Supporting Your Child’s Natural Development and Connection

Is your child struggling with autism in Austin? As a parent, you’ve likely tried countless approaches, from therapies to interventions, searching for something that truly helps your child thrive. Many families in South Austin and Circle C have found hope through neurologically-focused chiropractic care at River City Wellness. Rather than managing symptoms, our approach addresses the nervous system dysfunction that often underlies autism spectrum challenges. Dr. Peter Martinez and Dr. Sean Forbes understand the unique neurological needs of children with autism and use advanced INSiGHT scanning technology to identify areas where the nervous system isn’t functioning optimally. This isn’t about quick fixes or miracle cures—it’s about giving your child’s developing nervous system the best opportunity to function, learn, and grow.

What Is Autism?

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how children communicate, interact socially, and process sensory information. Children with autism often display repetitive behaviors and may have difficulty with social cues and verbal communication.

The autism spectrum is wide, meaning symptoms can range from mild to severe. Some children may speak fluently but struggle with social interactions, while others may be nonverbal and need significant support with daily activities.

Early signs typically appear before age three, though some children may not receive a diagnosis until later. The key is understanding that autism affects each child differently, which is why individualized care approaches are so important.

Most importantly, children with autism have unique strengths and abilities. With the right support, many can develop better communication skills, improved social connections, and greater independence.

Signs and Symptoms of Autism in Children

Recognizing autism signs early can make a significant difference in your child’s development. Here are common indicators many parents notice:

• Delayed or absent speech development
• Difficulty making eye contact or connecting with others
• Repetitive movements like hand-flapping, spinning, or rocking
• Extreme sensitivity to sounds, textures, or lighting
• Intense focus on specific objects or topics
• Difficulty with changes in routine or transitions
• Challenges with pretend play or imaginative activities
• Trouble understanding nonverbal cues like facial expressions
• Sleep difficulties or irregular sleep patterns
• Digestive issues or selective eating habits

If several of these signs describe your child, know that you’re not alone. Many families find that addressing the underlying nervous system dysfunction can help improve these challenges.

What Causes Autism? (The Root Cause)

While autism’s exact cause remains complex, research increasingly points to nervous system dysfunction as a key factor. Many children with autism experience what we call “The Perfect Storm”—a combination of birth trauma, environmental stressors, and subluxations that overwhelm their developing nervous system.

During birth, even seemingly normal deliveries can create stress on a baby’s delicate spine and nervous system. When the upper cervical spine becomes misaligned, it can interfere with crucial nerve pathways, including the vagus nerve, which helps regulate digestion, sleep, and social engagement.

This creates a cascade effect where the child’s nervous system becomes stuck in “fight-or-flight” mode. Instead of the calm, growth-promoting state needed for healthy development, their system remains hypervigilant and overstimulated. This sympathetic dominance can manifest as sensory sensitivities, communication challenges, repetitive behaviors, and difficulty with social connection.

The good news is that the nervous system has remarkable plasticity, especially in children. When we remove interference through specific chiropractic care, many families notice improvements in their child’s ability to regulate, communicate, and engage with their world. This is why addressing the root neurological dysfunction, rather than just managing symptoms, can be so transformative for children with autism.

How Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Helps Autism

As an autism chiropractor in Austin, Dr. Martinez and Dr. Forbes take a unique approach that goes beyond traditional symptom management. Our neurologically-focused chiropractic care addresses the root cause of many autism-related challenges: nervous system dysfunction.

We begin with advanced INSiGHT neurological scanning technology that objectively measures how your child’s nervous system is functioning. These scans show us exactly where subluxations are creating interference, allowing us to develop a precise care plan tailored to your child’s specific needs.

Our gentle, specific pediatric adjustments focus on removing subluxations that interfere with proper nerve function. Research suggests that when we restore proper alignment to the spine, particularly in the upper cervical region, it can significantly improve vagus nerve function and overall neurological communication.

Many families in our practice notice improvements in areas like sleep quality, digestive function, sensory processing, and social engagement. Children often become calmer, more focused, and better able to handle changes in routine. Some experience improvements in speech development and reduced repetitive behaviors.

Our approach works beautifully alongside other therapies your child may be receiving. We often see children who also benefit from support for Sensory Processing challenges, Speech Delays, Motor Delays, or ADHD symptoms that commonly occur with autism.

The key is supporting your child’s nervous system’s natural ability to heal and develop. When the interference is removed, their body’s innate intelligence can work more effectively, often leading to meaningful improvements in function and quality of life.

What to Expect at Your Child’s First Visit

We understand that new environments can be challenging for children with autism, which is why we’ve created a calm, sensory-friendly experience at our South Austin office. Dr. Martinez and Dr. Forbes take extra time to help your child feel comfortable before beginning any assessment.

Your first visit begins with a thorough consultation where we listen to your concerns without judgment. We want to understand your child’s unique challenges, what you’ve tried before, and what your goals are for their development.

Next, we’ll perform our INSiGHT neurological scans, which are completely non-invasive and painless. These advanced scans measure nervous system function and show us exactly where subluxations may be affecting your child’s development. Many children find the scanning process interesting rather than stressful.

We’ll then review our findings with you in detail, explaining how nervous system dysfunction may be contributing to your child’s autism-related challenges. Finally, we’ll create a customized care plan designed specifically for your child’s neurological needs.

Families from Circle C, Sunset Valley, Oak Hill, Barton Creek, and Manchaca trust our gentle approach and our commitment to helping their children reach their full potential.

Frequently Asked Questions About Autism

Is chiropractic safe for children with autism?

Yes, neurologically-focused chiropractic care is extremely safe for children with autism. Our doctors are specially trained in pediatric techniques that are gentle and appropriate for developing nervous systems. We use minimal force and always work within your child’s comfort level.

How long until I see results in my child?

Every child responds differently, but many families notice initial improvements within the first few weeks of care. Some changes, like better sleep or improved mood, may occur quickly, while communication and behavioral improvements typically develop over several months of consistent care.

Does insurance cover chiropractic care for autism?

Many insurance plans cover chiropractic care, though coverage varies by provider and plan. We’ll help verify your benefits and work with your insurance company. We also offer flexible payment options because we believe every child deserves access to neurological care.

What age children do you treat for autism?

We see children of all ages, from infants to teenagers. Early intervention often provides the best outcomes because young nervous systems are more adaptable, but we’ve helped children and adolescents at every stage of development achieve meaningful improvements.

How is this different from other autism treatments?

Most autism interventions focus on managing symptoms or teaching coping strategies. Our neurologically-focused approach addresses the underlying nervous system dysfunction that may be contributing to autism-related challenges. We work on the root cause, not just the symptoms, which can lead to more comprehensive improvements.

Can chiropractic care be combined with other therapies?

Absolutely. Our approach works beautifully alongside speech therapy, occupational therapy, behavioral interventions, and other treatments your child may be receiving. Many families find that chiropractic care helps their child be more receptive to other therapies by improving their overall nervous system function.

Take the Next Step for Your Child

You don’t have to navigate your child’s autism journey alone. At River City Wellness, we’re committed to helping Austin families discover what’s possible when the nervous system functions optimally. Our neurologically-focused approach has helped countless children with autism experience improvements in communication, behavior, sleep, and overall quality of life.

Dr. Martinez and Dr. Forbes understand the unique challenges your family faces, and they’re here to provide the specialized care your child deserves. Located conveniently in South Austin, we’re proud to serve families throughout the greater Austin area who are seeking natural, effective support for their children with autism.

Your child has incredible potential waiting to be unlocked. Let us help you take the first step toward a brighter future.