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In this episode, I sit down with pediatric chiropractic expert Dr. Tony Ebel to discuss the connection between pediatric chiropractic care, autism, ADHD, sensory processing challenges, and nervous system regulation.
We explore one of the most overlooked contributors to nervous system dysregulation: birth trauma.
Because when we understand how the nervous system develops, we can better understand why some children struggle—and what may help them thrive.
When parents think about birth trauma, they often imagine severe emergencies.
But birth trauma can sometimes occur even during routine births.
Dr. Tony explains that while many conversations about child development focus on genetics, infections, toxins, or environmental influences, birth experiences are often overlooked.
Examples may include:
These interventions are sometimes medically necessary and lifesaving.
However, they can also place stress on a newborn's developing nervous system.
The nervous system begins organizing itself immediately after birth.
When the body experiences stress or strain during this critical period, it may affect:
This doesn't mean every child who experiences birth interventions will struggle.
But it is one piece of the puzzle that deserves consideration.
The nervous system controls nearly every function in the body.
When nervous system regulation is disrupted, challenges can emerge across multiple areas.
Healthy nervous system development supports:
When development is disrupted, children may compensate in ways that later affect behavior, learning, and emotional regulation.
Many parents report that their child struggled with:
long before receiving diagnoses such as ADHD, autism, or anxiety.
These early clues often point to nervous system dysregulation.
One of the most important things parents can do is pay attention to patterns.
These symptoms are often treated separately.
But they may all reflect a common underlying issue:
Nervous system dysregulation.
Many families spend years addressing digestive symptoms, sensory challenges, and behavioral issues separately.
Only later do they discover that nervous system regulation may connect all of them.
Behavior is communication.
And sometimes the body is communicating long before behavior becomes a concern.
🗣️ "Birth trauma is often overlooked, even though it happens right in front of us during one of the most transformative moments for a family." — Dr. Tony Ebel
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One of the most important themes in this conversation is that nervous system regulation influences everything.
When the nervous system is overwhelmed, children may struggle with:
A dysregulated nervous system can contribute to:
This doesn't mean nervous system dysregulation causes autism or ADHD.
But it can influence how symptoms show up and how children function day to day.
Many families notice improvements in sleep, behavior, focus, and emotional regulation when interventions target nervous system support rather than behavior alone.
One of the central ideas Dr. Tony discusses is that pediatric chiropractic care focuses on supporting nervous system function.
In chiropractic care, a subluxation refers to an area of dysfunction or restriction that may affect movement and nervous system communication.
The goal of chiropractic care is to improve nervous system regulation by addressing these restrictions.
The vagus nerve plays a major role in:
When the nervous system becomes stuck in fight-or-flight mode, children may struggle to regulate emotions, attention, and sensory experiences.
Pediatric chiropractic care is not presented as a cure for autism, ADHD, or sensory processing disorder.
Rather, some families choose it as one component of a broader nervous system support plan.
Many parents seek support after trying multiple interventions without fully addressing regulation.
They often notice that:
This leads families to explore approaches that support the nervous system directly.
The goal isn't simply reducing symptoms.
The goal is helping children function at their highest potential.
Start by observing patterns.
Ask yourself:
Children benefit when providers look at the whole picture, including:
The more complete the picture, the more targeted the support can become.
Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive.
Whether your child struggles with ADHD, autism, sensory challenges, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, or developmental concerns, understanding the nervous system provides a powerful lens for understanding behavior.
Your child isn't giving you a hard time.
They're having a hard time.
The more we understand the nervous system, the more effectively we can support healing, growth, and regulation.
Remember:
Pediatric chiropractic care focuses on evaluating and supporting spinal and nervous system function in infants, children, and adolescents.
Birth experiences can influence nervous system development, which may affect feeding, sleep, sensory processing, and emotional regulation in some children.
No. Chiropractic care is not a cure for autism or ADHD. Some families choose it as part of a broader nervous system support plan.
Signs may include sleep difficulties, sensory sensitivities, digestive issues, emotional dysregulation, attention challenges, and motor delays.
If concerns persist regarding development, behavior, emotional regulation, sleep, digestion, or sensory processing, a comprehensive evaluation may be helpful.
Not sure where to start?
Use the Solution Matcher to identify the next best step based on your child's symptoms, behaviors, and nervous system needs.
Start here: www.drroseann.com/help
Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge is a licensed therapist, certified school psychologist, and leading expert in emotional dysregulation in children. With over 30 years of experience, she helps parents understand the root causes of meltdowns, anxiety, ADHD, and challenging behavior through the lens of nervous system regulation. Dr. Roseann teaches practical, science-backed strategies for co-regulation and how to calm a dysregulated child using her Regulation First Parenting™ approach. She is the host of the Dysregulated Kids Podcast and author of The Dysregulated Kid.
Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge
Emotional Dysregulation in Children & Nervous System Expert
Regulation First Parenting™ | CALMS Protocol™
Host of the Dysregulated Kids Podcast (Top 1% Globally)
Author of The Dysregulated Kid
