In fact, it’s often considered safer than many common over-the-counter medications we give our children without a second thought.

We have undergone extensive training to work with children of all ages, from newborns to teenagers. We use very gentle techniques appropriate for a child’s size and stage of development. Many parents are surprised at how gentle and noninvasive the adjustments are.

A Natural, Drug-Free Approach to Health

One of the biggest advantages of chiropractic care is that it’s a completely natural, drug-free approach to health. In a world where medication, which often comes with nasty side effects, seems like the first line of defense, chiropractic offers an alternative that supports the body’s innate ability to heal and regulate itself.

If you’re intrigued by the potential benefits of pediatric chiropractic care, you might be wondering how to get started. The first step is to make an appointment for a consultation with us here at RCW. 

As parents, we all want to give our children the best possible start in life. Neurologically-Focused Pediatric Chiropractic Care offers a natural, holistic approach to health that can support your child’s development in ways you might never have imagined.

From better sleep and improved immunity to enhanced focus and emotional balance, the positive “side effects” of chiropractic care can touch every aspect of your child’s life. It’s not about treating symptoms – it’s about optimizing your child’s nervous system so their body can function at its best.

Your child deserves to thrive, not just survive. Why wait another day? The journey to better health starts now!

Here’s to happy, healthy kids and less stressed parents!

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Why Too Many Treatments Can Hinder Your Child’s Healing

Pediatric Chiropractic

Parents, we see you. We understand the journey you’ve been on, trying to help your child overcome chronic health issues. It’s a path filled with hope, disappointment, determination, and, often, sheer frustration. You’ve consulted countless doctors, explored various therapies, changed diets, and tried natural remedies. Perhaps you’ve even traveled across the country or internationally, seeking that one specialist or treatment that might make all the difference.

The emotional and financial toll is immense. You’ve likely spent thousands on insurance deductibles, copays, vitamins, supplements, and therapies. Sleepless nights have become the norm as you research the next potential solution. It’s more than exhausting – it’s all-consuming.

But what if we told you that the answer isn’t about trying MORE, but about doing things in the right order? We want to dive into why your child might not be healing despite your best efforts and reveal a “hidden in plain sight” missing link in most treatment approaches.

The Alarming Reality of Childhood Chronic Illness

First, let’s look at some sobering statistics that highlight the magnitude of the problem we’re facing:

  • Chronic illness affects approximately 27% of children in the United States – that’s more than 1 in 4 kids.
  • 1 in 6 children have sensory issues.
  • Autism rates have skyrocketed to 1 in 36 children.
  • ADHD affects about 9.4% of children.
  • Childhood anxiety disorders impact 7.1% of children aged 3-17.

These numbers are staggering, and they’re only increasing. It’s clear that something is missing in our approach to children’s health. The traditional medical model often falls short when it comes to addressing chronic conditions in children. It tends to focus on managing symptoms rather than addressing root causes.

The Missing Piece: Understanding the Nervous System

Here’s what many parents and even some health professionals overlook: everything starts with the nervous system. Your child’s nervous system develops first in-utero and controls every other bodily function. It’s the master control center for sleep, digestion, immune function, and even behavior.

Many children experience what we call the “Perfect Storm” – a series of stressors early in life that can derail their neurodevelopment:

  1. Stress during pregnancy: This could be physical stress, emotional stress, or exposure to toxins.
  2. Birth interventions or trauma: Things like forceps, vacuum extraction, induction, or C-section can put stress on a baby’s nervous system.
  3. Early exposure to antibiotics and other toxins: Whether through medical procedures, food, or environmental factors, these can disrupt the developing nervous system and microbiome.

When the nervous system is thrown off track and becomes dysregulated, it can lead to a cascade of health issues. This is why children with one condition often struggle with multiple symptoms across different body systems.

The Domino Effect of Nervous System Dysregulation

Think of your child’s nervous system like the conductor of an orchestra. When the conductor is off-beat, the entire performance suffers. Similarly, when the nervous system is dysregulated, it can affect:

  • Sleep patterns: Leading to difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting restful sleep.
  • Digestion: Causing issues like constipation, diarrhea, or food sensitivities.
  • Immune function: Resulting in frequent illnesses or autoimmune issues.
  • Behavior and mood: Leading to anxiety, irritability, or difficulty with emotional regulation.
  • Sensory processing: Causing over- or under-sensitivity to stimuli.
  • Motor skills: Affecting coordination and fine motor development.

You’ve likely explored many avenues of healing – and that’s commendable. Focusing on gut health, microbiome, inflammation, and immune system is important. But there’s one layer deeper we need to address: Nervous System Dysregulation.

When the nervous system is out of balance, it affects everything else. It can disrupt gut function, immune response, and even motor coordination. By addressing nervous system dysregulation first, we create a foundation for all other healing to occur more effectively.

Think of it like building a house. No matter how beautiful the walls, roof, and interior design are, if the foundation is shaky, the entire structure is at risk. Your child’s nervous system is that foundation.

A New Approach: Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care

For many families struggling with chronic illness, the real missing link could be addressing nervous system dysregulation with Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care. 

This approach can lead to improvements across multiple areas of health simultaneously. Parents often report:

  • Better sleep
  • Improved digestion
  • Stronger immune response
  • Easier transitions
  • Better mood and behavior regulation
  • Sensory processing improvements

If you’re feeling stuck and frustrated with your child’s healing journey, it might be time to explore this approach. The best part? At RCW, we use cutting-edge technology called INSiGHT Scans that can help find and pinpoint nervous system dysregulation with incredible accuracy.

We can actually quantify and locate areas of dysregulation within your child’s nervous system, then sit down at what we call our “Report of Findings” visit and show you exactly what’s been holding your child back from optimal healing!

There’s hope, and there are answers. Sometimes, they’re just hiding in plain sight. Don’t let another day go by watching your child struggle. Consider exploring Neurologically-Focused Pediatric Chiropractic Care – it could be the missing piece in your child’s health puzzle.

Take that first step. Give us a call to learn more about how we can assess your child’s nervous system function and create a personalized care plan. Your child deserves to thrive, not just survive. Let’s work together to unlock their full healing potential. 

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5 Steps to Smoother Back-to-School Transitions for Kid with ADHD + SPD

Pediatric Chiropractic

As summer winds down and the back-to-school season looms on the horizon, we understand the unique mixture of hope and apprehension you might be feeling, especially if your child has ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), or anxiety. You know better than anyone that your child is creative, caring, and full of potential. But you also know that the structured environment, social pressures, and academic challenges of school can bring stress to your entire family.

If you’re lying awake at night worried about your child’s sleep difficulties, their struggles with transitions, their ability to stay focused in class, or their challenges in regulating emotions and behavior, please know that you’re not alone. More importantly, we want you to know that there’s hope, and you have more power than you might realize to set your child up for success this school year – without relying on medication.

The Changing Landscape of ADHD and SPD

Before we dive into our strategies, it’s important to acknowledge a concerning trend. The rates of ADHD, SPD, and anxiety in children have skyrocketed in recent years. While conventional medicine often points to genetics and neurotransmitter imbalances as the culprits, we believe it’s crucial to look at the bigger picture. Our children are growing up in a world that’s more fast-paced, more stimulating, and often more stressful than ever before. At the same time, opportunities for physical activity, unstructured play, and connection with nature have decreased.

This is why we’re passionate about offering a holistic, root-cause approach to supporting children with ADHD and SPD. We believe that by addressing underlying nervous system imbalances and making strategic lifestyle changes, we can help your child thrive – not just survive – in school and beyond.

Now, let’s explore five game-changing strategies that can help transform your child’s school experience!

1. Gradually Reset Sleep Schedules

Quality sleep is absolutely crucial for managing ADHD and SPD symptoms. During sleep, the brain consolidates learning, processes emotions, and recharges for the next day. Unfortunately, many children with ADHD and SPD struggle with sleep issues, creating a vicious cycle of fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.

Here’s how to get back on track:

  • Start adjusting bedtimes and wake times earlier by 15 minutes every few days. This gradual approach is less jarring than a sudden change.
  • Establish a calming bedtime routine. 
  • Minimize screen time at least an hour before bed..
  • Create a sleep-friendly environment. 

2. Create an Organized Home Environment

Children with ADHD and SPD often struggle with organization and executive function skills. By creating structure and predictability at home, you can reduce anxiety and help your child feel more in control. Here’s how:

  • Set up a central command center. This could be a large wall calendar or whiteboard where you track everyone’s schedules, upcoming assignments, and important events.
  • Designate specific spaces for school items. This reduces morning stress and teaches valuable organizational skills.
  • Implement color-coded systems.
  • Create checklists for routines. Break down morning and evening routines into simple steps. 

3. Set Up a Distraction-Free Study Space

Many children with ADHD and SPD are highly sensitive to their environment. Creating a dedicated, distraction-free space for homework and studying can make a world of difference. Here’s how to set it up:

  • Choose a quiet area away from high-traffic parts of the house.
  • Ensure the space is well-lit, either with natural light or a good desk lamp.
  • Stock the area with all necessary supplies. This reduces the need for your child to get up and potentially get distracted.
  • If silence is too distracting, try white noise or instrumental music to help with focus.

4. Prioritize Morning Exercise and Physical Activity

The benefits of exercise for children with ADHD and SPD cannot be overstated. Physical activity improves cognitive function, boosts mood, and can help manage anxiety. Dr. John J. Ratey’s groundbreaking book “Spark” presents compelling research on how exercise can be as effective as medication for some children with ADHD.

Here are some ways to incorporate more movement into your child’s routine:

  • Start the day with exercise. This improves cognitive function and emotional balance.
  • Look for opportunities for movement throughout the day. This might include using a stability ball instead of a chair for homework, or taking “brain breaks” to do jumping jacks or stretches.

Remember, the goal is to make movement fun and natural, not a chore.

5. Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care

This might be new territory for you, but for many families, it’s a game-changer. To understand why, let’s briefly explore what’s happening in the nervous system of a child with ADHD or SPD.

These conditions are often characterized by an overactive sympathetic “fight or flight” response. This leaves children constantly on edge, making it difficult to focus, transition between activities, or regulate emotions. At the same time, their parasympathetic “rest and digest” system, which is crucial for focus and emotional balance, remains underactive.

Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care aims to address these imbalances. Through gentle, specific adjustments, we work to release tension in the sympathetic nervous system while activating the calming parasympathetic system, including the vital vagus nerve.

This approach can lead to a range of benefits:

  • Improved focus and memory
  • More balanced energy and emotions
  • Enhanced sleep quality
  • Stronger immune function
  • Better digestion and appetite regulation
  • Fewer behavioral challenges
  • Increased confidence and social skills

At RCW, we use advanced diagnostic tools called INSiGHT Scans to create personalized care plans for each child. These scans allow us to pinpoint areas of nervous system stress and track improvements over time.

Empowering Your Child for the School Year Ahead

By implementing these strategies and addressing the root causes of your child’s symptoms, you can set them up for a successful school year. Your child’s brilliant mind deserves every opportunity to shine – in the classroom and beyond.

Remember, every child is different, and what works for one might not work for another. Be patient with yourself and your child as you implement these strategies. The journey might have its challenges, but with the right support and approach, your child can thrive. We’re here to help you every step of the way. If you are not local to us, check out the directory to find a PX Docs office near you. 

Here’s to a fantastic school year ahead – one where your child’s unique gifts are recognized, nurtured, and celebrated.