From Dysregulation to Regulation: A Remarkable 4-Month Transformation
Brief case history: When a child with Autism Level 3 (minimally speaking) first began care, we did a full brain-based neurological and chiropractic exam. One test we used was heart rate variability (HRV) using HeartMath, to test his vagus nerve, which is the major control center for regulation (and if the vagus is not working well, we see dysregulation). HeartMath testing revealed a nervous system seriously struggling to self-regulate. At the initial assessment, average coherence was just 0.5, with 50% of the session spent in low coherence and 0% in high coherence (see below picture with all personal data removed). This pattern often reflects a nervous system that is stuck in a state of stress, overwhelm, and poor adaptability. After just one month of brain-based chiropractic care, the child's average coherence more than doubled to 1.2, with 60% of the session now spent in high coherence. By the second re-exam four months later, the transformation was even more impressive: average coherence reached 2.0, with 100% of the session occurring in high coherence and 0% in low coherence. At the same time, average heart rate decreased from 97 BPM to 87 BPM, suggesting a shift toward a calmer, more efficient state of autonomic regulation. These are not isolated results. We see this time and again with our kids with Autism, especially those that are dysregulated.
Brain-based chiropractic care is designed to help improve communication between the brain and body by supporting healthy nervous system function. As interference and stress patterns are reduced, the brain is often better able to interpret and respond to the world appropriately rather than remaining in a constant state of defense. For this child, the objective HRV measurements demonstrated a clear progression from dysregulation toward regulation, reflected by an impressive increase in coherence over four months. While every child responds differently, improvements in nervous system regulation are often associated with better adaptability, attention, emotional resilience, sleep, social engagement, and overall quality of life. Stories like this remind us that when we focus on improving nervous system function, we are not simply chasing symptoms, we are helping children build a stronger foundation for growth, development, and connection. This child now has less meltdowns, when they do have a meltdown they calm faster, has better communication, and has started to play with other children rather than 100% by themselves…all signs of a better ‘tuned’ vagus nerve.
HRV scores: April 2026 May 2026 September 2026
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