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Are you feeling frustrated or even disheartened because your child seemed to be making incredible progress with their neurological challenges, and then suddenly… everything stalled? Maybe you’ve even noticed some regression even. Behaviors returning that you thought were gone forever, sleep disruptions creeping back in, or emotional regulation challenges resurfacing.
If you’re wondering if the care plan is failing or if something’s wrong, we want you to take a deep breath and hear this: plateaus and even regressions are often a normal and necessary part of the healing process.
The neurological healing journey is rarely a straight line. In fact, it’s more like a rollercoaster with its fair share of ups, downs, and unexpected twists. But here’s the thing parents often miss – those plateaus aren’t signs of failure. They’re actually evidence that your child’s nervous system is working through deeper layers of dysfunction and adapting to a new level of organization.
As neurologically-focused chiropractors, we see this pattern daily in our practice. Nearly every parent who brings their child for care will experience what research refers to as “non-linear healing progress.” Research on neuroplasticity shows that the brain has the ability to reorganize itself, forming new connections and, in some instances, even generating new neurons.
Children typically experience periods of rapid advancement followed by consolidation phases where skills are integrated. The same pattern applies to neurological healing, where the “two steps forward, one step back” progression isn’t a failure. It’s actually the brain’s natural way of reorganizing and creating lasting change.
Let’s walk you through the most common reasons why your child might be experiencing a plateau, so you can understand what’s happening and feel confident moving forward.
When your child is growing rapidly or mastering new developmental skills, their body’s energy and resources may be directed toward physical growth and neural integration. During growth spurts, your child’s body is working intensely to lay down new bone, muscle, and neural tissue. Requiring tremendous energy that may temporarily be diverted from other healing processes.
This can show up as:
Remember that these growth-related pauses are ultimately signs of progress, not setbacks. Each time your child’s nervous system successfully integrates a new skill, it becomes more resilient overall.
Here’s something that might surprise you: fevers and illnesses aren’t simply obstacles to progress – they’re sophisticated neurological responses that can actually accelerate healing in the long run.
When a child has a fever, their immune system triggers the hypothalamus’s thermoregulatory center, leading to an increase in body temperature. This activates immune cells and creates an environment that’s inhospitable to pathogens. During this process, the nervous system diverts resources to orchestrate the immune response, which can temporarily manifest as lethargy, irritability, or a seeming disconnection.
But here’s the fascinating part: the fever process stimulates the release of neurotrophic factors. Special proteins that support neuronal growth and plasticity – potentially accelerating neurological development after recovery. This is why we often see major breakthroughs following an illness, though there may be a brief regression immediately after.
Children with pre-existing neurological challenges often have nervous systems that are already dysregulated, making them more sensitive to environmental toxins. From pesticides and heavy metals in food to flame retardants in furniture and VOCs in cleaning products, these accumulated toxins can disrupt normal neurological function.
Mold exposure, whether from hidden leaks or poor ventilation, releases mycotoxins that can lead to cognitive impairments and neurological symptoms. These environmental stressors can contribute to temporary plateaus in progress as the body works to process and eliminate these substances.
Major transitions like starting a new school year or subtle shifts in family dynamics can trigger the sympathetic “fight or flight” response in children with neurological challenges. This stress response releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can quickly become overwhelming for children with pre-existing nervous system dysregulation.
Over time, this chronic state of stress can contribute to developing subluxation – areas of dysfunction within the nervous system that further perpetuate the cycle of dysregulation. This is why we often see regressions during periods of change or high emotion. The nervous system is allocating resources to manage the perceived stress rather than continuing to make developmental progress.
Many medications are designed to suppress or override the symptoms rather than resolve the root cause of neurological dysfunction. They act like a “mute button” for symptoms the body is still struggling with underneath. When we begin true healing by restoring brain-body communication and balancing the nervous system, it’s like the body begins to “wake up” again, sometimes temporarily resurfacing underlying patterns.
The nervous system has a limited capacity, which is why we recommend prioritizing nervous system regulation first and then gradually layering in additional therapies.
At RCW, we understand that, most of the time, plateaus are simply one or more of these outside stressors putting a bit of a headwind in play. Once that stressor passes and your child builds up additional resilience and adaptability, they’ll blow right past it and be right back on the path to progress and breakthrough once again.
The key is understanding that healing is non-linear. It’s a lot of “two steps forward, one step back” at first! Growth spurts, immune stress, environmental toxins, emotional changes… all of these can cause temporary plateaus or even regression as your child’s nervous system works hard behind the scenes to integrate and level up.
That 3-week sleep regression, the return of meltdowns, the clinginess that came out of nowhere – it’s not a sign that care isn’t working. It’s actually one of the clearest signs that your child’s nervous system is unwinding and releasing! Just like cleaning out your closet or pantry, it gets a little messier before we can reorganize it all into pretty containers.
You’re doing better than you think, and their nervous system is too. Trust the process, stay consistent with your care plan, and remember that these apparent setbacks are often evidence of your child’s nervous system working through deeper layers and preparing for the next breakthrough.
If you are ready to take the next step in your child’s neurological healing journey, or if you’re experiencing these plateaus and want some guidance, please reach out to RCW today!
Have you ever noticed how your baby seems perfectly content in your arms, but the moment someone else holds them, the waterworks begin? Or how does your little one somehow sense when you’re stressed and respond in kind? Or why healthcare providers prioritize skin-to-skin contact right after birth?
It’s not a coincidence—it’s co-regulation. And it might just be the most powerful tool in your parenting toolkit.
We want to share with you the absolute best hack when it comes to soothing a colicky baby, bringing down a fever naturally, and even boosting your milk supply. Would you believe it’s all the same approach?
Let us let you in on a little secret: your nervous system controls everything, and your baby’s nervous system is deliberately underdeveloped at birth. This isn’t a design flaw—it’s by design! Babies need their parents to help regulate, calm, and nurture them.
Your calm presence isn’t just emotionally comforting—it actually provides the neurological pattern your baby’s developing brain needs to learn regulation. When you hold your baby close, their heart rate, breathing patterns, and stress hormone levels literally synchronize with yours. It’s a beautiful biological dance that sets the foundation for lifelong health and emotional well-being.
The first three years of life represent a critical period for brain development, with more than 1 million new neural connections formed every second. Studies clearly show that babies receiving regular skin-to-skin contact have better temperature regulation, improved breastfeeding success, and significantly less crying.
This is all called co-regulation, and it truly is the best “hack” when it comes to anything baby-related!
Think of your nervous system like a car:
Your baby is remarkably aware of your nervous system state. They’re not reading your words or even your intentions—they’re picking up on subtle cues through your facial expressions, voice tone, heart rate, breathing pattern, and the quality of your touch.
When you’re stressed, your baby often becomes stressed too. When you’re calm, your baby can borrow your calmness until they develop their own regulation skills.
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, co-regulation doesn’t seem to work. Your baby remains fussy despite your cuddles, or you find yourself struggling to maintain the calm your baby needs.
This isn’t your fault! Several factors can create a “perfect storm” that affects co-regulation:
This physical tension can cause subluxation—areas of neurological dysfunction that interfere with proper nerve communication. Particularly affecting the vagus nerve and autonomic balance.
Without addressing these root neurological issues, babies don’t simply “grow out” of regulation challenges. They often “grow into” other health challenges like sensory issues, digestive problems, and emotional regulation difficulties.
When co-regulation isn’t happening naturally, Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care can help restore balance to both your nervous systems:
The journey of motherhood is absolutely amazing and such a blessing… but that doesn’t mean it isn’t hard sometimes! You’re not meant to do this alone, and seeking support isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of wisdom.
Co-regulation isn’t just a parenting technique; it’s a biological necessity for your baby’s developing nervous system. By understanding and nurturing this connection, you’re giving your child the neurological foundation for lifelong health and emotional well-being.
At RCW, we understand that your ability to co-regulate improves when your whole family’s nervous systems are functioning optimally. When everyone is regulated, the ripple effect creates a harmonious environment where your baby can thrive.
If you’re ready to take the first step and schedule a consultation, please don’t wait and reach out to us today!
You already have everything you need to be the calming force in your baby’s life. Trust your instincts, honor the power of your connection, and remember that in those moments when your baby finds peace in your arms, you’re not just soothing them—you’re literally shaping their developing brain in the most beautiful way possible.
Now that’s a superpower worth celebrating!
Let us guess… your child doesn’t just have one speed.
One moment, they’re bouncing off the walls — shouting, spinning, climbing on furniture, and melting down when something doesn’t go their way.
The next moment? They’re completely zoned out and disconnected. Blank stare. Can’t follow instructions. It’s like they’re in the room… but not really there.
You’ve tried the parenting books, the behavior and reward charts, maybe even medications — and still, you’re left asking – Why is my child like this?
And more importantly… How do I actually help them?
Here’s the truth that most traditional approaches miss: what we label as ADHD or ADD is often just the tip of the iceberg. Underneath those labels are two very different nervous system patterns – what we call “stuck on the gas pedal” and “stuck on the brake pedal.”
Understanding these patterns helps us make sense of not just the symptoms and everyday challenges, but most importantly, the nervous system dysregulation that’s actually causing them.
This child is stuck in “on” mode – flooded with energy, impulsivity, and big emotions that can’t be controlled. They’re constantly moving, talking, fidgeting, and struggling to slow down. Traditional approaches often focus solely on “managing” these behaviors rather than understanding why they’re happening.
This child is often shut down, exhausted, foggy, slow to process, and overwhelmed by everything around them. They may appear “lazy” or unmotivated when in reality, their nervous system is struggling to engage properly. This type was formerly known as ADD but is now classified as predominantly inattentive ADHD in modern diagnostic terms.
What’s fascinating – and what many parents don’t realize – is how often these patterns evolve into each other over time. The hyperactive child can develop attention issues as they become frustrated with academic challenges, while the inattentive child can become hyperactive from the built-up stress and anxiety of constantly struggling.
According to the CDC, an estimated 7 million children in the United States have been diagnosed with ADHD. Approximately 3.5 million of these children (about 69%) are currently prescribed medication for the condition.
While medications work for some children, they often come with concerning side effects:
Most importantly, these medications do not address the root cause — which is often a stressed, dysregulated nervous system. This can lead to a cycle of chasing symptoms, adjusting dosages, or adding more medications to address side effects.
At the core of both ADHD presentations lies a complex interplay of neurological factors that impact a child’s ability to regulate attention, behavior, and emotions.
The three key elements we find most often are:
Your child isn’t broken. They don’t need more labels. They need answers. They need understanding. And they need a care plan that finally gets it right.
The best part? We can actually measure what’s happening in your child’s nervous system using specialized scans. These Neurological INSiGHT Scans don’t just label — they measure and map out what’s causing the chaos, so a customized, drug-free care plan can be created to help your child calm their brain, regain focus, and thrive.
Here’s what every parent needs to know:
Millions of kids today are either struggling with undiagnosed ADHD — or have a diagnosis but are still stuck in the same cycle of symptoms, side effects, and little to no progress.
That’s because most ADHD tests and treatment plans stop at surface-level symptoms. They label the child… but don’t look deeper into the real root cause.
True ADHD struggles begin in the brain and nervous system. And unless we measure what’s happening under the surface, we miss the most important part.
When your child is locked in stress mode neurologically, no amount of behavior charts, medications, or consequences can bring lasting change. But when we help restore balance to the nervous system? Focus can improve. Meltdowns can decrease. Sleep stabilizes. And what was once seen as a disorder can become a superpower.
If you’re tired of guessing… tired of medications that don’t work… or tired of watching your child struggle without answers — it’s time to look deeper. It’s time to turn your child’s struggle into their greatest strength.
At RCW, we take the time to find the root cause that can help your child heal safely and naturally.
Remember: Understanding which kind of pedal your child’s brain is stuck on is the first step in finding the right solution. With the right approach, your child’s unique brain can become their greatest asset rather than their biggest challenge.