Is This Nervous System Imbalance Sabotaging Your Child’s School Year?
If you’re like so many parents we meet at New Hope Chiropractic, you’ve already tried everything—behavior charts, talking to teachers, counselor meetings, maybe even medication—and you’re still left wondering why your child struggles so much at school.
We understand.
Many parents lie awake at night worrying about sending their child with ADHD, SPD, or other sensory challenges back to school. You may dread calls from teachers about focus issues, melt downs over homework, or seeing your bright, creative child struggle in a system that doesn’t seem built for how their brain works.
Here’s something to think about: In 2022 alone, 1 million more U.S. children were diagnosed with ADHD compared to 2016. Sensory processing challenges now affect nearly 1 in 6 children. Yet, most solutions still focus on managing symptoms—not finding and addressing the root cause.
What if there was another way? One that helps kids not just get through the school year… but truly thrive?
Claire’s Story: From Overwhelm to Regulation
When Claire’s parents first came to us, she was loving and empathetic—but her nervous system was in constant overdrive. She had trouble regulating her emotions, was quick to frustration, and often felt overwhelmed by sensory input. At school, she’d have a hard time following directions and interacting without conflict.
Through gentle, neurologically-focused chiropractic care, we worked to calm the stress built up in her nervous system and help her body shift from “fight or flight” into a calmer, more connected state. Over time, Claire became more aware of her feelings, better able to pull herself out of tantrums, and more adaptable in social settings.
Now, she’s not just getting through her days—she’s enjoying them.
The Real Root Cause of ADHD and SPD School Struggles
Many ADHD and SPD challenges trace back to an overactive sympathetic nervous system—the “gas pedal” stuck down, keeping kids in a constant state of alert. When this happens, their “brake pedal,” the parasympathetic nervous system, can’t activate well enough to support focus, emotional regulation, digestion, and rest.
This imbalance often starts with what we call The Perfect Storm:
Prenatal stress (maternal stress during pregnancy)
Birth interventions (C-section, forceps, vacuum, long or difficult labor)
Early life stressors (illnesses, injuries, environmental toxins)
Five Game-Changing Steps for a Better School Year
1️⃣ Prioritize Quality Sleep
Sleep is when the brain consolidates learning and regulates emotions. Many kids with ADHD or SPD struggle with sleep, which makes everything harder.
Adjust bedtime gradually by 15 minutes every few nights
Create a calming, screen-free bedtime routine
Keep the sleep space dark, cool, and quiet
2️⃣ Reduce Daily Overwhelm with Structure
Kids with nervous system dysregulation often struggle with executive function. Creating a predictable environment reduces the mental load.
Have a set place for backpacks, shoes, and school items
Use visual schedules and color-coding
Keep a dedicated, clutter-free homework space
3️⃣ Get Morning Movement In
Exercise stimulates the brain, boosts mood, and can help kids focus—sometimes as much as medication, according to research.
10–15 minutes of movement before school (jumping jacks, dancing, a walk)
Include short movement breaks during homework
4️⃣ Fuel the Brain and Body
Stable blood sugar and good hydration help kids regulate their mood and focus.
Consistent meal times
Adequate protein and healthy fats
Minimize artificial dyes and heavily processed foods
5️⃣ Address the Foundation: The Nervous System
If your child’s nervous system is stressed and stuck in “fight or flight,” even the best routines and diets can only go so far.
Neurologically-focused chiropractic care helps:
Calm the overactive “gas pedal”
Activate the calming “brake pedal”
Improve communication between the brain and body
At New Hope Chiropractic, we use INSiGHT Scans to see exactly where stress is building in your child’s nervous system and create a personalized plan to help them regulate better, focus more, and feel calmer.
There Is Hope
If you’re reading this and thinking, “This sounds like my child”, please know—you’re not alone, and there is a way forward.
By addressing your child’s nervous system first, we can help make all the other strategies—sleep, structure, exercise, nutrition—work better.
📞 Call us at 843-203-3199 or schedule a consultation online to take the first step toward a calmer, more connected school year.
Not in Charleston? Visit pxdocs.com to find a PX Docs provider near you.
Your child’s challenges don’t define them. With the right support, their strengths can shine. 🌟
