The Nervous System Imbalance That Could Be Impacting Your Child’s School Year
If you're like many parents we meet, you've likely tried behavior charts, spoken with school counselors, adjusted routines, and maybe even considered or tried medication for your child's struggles at school — yet you're still searching for something that truly helps.
We understand how hard it is to watch your child navigate a system that doesn’t always recognize how their nervous system functions. The notes home, the meltdowns over homework, the anxiety before school… it’s exhausting, confusing, and at times heartbreaking.
Here’s something that might surprise you: In the U.S., over 1 million additional children were diagnosed with ADHD between 2016 and 2022. Sensory challenges now affect nearly 1 in 6 kids. Here in Canada, trends are similar — and yet the approaches often remain the same: symptom management, rather than addressing what’s happening underneath it all.
What if there was a different lens — one that looked at the why, not just the what?
Understanding the Real Root of School Struggles
Conditions like ADHD and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) are often linked to an imbalance in the nervous system — particularly an overactive sympathetic system (that “fight or flight” mode) and an underactive parasympathetic system (which supports calm, focus, and regulation).
When the nervous system is stuck in this stress state, it becomes much harder for a child to:
Focus in class
Manage transitions
Regulate emotions
Feel safe in stimulating environments
This imbalance often stems from what we call “The Perfect Storm” — a series of early life stressors including:
Prenatal stress (e.g., high maternal stress levels during pregnancy)
Birth interventions (e.g., c-section, vacuum, forceps, or long labours)
Early childhood stress (e.g., illnesses, injuries, or persistent sensory overwhelm)
5 Supportive Strategies to Help Your Child Thrive This School Year
If you’re looking for natural, supportive strategies that align with your parenting instincts — here are five that can make a real difference.
1. The Sleep Foundation That Changes Everything
Quality sleep is absolutely crucial for managing ADHD and SPD symptoms because during sleep, the brain consolidates learning, processes emotions, and recharges for the next day. However, many children with these conditions struggle with sleep issues, creating a vicious cycle.
What you can do:
Gradually adjust bedtimes and wake times by just 15 minutes every few days
Establish calming bedtime routines that signal to the nervous system it's time to wind down
Create sleep-friendly environments with minimal stimulation
Creating these sleep-friendly environments can dramatically improve focus and emotional regulation during school hours. Think of sleep as the foundation that makes everything else possible.
2. Creating an Environmental Structure That Actually Works
Children with ADHD and SPD often struggle with executive function skills. This isn't a character flaw - it's how their nervous system processes information and manages tasks.
Creating organized home environments with command centers, designated spaces for school items, and color-coded systems can help reduce anxiety and enable children to feel more in control of their daily routines.
Here's the key insight: This isn't just about organization - it's about reducing the cognitive load on an already overwhelmed nervous system, allowing that mental energy to be directed toward learning and growth instead.
Practical steps:
Create a dedicated homework station with all supplies within reach
Use visual schedules and color-coding for different subjects or activities
Establish consistent routines for morning and after-school transitions
Designate specific places for backpacks, shoes, and school materials
3. The Exercise Connection That Rivals Medication
Dr. John Ratey's groundbreaking research in his book "Spark" shows that exercise can be as effective as medication for some children with ADHD. Physical activity can improve cognitive function, boost mood, and help manage anxiety naturally.
Morning physical activity specifically helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system and improve neurological function throughout the school day. This gives children the internal regulation they need to succeed academically and socially.
Simple ways to incorporate movement:
Start the day with 10-15 minutes of physical activity
Try activities like jumping jacks, running in place, or dancing
Consider walking or biking to school when possible
Encourage movement breaks during homework time
The key is consistency rather than intensity. Even gentle movement can make a significant difference in your child's ability to focus and regulate emotions.
4. Nutrition and Hydration: Fueling the Nervous System
While we haven't discussed this extensively yet, proper nutrition plays a crucial role in nervous system function. A well-nourished brain is better equipped to handle the demands of school.
Focus on:
Consistent meal times to support blood sugar stability
Adequate protein to support neurotransmitter production
Proper hydration throughout the day
Limiting processed foods and artificial additives that can increase hyperactivity
5. Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care - The Missing Piece
Maybe you've tried all of the above strategies and still haven't seen the changes you're hoping for in your child. Let's talk about what might be the missing foundation piece.
Through gentle, specific adjustments, Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care works to release tension in the overactive sympathetic nervous system while activating the calming parasympathetic system, including the vital vagus nerve.
Many practices now use advanced scanning technology, called INSiGHT Scans, to pinpoint exactly where nervous system stress is occurring and create personalized care plans that can lead to:
Improved focus and attention
Better emotional regulation
Enhanced sleep quality
Fewer behavioral challenges
Easier transitions and adaptability
This approach addresses the foundation - the nervous system - which then allows all the other strategies, like sleep, organization, and exercise, to work even more effectively.
The Perfect Storm: Understanding How We Got Here
It's important to understand that these challenges didn't develop overnight. Many children with ADHD and SPD have experienced what we call "The Perfect Storm" - a combination of stressors that occurred during critical developmental periods:
Prenatal stress: Maternal stress during pregnancy can impact fetal nervous system development
Birth trauma: Difficult deliveries, interventions, or complications can create tension in the nervous system
Early life stressors: Falls, accidents, emotional trauma, or even repetitive positioning can contribute to nervous system dysfunction
Understanding this timeline helps parents realize that their child's struggles aren't their fault, and more importantly, that there are specific interventions that can help restore proper nervous system function.
What This Means for Your Family
If you're reading this and thinking, "This sounds exactly like my child," please know that you're not alone, and there is hope. At Ottawa ChiroHouse we have helped so many families by addressing the nervous system foundation first.
Moving Forward: Your Next Steps
Start with the basics: Implement the sleep, exercise, and environmental strategies we've discussed. These can make an immediate difference while you explore other options.
Consider a neurological evaluation: If you've tried multiple approaches without lasting success, it may be time to have your child's nervous system function assessed by a practitioner trained in neurologically-focused care.
Trust your instincts: You know your child better than anyone. If something doesn't feel right, keep searching for answers.
The Hope You've Been Looking For
At Ottawa Chirohouse, we want you to know that your brilliant, sensitive, amazing child can thrive. The struggles you're seeing aren't permanent limitations - they're signs that the nervous system needs support to function optimally.
Please contact us today to schedule a consultation for your child. If you are not local to us, check out the PX Docs directory to find a PX Docs office near you. You've got this, and we're here to support you every step of the way.
