Chiroblog

The developing pediatric brain relies heavily on prediction to make sense of the world. According to theories like those presented in Andy Clark’s The Experience Machine, the brain doesn’t simply react to sensory input; it constantly generates predictions about what will happen next, comparing them to incoming signals. Prediction is something that builds over time, with an infant having a relatively clean predictive ‘slate.’ As the child ages, through the use of observation and repetition, prediction becomes more engaged in how the child responds and reacts to the outside world.

A mismatch between predictions and actual experiences—what’s known as a “prediction error”—can create stress, confusion, or overwhelm. In typically developing children, the nervous system refines its predictions through repeated, accurate feedback, helping them adapt to sensory, social, and motor experiences.

However, in children with Autism, especially those with more severe issues, this predictive network doesn’t form as well.  This may occur because some children with Autism are hyper-aware of certain outside stimuli but less aware of their own internal senses (for example, they are very jumpy with low or high pitched noises but cannot tell when they are hungry or tired).  This can lead to sensory overload, heightened stress responses, and difficulty adapting to new environments or social cues.

Pediatric chiropractic care, by focusing on optimizing spinal and nervous system function, may support the brain’s ability to process sensory information more efficiently. Gentle adjustments may help reduce “neural noise” and improve the clarity of communication between the body and brain, potentially easing the burden of prediction errors. Enhancing the nervous system’s adaptability may create a more regulated foundation for learning, sensory integration, and resilience in all children but especially in kids on the Autism spectrum.  Creating a predictable environment is one way to help work with kids with Autism. Get more information here: https://www.theadjustment.com/.  Listen to Dr Rubin discuss prediction on his podcast of the same title, Chirocast Episode 633

References:

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/608016/the-experience-machine-by-andy-clark/

https://www.routledge.com/Autism-and-The-Predictive-Brain-Absolute-Thinking-in-a-Relative-World/Vermeulen/p/book/9781032358970?srsltid=AfmBOor61Iiaq0qM7DSAwcOM3uLy02zF3zyGVdiFbz3N-YWlZ6sHDU9L

ADHD 2.0: New Science and Essential Strategies for Thriving with Distraction—from Childhood Through Adulthood, by Drs. Edward Hallowell and John Ratey, presents a neuroscience-informed approach to understanding and managing ADHD. The book explores how ADHD is a different brain wiring that can be harnessed for creativity, resilience, and success. Central to their explanation is the interaction between two brain networks—the Default Mode Network (DMN), responsible for imagination and internal thought, and the Task Positive Network (TPN), which governs focus and task execution. In ADHD brains, these networks struggle to work together efficiently, leading to distractibility and mental "glitchiness." The authors also highlight the cerebellum’s role in attention and emotional regulation (a relatively new finding), suggesting that targeted physical activities—like balance exercises—can strengthen this brain region and improve ADHD symptoms. Neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to adapt and rewire, is a recurring theme, offering hope that with the right interventions, individuals with ADHD can thrive.

Pediatric chiropractic involves gentle spinal adjustments and exercises aimed at improving nervous system function and balance—areas closely tied to cerebellar and brain health. By enhancing proprioception and reducing neurological interference, chiropractic care can support structured movement and sensory integration. Additionally, chiropractic’s holistic philosophy aligns with the book’s call for personalized, multi-modal strategies that include physical activity, nutrition, emotional support, and environmental structure. Though more clinical research is needed to establish firm connections, the neurological insights in ADHD 2.0 provide a compelling framework for exploring how pediatric chiropractic might contribute to ADHD management.

Everyday in our office we see children (and adults) with ADHD and our version of chiropractic care helps calm the nerve system down so that they can do better in school and at home. ADHD is also commonly seen in kids who are also diagnosed with Autism, so helping kids with this dual diagnosis can be very beneficial. Check out https://www.theadjustment.com/ for more information. 

References

[1] ADHD 2.0 Summary and Study Guide | SuperSummary

[2] https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/550868/adhd-20-by-edward-m-hallowell-md-and-john-j-ratey-md/

Children with behavior issues usually suffer from sensory overload, where typical stimuli, like noise, crowds, texture, or lights, are abnormally intense. This is an indication of an over-burdened nervous system that under-filters sensory information. Spinal misalignments, particularly in the upper part of the neck, also disrupt the brain's reception of sensory information, exacerbating behavioral dysregulation and leading to meltdowns or withdrawal. The upper neck is one of the most important parts of the sensory system especially since it is involved in a something called proprioception, which is the sense of where a person is in space.

Gentle and precise chiropractic adjustments return proper vertebral position and reduce nerve interference, which can enhance sensory integration, improve proprioception and allow for better emotional regulation. As the nervous system re-regulates, children can present with greater levels of concentration, calmer responses, and improved adaptation to the environment. This provides the foundation for greater success in social interactions, academics, and daily functioning.

Reference: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22051563/