Sensory Processing Challenges & Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care
Sensory Processing Challenges &
Gentle Chiropractic Care in Ormond Beach
Does your child become overwhelmed by loud noises, avoid certain textures, seek constant movement, or struggle with emotional regulation? Sensory processing challenges can affect many aspects of a child’s daily life. At New Journey Chiropractic, we provide gentle, neurologically-focused care designed to support your child’s nervous system and help them better adapt to the world around them.
What Are Sensory Processing Challenges?
Sensory processing refers to how the brain receives, organizes, and responds to information from the body and environment.
Children with sensory processing challenges may have difficulty processing sensations such as:
- Touch
- Sound
- Movement
- Taste
- Smell
- Body awareness
- Visual input
Some children are over-responsive to sensory input, meaning everyday experiences feel overwhelming or uncomfortable. Others are under-responsive and seek more sensory input through movement, touching objects, or crashing into things.
Sensory processing differences are not a reflection of intelligence, parenting, or behavior. They are differences in how the nervous system interprets and responds to sensory information.
Sensory challenges may occur on their own or alongside other conditions such as ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, or developmental delays.
Common Signs & Symptoms
Sensory Over-Responsiveness
- Covering ears to everyday sounds
- Sensitivity to clothing tags or textures
- Avoiding hugs or touch
- Difficulty with hair brushing or nail trimming
- Picky eating due to food textures
- Becoming overwhelmed in busy environments
- Strong emotional reactions to sensory input
- Difficulty transitioning between activities
Sensory Under-Responsiveness or Sensory Seeking
- Constant movement or fidgeting
- Crashing into furniture or people
- Jumping excessively
- Seeking tight hugs or pressure
- Chewing on clothing or objects
- Difficulty recognizing personal space
- High pain tolerance
- Spinning without becoming dizzy
Other Common Concerns
- Emotional dysregulation
- Difficulty focusing
- Sleep challenges
- Anxiety
- Coordination difficulties
- Delayed motor milestones
- Poor body awareness
- Difficulty with social situations
Possible Causes
Sensory processing challenges are complex and often involve multiple factors.
Potential contributing factors include:
- Differences in nervous system development
- Premature birth
- Birth complications
- Genetic influences
- ADHD
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Anxiety
- Developmental delays
- Differences in vestibular or proprioceptive processing
- Environmental stressors
Sensory processing challenges are not caused by poor parenting or a lack of discipline.
Red Flags
Parents should seek medical evaluation if their child experiences:
- Loss of developmental milestones
- Regression in speech or social skills
- Persistent weakness
- Seizures
- Significant delays in motor development
- Difficulty swallowing
- Loss of coordination
- Concerns about hearing or vision
- Sudden behavioral changes
These symptoms may indicate an underlying medical or developmental condition that requires further evaluation.
How New Journey Chiropractic Approaches Care
At New Journey Chiropractic, we understand that sensory processing affects the entire child—and the entire family.
Our neurologically-focused approach looks at how your child’s nervous system processes and responds to sensory information. We evaluate how posture, movement, stress, and nervous system function may influence your child’s ability to regulate and adapt.
Your child’s evaluation may include:
- Pregnancy and birth history
- Developmental milestones
- Sensory history
- Neurological assessment
- Postural evaluation
- Movement and coordination patterns
- Reflex assessment
- Sleep patterns
- Lifestyle and environmental factors
- CLA INSiGHT® Neurological Scans
These advanced scans help us assess:
- Nervous system balance
- Stress adaptation
- Muscle activity and tension
- Areas of neurological imbalance
Care is always gentle, individualized, and adapted to your child’s age, developmental stage, and sensory needs.
Our goal is not to “cure” sensory processing challenges, but to support nervous system function, improve adaptability, and help your child thrive.
Collaboration With Other Healthcare Providers
We believe children benefit most when providers work together.
Depending on your child’s needs, Dr. Jayme may collaborate with:
- Pediatricians
- Occupational therapists
- Physical therapists
- Speech therapists
- Developmental pediatricians
- Psychologists
- Behavioral therapists
- Pediatric neurologists
If additional evaluations or therapies are needed, we will help connect your family with the appropriate resources.
What is Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)?
Sensory Processing Disorder is a term used to describe difficulties with processing and responding to sensory information. Some healthcare professionals use the term SPD, while others describe these challenges as sensory processing differences or sensory integration difficulties.
Can sensory processing challenges improve?
Yes. Many children make significant progress with the right support, therapies, and strategies. Early intervention is often beneficial.
Can chiropractic care cure sensory processing challenges?
No. Chiropractic care does not cure sensory processing challenges. However, gentle chiropractic care may help support nervous system function and overall well-being as part of a comprehensive care plan.
Is chiropractic care safe for children with sensory sensitivities?
Yes. Care is always adapted to your child’s comfort level, sensory preferences, and developmental stage. We strive to create a calm, supportive environment where children feel safe.
Does my child need occupational therapy?
Many children with sensory challenges benefit from occupational therapy. We frequently collaborate with occupational therapists and other specialists to provide coordinated care.
If your child struggles with sensory sensitivities, emotional regulation, or feels overwhelmed by everyday experiences, you do not have to navigate it alone.
At New Journey Chiropractic, we provide gentle, neurologically-focused care designed to support your child’s nervous system, development, and overall well-being—while supporting your entire family along the way.
Related Conditions
Meet Dr. Jayme
Dr. Jayme Frear is a Registered Nurse and Doctor of Chiropractic who is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Pediatrics.
She is passionate about helping children with sensory challenges feel safe, supported, and understood. Her backgrounds in nursing and chiropractic allow her to take a compassionate, whole-child approach that focuses on the nervous system and the unique needs of every family.
Dr. Jayme believes that every child has incredible potential and that parents deserve a healthcare partner who listens and provides individualized care.