Transform Sensory Challenges into Natural Harmony

Is your child struggling with sensory processing disorder in Austin? Does everyday life feel like an uphill battle – from getting dressed in the morning to sitting through dinner without a meltdown? You’re not alone. Many families in South Austin, Circle C, and surrounding areas face these same daily challenges. While traditional approaches often focus on managing symptoms, neurologically-focused chiropractic care at River City Wellness addresses the root cause of sensory processing disorder by supporting your child’s nervous system function. Dr. Peter Martinez and Dr. Sean Forbes specialize in gentle, precise care that helps children’s developing nervous systems find balance and regulation naturally.

What Is Sensory Processing Disorder?

Sensory Processing Disorder is a neurological condition where the nervous system has difficulty receiving and responding to sensory information in children. This means their brain struggles to organize and interpret messages from their senses – touch, sound, sight, taste, smell, movement, and body position.

Children with this condition may be oversensitive to certain sensations or under-responsive to others. Some kids might cover their ears at normal sounds while others seem not to notice loud noises at all.

The condition affects how children interact with their environment and can impact their behavior, learning, and social development. It’s not a behavior problem or something children can simply “grow out of” – it’s a real neurological difference that requires understanding and support.

Signs and Symptoms of Sensory Processing Disorder in Children

Every child with sensory processing disorder presents differently, but common signs include:

• Extreme reactions to clothing textures, tags, or seams
• Difficulty with transitions or changes in routine
• Over-responsiveness or under-responsiveness to sounds
• Avoiding messy activities like finger painting or playing in sand
• Seeking intense movement or avoiding movement altogether
• Difficulty with fine motor skills like writing or buttoning clothes
• Unusual eating habits or extreme food preferences
• Problems with sleep patterns or bedtime routines
• Frequent emotional meltdowns that seem disproportionate
• Appearing clumsy or unaware of body position in space

What Causes Sensory Processing Disorder? (The Root Cause)

Understanding what causes sensory processing disorder in children helps us address it more effectively. At River City Wellness, we often see what we call “The Perfect Storm” – a combination of factors that overwhelm a child’s developing nervous system.

This perfect storm typically includes birth trauma (even from seemingly normal births), environmental stressors, and spinal subluxations that interfere with nervous system communication. When these factors combine, they can leave a child’s nervous system stuck in a state of fight-or-flight, making it difficult to process sensory information appropriately.

The vagus nerve, which plays a crucial role in regulating our nervous system’s response to stress, often becomes dysfunctional in these cases. This creates a cascade effect where the brain struggles to filter and organize sensory input, leading to the overwhelming or underwhelming responses we see in sensory processing disorder.

Rather than just managing symptoms, our neurologically-focused approach targets these underlying nervous system imbalances. By addressing spinal subluxations and supporting proper nervous system function, we help create an environment where your child’s natural healing and development can flourish.

How Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Helps Sensory Processing Disorder

As Austin’s premier sensory processing disorder chiropractor, River City Wellness takes a unique approach that many families find helpful. Our neurologically-focused chiropractic care doesn’t just address symptoms – we work to support the underlying nervous system function that affects sensory processing.

We begin with advanced INSiGHT scanning technology that provides objective measurements of your child’s nervous system function. This technology helps us identify areas of stress and dysfunction that may be contributing to sensory processing challenges. Research suggests that these gentle, non-invasive scans can reveal patterns of nervous system imbalance that aren’t visible through other methods.

Our pediatric adjustments are incredibly gentle and specific, designed to address subluxations that may be interfering with proper nervous system communication. Many families notice improvements in their child’s ability to regulate sensory input as we support vagus nerve function and promote neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to form new neural connections.

It’s important to understand that sensory processing disorder often occurs alongside other conditions. We frequently work with children who also have autism, ADHD, anxiety, or behavioral issues. Our experience shows that addressing nervous system function can support improvements across multiple areas of development.

What to Expect at Your Child’s First Visit

We understand that bringing your child to a new healthcare provider can feel overwhelming, especially when they have sensory sensitivities. Our South Austin office is designed to be a calm, welcoming environment where children feel safe and comfortable.

Your first visit begins with a thorough consultation where Dr. Martinez or Dr. Forbes will listen to your concerns without judgment. We want to understand your child’s unique challenges and your family’s goals. Next, we’ll perform gentle INSiGHT neurological scans that measure how your child’s nervous system is currently functioning.

During your report of findings visit, we’ll review the scan results and explain what we’ve discovered about your child’s nervous system. If care is appropriate, we’ll create a customized plan designed specifically for your child’s needs. Families from Circle C, Sunset Valley, Oak Hill, Barton Creek, and Manchaca trust our gentle approach and comprehensive care.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sensory Processing Disorder

Is chiropractic safe for children with sensory processing disorder?

Yes, neurologically-focused chiropractic care is extremely safe for children with sensory processing disorder. Our pediatric adjustments use no more pressure than you’d use to check the ripeness of a tomato. Dr. Martinez and Dr. Forbes have extensive training in pediatric chiropractic techniques and understand how to work with children who have sensory sensitivities.

How long until I see results in my child?

Every child responds differently to care, and we never make guarantees about outcomes. Many families report noticing small improvements within the first few weeks of care, such as better sleep or fewer meltdowns. Significant changes in sensory processing typically develop over several months as the nervous system adapts and heals.

Does insurance cover chiropractic care for sensory processing disorder?

Many insurance plans cover chiropractic care, though coverage for pediatric care varies. Our team will help verify your benefits and explore payment options. We believe every child deserves access to care, so we work with families to make treatment affordable.

What age children do you treat for sensory processing disorder?

We provide care for children of all ages, from newborns to teenagers. In fact, the earlier we can support a child’s nervous system development, the better. Our techniques are adapted for each child’s age, size, and comfort level.

How is this different from occupational therapy or other treatments?

Neurologically-focused chiropractic care complements other therapies beautifully. While occupational therapy teaches coping strategies and skills, we address the underlying nervous system function that affects how your child processes sensory information. Many families find that combining approaches provides the most comprehensive support.

Will my child need to stop other treatments?

Not at all. We encourage families to continue working with their current healthcare team. Chiropractic care often enhances the effectiveness of other therapies by improving nervous system function, which can help children better engage with and benefit from their other treatments.

Take the Next Step for Your Child

Watching your child struggle with sensory processing disorder can be heartbreaking, but you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Families throughout South Austin trust River City Wellness to provide compassionate, effective care that addresses the root causes of sensory processing challenges.

Dr. Martinez and Dr. Forbes understand the unique needs of children with sensory processing disorder. Our gentle, neurologically-focused approach has helped many Austin families find hope and healing. Located conveniently on South Congress, we’re here to support your family every step of the way.