ADHD vs Anxiety vs Sensory Issues – How to Tell the Difference in Your Child

Parents often struggle to understand the root cause of their child’s challenges. Is your child having trouble focusing in school because of ADHD? Are their outbursts driven by anxiety, or could it be sensory overload? These questions are common for parents of kids aged 4-10. In this post, we’ll clarify the differences between Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), childhood anxiety, and sensory processing issues, and explain how a holistic approach – including pediatric chiropractic care – can help your child thrive.

Understanding ADHD, Anxiety, and Sensory Processing Issues

Let’s start by defining each of these conditions and their core symptoms. While they can look similar on the surface, ADHD, anxiety, and sensory processing disorders have distinct clinical features.

What is ADHD?

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by developmentally inappropriate levels of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity . Children with ADHD often struggle to stay focused, seem constantly on the go, or act without thinking of consequences. These behaviors go beyond normal “busy” kid activity and significantly impact the child’s daily functioning at home and school.

• Core symptoms: Difficulty sustaining attention, excessive fidgeting or talking, trouble following instructions, and impulsive acts (like interrupting or running off) are hallmark signs . Symptoms usually appear by early elementary years and persist for at least 6 months.
• Prevalence: ADHD is one of the most common childhood conditions. An estimated 7 million U.S. children (about 11% of kids ages 3-17) have been diagnosed with ADHD . It’s more often identified in boys, though it certainly affects girls as well .
• Diagnosis: There is no blood test or scan for ADHD — it’s diagnosed based on clinical evaluations, questionnaires, and reports from parents/teachers about the child’s behavior. Professionals must ensure symptoms aren’t better explained by other issues (like anxiety or learning disorders).

Anxiety Disorders in Children

Anxiety disorders involve excessive worry, fear, or nervousness that is beyond what is typical for a child’s developmental stage. All children have fears at times, but kids with an anxiety disorder experience persistent anxiety that interferes with daily life . Common pediatric anxiety issues include Generalized Anxiety Disorder (constant worry about many things), Separation Anxiety (intense fear of being apart from parents), Social Anxiety, or specific phobias.

• Core symptoms: Frequent worry or catastrophic fears, physical signs of anxiety (stomachaches, headaches, fast heartbeat), avoidance of feared situations (like school or social events), trouble sleeping due to worries, and sometimes irritability or restless behavior . Young kids might have many “what if” questions or cling to parents; older kids may voice concerns about school performance or friendships.
• Prevalence: Anxiety disorders are also very common in youth — about 11% of children (ages 3-17) have a current diagnosed anxiety disorder . In fact, anxiety has become one of the most prevalent childhood mental health conditions, and rates have been rising in recent years.
• Diagnosis: Like ADHD, anxiety is diagnosed through clinical assessment, interviews, and standardized rating scales. It’s important to distinguish normal childhood fears from an anxiety disorder. Clinicians look at the intensity of fear, whether the child can be reassured, and how much it impairs their routines. Sometimes anxiety in kids can be overlooked because it might show up as anger outbursts or somatic complaints rather than verbalized worry.

Sensory Processing Issues (Sensory Processing Disorder)

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) — often referred to as sensory issues — is a condition where the brain has difficulty receiving and responding to information from the senses. Children with sensory processing challenges struggle to process stimuli like sound, touch, movement, and light in a typical way. It’s not officially listed in the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual), but it is recognized by occupational therapists and researchers as a real neurodevelopmental issue . Sensory issues can occur on their own or alongside other diagnoses (especially autism or ADHD, which is one reason SPD is sometimes overlooked) .

Core symptoms: Sensory symptoms can vary widely. Some children are hypersensitive — meaning they overreact to sensations. They may hate loud noises, cover their ears or eyes, gag on certain food textures, refuse scratchy clothing, or melt down with too much stimulation. Other kids are hyposensitive — under-responsive — and seek out more intense input, like constantly touching things, bumping or crashing into people, or needing to spin and move. Many have a mix of both. Common signs include:

• Overreaction to sensory input (for example, covering ears at moderate noise, or screaming when hands get messy).
• Underreaction or sensory seeking (like spinning, jumping, or crashing into furniture for stimulation).
• Poor motor coordination (trouble with balance, handwriting, or using utensils) .
• Emotional outbursts or “meltdowns” when sensations become overwhelming — these are not mere tantrums but a response to sensory overload.

• Prevalence: Research suggests 5% to 16% of school-aged children are affected by sensory processing disorders . That makes SPD about as common as ADHD in the general child population . It’s also noted that a large portion of children with ASD or ADHD have significant sensory processing differences, though SPD can exist independently.
• Diagnosis: There’s no formal universally accepted diagnostic criteria in medical manuals, but evaluation is typically done by pediatric occupational therapists. They use detailed parent questionnaires (like the Sensory Profile) and observe the child’s responses to sensory stimuli. A key aspect is that sensory issues are chronic and pervasive — not just a picky phase — and they cause real difficulties in daily functioning (like not being able to tolerate a classroom’s noise or the feel of socks and shoes).

By defining these conditions, we see that ADHD is chiefly about attention and impulse- control, anxiety is about excessive fear, and sensory disorder is about how the nervous system interprets sensory inputs. However, real life isn’t always so clear-cut, and many symptoms overlap or influence each other.

Symptom Overlap and Why It’s So Confusing

It’s easy to see why parents (and even professionals) can have a hard time telling these issues apart. A child with any of these conditions might be distractible, fidgety, or prone to meltdowns. The behaviors outwardly can look the same even though the internal causes differ . Here are some overlapping symptoms and how to differentiate them:

• Inattention or “daydreaming”: All three issues can cause a child to seem unfocused. In ADHD, the child’s brain is under-stimulated and constantly seeking novelty, making it hard to stay on one task . In anxiety, the child may appear tuned out because their mind is crowded with worries — they’re focused on internal fears rather than the teacher’s voice . With sensory processing problems, a child might get distracted if something in the environment is overstimulating (like the hum of fluorescent lights or the tag itching on their shirt) or if they are busy seeking sensory input (focusing on chewing their pencil or rocking their chair for sensory feedback). Timing and triggers are clues: an ADHD child struggles with attention in almost any setting, whereas an anxious child might only “check out” in specific stressful situations, and a sensory-sensitive child loses focus primarily when sensory inputs are uncomfortable or novel.
• Hyperactivity and fidgeting: A hyper or restless child could have ADHD, anxiety, or SPD. ADHD hyperactivity is often an uncontrollable drive to move due to innate under- stimulation — these kids fidget, tap, and run purely out of excess energy and impulsivity. Anxiety-related restlessness comes from nervous tension — the child might pace, shake their hands, or bite nails because they’re feeling anxious internally . Sensory seeking behavior, on the other hand, may look like hyperactivity but is actually a child’s attempt to stimulate their senses — for example, spinning in circles, bouncing endlessly, or crashing into things on purpose to get deep pressure input. One key difference: an ADHD kid’s movement can seem aimless or driven by impulse, while a sensory-seeking child often intentionally engages in specific repetitive movements (like swinging or squeezing objects) because it “feels right” to their body. Also, if you remove distractions and give an ADHD child a stimulating activity, their fidgeting may lessen; but a sensory seeker will still crave intense input even during interesting tasks.
• Emotional outbursts and meltdowns: Children with any of these challenges might have big emotional reactions or “meltdowns.” The reason behind them can differ:
  • In ADHD, emotional outbursts often stem from frustration or impulsivity. The child might have a low threshold for boredom or frustration — for instance, a difficult homework task or being told “no” can trigger a sudden tantrum because of poor impulse control and emotional regulation skills.
  • In anxiety, outbursts frequently come from overwhelm or fear. A child might cry, cling, or even scream when forced into a situation that terrifies them (like being left at a new daycare). Their “fight or flight” system is in overdrive due to perceived threat, and the outburst is essentially a panic response.
  • In sensory overload, a meltdown can look dramatic (covering ears, yelling, throwing themselves on the floor) but it is triggered by sensory overwhelm. Too much noise, a chaotic environment, or physical sensations (like an itchy sweater they can’t escape) can overload the child’s nervous system, leading to a fight/flight/freeze meltdown that is often mislabeled as a behavioral tantrum. Parents might note these meltdowns are more frequent in places like crowded stores, loud birthday parties, or after a day of overwhelming sensory input.
• Social difficulties: All three conditions can affect a child socially, but in different ways. An ADHD child might miss social cues, interrupt friends, or act impulsively which can strain peer relationships . An anxious child may avoid social interaction, appear shy or withdrawn, or excessively seek approval because they fear rejection . A child with sensory issues might shy away from group play if it’s too loud or physical, or other kids might not understand why they get upset about things like a hug or the playground noise. Each child needs a different type of support: the ADHD child may need help with impulse control and reading social cues, the anxious child needs confidence and coping skills, and the sensory child might do best in controlled sensory environments or with an adult to help them navigate sensory challenges with peers.

Given this overlap of symptoms, it’s no surprise that misdiagnoses happen. For example, a child with unrecognized sensory processing disorder might be misdiagnosed with ADHD because they’re fidgety and inattentive in class (when in reality they can’t focus due to the scratchy uniform and the ticking clock driving them nuts). Or a child with anxiety might be thought to have ADHD because they seem distracted and restless (their mind is racing with worries, not ADHD) . Conversely, many kids truly have more than one condition — it’s not uncommon for a child to have both ADHD and an anxiety disorder together . In fact, data from the CDC show that about 40% of children with ADHD have an anxiety disorder as well . There’s also significant co-occurrence between ADHD and sensory issues — research indicates many children with ADHD have atypical sensory responses compared to peers .

Bottom line: Determining what’s driving a child’s behavior can be complex. A comprehensive evaluation is crucial to tease apart these threads. Instead of rushing to label a child after a brief visit, a thorough approach will look at the whole child — their behavior patterns, environment, developmental history, and even their neurological function — to arrive at an accurate understanding.

The Importance of a Holistic Evaluation

Because ADHD, anxiety, and sensory processing challenges intertwine so much, a holistic evaluation is essential. This means looking at all aspects of the child’s life and health, rather than immediately pigeonholing them into a single diagnosis. Here’s what a holistic understanding and evaluation might include:

• Detailed history and parent input: Parents are the historians of their child’s development. A holistic eval will ask about prenatal and birth history (any complications?), early milestones, sleep patterns, diet, any known traumas or major life changes, and when the behavioral concerns first emerged. Sometimes, a story of a difficult birth or early colic and poor sleep can hint at underlying neurological stress that a specialist like a pediatric chiropractor would note, while an anxiety specialist might focus more on recent family stressors — both are relevant.
• Screening for physical issues: It’s important to rule out other causes of attention or behavior problems. For instance, undiagnosed hearing or vision problems can cause inattention (a child isn’t responding because they literally can’t hear well or see the board). Sleep disorders like pediatric sleep apnea can lead to ADHD-like symptoms (fatigue and poor sleep make the child hyperactive or irritable). Food allergies or sensitivities might cause discomfort and behavioral changes. A holistic approach might involve hearing tests, vision exams, or pediatrician check-ups to ensure we’re not missing a medical issue that explains the behaviors.
• Gathering input from multiple sources: A child may act very differently at home, school, or the playground. Getting feedback from teachers and caregivers is key. Are the issues present in one setting or across all? For example, if a child only melts down at school and never at home, we might investigate sensory triggers in the classroom or anxiety about school, rather than ADHD which would show up everywhere. Consistency of symptoms across environments often points more to ADHD, whereas situational triggers might suggest anxiety or sensory issues .
• Behavioral and psychological assessment: Standardized questionnaires (like the Vanderbilt ADHD scales, anxiety inventories, or sensory profiles) can provide an objective measure of symptoms. Often, a child psychologist or developmental pediatrician may be involved to administer tests that check the child’s attention span, cognitive abilities, and emotional state. These help differentiate whether it’s an attentional problem, an anxiety- driven issue, or possibly both.
• Neurological and sensory evaluation: This is where an office like Vital Wellness Center in Crystal Lake, IL adds extra insight. In our PX (pediatric experience) style chiropractic evaluation, we assess aspects of a child’s nervous system that often get overlooked. Using safe, non-invasive tools, we might measure its regulatory balance (for example, scans that look at autonomic nervous system activity or muscle tone along the spine). We look for signs of neurological dysregulation — essentially, indicators that the child’s nervous system is stuck in “fight-or-flight” mode or not processing input efficiently. This could manifest as abnormal reflexes, imbalances in muscle tone (which can hint at developmental delays), or areas of the spine that are misaligned and creating stress on neural pathways. Such an exam complements the traditional evaluations, giving a fuller picture of the child’s neurodevelopmental health.

A holistic evaluation recognizes that symptoms rarely exist in a vacuum. A child is not just “an anxious kid” or “the kid with ADHD” — they are a whole person with physical health, emotional well-being, and a unique environmental context. The goal is to identify all contributing factors. For instance, a child might receive an ADHD diagnosis from a psychologist, and we discover significant sensory processing difficulties on an OT assessment, and we find areas of spinal tension and sympathetic overdrive in a chiropractic scan. All pieces of the puzzle matter in crafting the best plan for that child.

Beyond Labels: How Neurological Dysregulation Plays a Role

One theme that often underlies ADHD, anxiety, and sensory issues is what we call neurological dysregulation. This is essentially an imbalance in the child’s nervous system — often an overactive sympathetic “fight-or-flight” response and an underactive parasympathetic “rest-and-digest” response. When a child’s nervous system is stuck in high gear, they may be hyperactive, anxious, and hypersensitive to stimulation. Think of it like a car engine revving too high for too long. This state (known as dysautonomia, an imbalance of the autonomic nervous system) can make it incredibly hard for a child to self-regulate their emotions, pay attention, or process sensory input calmly.

What causes neurological dysregulation? It can stem from chronic stress or trauma, prenatal or birth stress (for example, a very fast or assisted delivery can impact an infant’s nervous system), illnesses or environmental toxins, and also spinal misalignments (subluxations) that irritate the nervous system. Subluxations in a child’s spine — often caused by common tumbles, poor posture with devices, or birth strains — can interfere with the normal nerve

signaling between the brain and body . The result is like static on a phone line: the messages don’t get through clearly, and the body responds by increasing stress signals. Over time, that can contribute to the child being in a constant state of heightened alertness or sensory defensiveness.

Importantly, mainstream medicine is increasingly recognizing links between these conditions and nervous system function. For instance, kids with ADHD often have differences in brain activity in areas that control executive function and impulse control. Children with anxiety have been found to have an overactive amygdala (the brain’s fear center) and an oversensitive stress response. And groundbreaking research at UCSF showed that children with SPD have measurably different brain structure connectivity, especially in regions that handle sensory input, confirming a biological basis for their challenges . All of these points to the brain and nervous system as key players in ADHD, anxiety, and sensory issues. In many kids, the system is simply out of balance.

This is where a holistic, neurologically focused approach — like pediatric chiropractic care — becomes so valuable. Rather than treating each symptom in isolation, we aim to help regulate the child’s nervous system, addressing root causes of dysregulation. By doing so, we can often alleviate multiple symptoms at once (because we’re improving the child’s overall capacity to self-regulate, not just suppressing a single symptom).

Pediatric Chiropractic Care: A Unique Approach to Help Your Child

At Vital Wellness Center, our pediatric chiropractic approach is built on understanding and improving nervous system function. We don’t “cure” ADHD or anxiety in the way a pill might claim to, but we provide a unique, effective approach to support the child’s body in healing and regulating itself. Here’s how:

• Calming the Fight-or-Flight Response: Gentle chiropractic adjustments can help shift a child’s nervous system out of that chronic fight-or-flight state. Research has shown that spinal adjustments often lead to a shift toward parasympathetic dominance, meaning the body moves into a calmer, more regulated mode . We’ve seen this mirrored in practice: kids start to sleep better, digest better, and stay calmer after a series of adjustments, because their physiology is no longer stuck in high alert. In fact, multiple studies on chiropractic have demonstrated improved heart rate variability (HRV) — a measure of autonomic balance — indicating better stress resilience and nervous system regulation . When a child’s body isn’t in constant “alarm” mode, symptoms of anxiety often decrease, and hyperactive behavior can tone down as well.
• Improving Sensory Processing and Coordination: Adjustments don’t just calm things, they also help the brain process information more efficiently. By correcting subluxations (misalignments), we restore clear communication in the nervous system . Think of it as fixing wiring interference — the brain can better interpret signals from the senses when the spine and nerves are free of stress. One study in Neural Plasticity found that chiropractic adjustments influenced sensorimotor integration in the prefrontal cortex , which is an area of the brain critical for attention and decision-making. Another study published in Brain Sciences (2019) showed that spinal manipulation induced changes in central processing and motor control, supporting improved sensory and motor function . In practical terms, this might mean after chiropractic care, a child could have better balance and coordination, be less bothered by certain stimuli, or be able to sit still and focus longer because their brain-body signaling is smoother. Parents often report things like “my child isn’t as sensitive to noises now” or “she can finally ride a bike without crashing, her balance is so much better.”
• Supporting Attention and Cognitive Function: When the nervous system is regulated, cognitive function can improve. An intriguing pilot study in 2021 observed that children with ADHD who received chiropractic adjustments had improvements in certain measures of brain function — specifically, better oculomotor (eye tracking) control and faster reading times . This makes sense because eye tracking and reading require finely tuned neurological coordination. The authors suggested that adjusting the spine (which is rich in sensory nerve receptors) alters the afferent input to the brain — essentially “resetting” or fine-tuning how the brain is processing incoming information . While more research is needed, clinical experience and case reports similarly show improvements in concentration and behavior with chiropractic care. In a review of case records on children with ADHD, for example, chiropractors noted improvements in concentration, motor control, reading, sleep, and behavior over the course of care . These are exactly the areas so many of our parents in Crystal Lake worry about — focus in school, coordination in sports, meltdowns at home, and so on.
• Drug-Free, Whole-Body Healing: An important aspect for many families is that chiropractic care is natural and drug-free. We know a lot of parents in the Crystal Lake, IL area (and across the U.S.) are seeking alternatives or complements to medication for issues like ADHD and anxiety. In fact, surveys show the majority of Americans prefer to explore drug-free options first for health concerns . Our approach aligns with that preference — we work on the foundational nervous system regulation so that, in many cases, children can manage better without heavy doses of medications. For some families, chiropractic is part of a broad plan that might also include occupational therapy, counseling, or school accommodations — it won’t conflict with those at all; rather, by optimizing the nervous system, it can enhance the results of other therapies . And if a child is already on medication or doing therapy, we collaborate and support whatever is in the child’s best interest. The ultimate goal is to address the root causes, not just mask symptoms.
• PX Style Care — the Vital Wellness Center difference: As a PX (Pediatric Experience) Certified office, Vital Wellness Center offers a highly personalized, neurologically-focused form of chiropractic care. This means our evaluations and treatments are tailored to kids’ unique needs. We use INSIGHT scanning technology to measure things like muscle tone asymmetry, heart rate variability, and thermal patterns along the spine — objective data that show us where the child’s nervous system is stressed or imbalanced. We then use extremely gentle adjusting techniques appropriate for young children (no forceful cracking). Kids actually enjoy the adjustments — it often looks like light pressure or using small instruments that feel like a tap. Over a series of visits, we track improvements not just by symptoms but by rescanning the nervous system to see changes in regulation. We often witness improvements like increased HRV (indicating a calmer nervous system) and smoother muscle balance, correlating with the parents’ reports of improved behavior. This data-driven, compassionate approach builds confidence — both for us and the parents — that positive changes are happening at a fundamental level.

To sum up, pediatric chiropractic care provides a unique support for kids with ADHD, anxiety, and sensory issues by focusing on what’s happening beneath the surface: the health and balance of the nervous system. It’s not an overnight fix or a stand-alone “cure,” but it addresses neurological dysregulation that is often a common denominator in these disorders. By doing so, it helps unlock a child’s potential to function better. As one article put it, parents today “want neuro-centric answers that calm dysautonomia, not cover it up” — and that is exactly what we aim to deliver.

Real-Life Case Examples: From Frustration to Freedom

To illustrate how differentiating these issues and addressing root causes can make a life- changing difference, let’s look at a couple of hypothetical (but typical) case examples. While names are changed, these scenarios are inspired by real families we’ve helped, and they may feel familiar to you.

• Case Example 1 — “Jack, 7 years old”: Jack was a bright, active 7-year-old from Campton Hills, who was struggling in second grade. He was constantly in motion, could not stay in his seat or finish assignments, and he’d become extremely irritable and tearful over small frustrations. His teachers suspected ADHD due to his inattention and impulsivity. Jack’s parents, however, also noticed intense worries at home — he would ask dozens of anxious questions at bedtime (“What if a burglar comes? What if I get sick tomorrow?”) and he hated separating in the morning. On top of that, Jack often covered his ears during school assemblies and refused to wear socks with seams. This confusing mix of behaviors led the family to seek a holistic evaluation at Vital Wellness Center. We discovered that Jack actually had a combination of issues: moderate ADHD and significant anxiety, exacerbated by underlying sensory sensitivities (particularly auditory sensitivity and tactile defensiveness). Instead of immediately starting stimulant medication, the family pursued a comprehensive plan. This included sessions with a child therapist to work on Jack’s anxiety coping skills, occupational therapy for his sensory needs, and regular chiropractic adjustments with us to help calm his overactive nervous system. After a few months, Jack made remarkable progress — his focus improved (he could sit through a 20- minute reading period which was impossible before), his worry episodes reduced as he

learned coping strategies and as his body became calmer, and sensory triggers eased (he learned to tolerate socks by gradually desensitizing and with a calmer nervous system overall). Jack’s case shows how distinguishing between overlapping issues leads to a better outcome: treating only ADHD might have missed his anxiety and sensory components. By addressing all facets — and using chiropractic care to reduce that baseline “fight-or-flight” tension — Jack became a much happier kid both at home and school.

• Case Example 2 — “Sophie, 5 years old”: Sophie was a 5-year-old from Aurora who came to our office just before starting kindergarten. Her parents were at their wits’ end with daily meltdowns. Sophie was extremely sensitive to stimuli: loud noises or busy environments would trigger an emotional meltdown (hands over her ears, crying, sometimes even hitting). She also had endless energy — constantly running, jumping, and crashing into the couch. Her preschool suggested she might have sensory processing disorder or even be on the autism spectrum. A developmental evaluation ruled out autism (Sophie was social and verbal), but pinpointed significant sensory processing issues with sensory-seeking (craving movement and deep pressure) and sensory-avoiding (upset by noise and certain touches). She also had some anxiety in new situations (likely because the world felt overwhelming to her). The family began OT for sensory integration and found our pediatric chiropractic center in Crystal Lake to add a neurological component to her care. With consistent chiropractic adjustments, we saw changes in Sophie’s regulation: her mom reported that after a few weeks, Sophie was sleeping more soundly and had fewer random energy bursts in the evening. She started to handle outings better — for example, she got through a trip to the grocery store without a meltdown despite the fluorescent lights and loudspeaker (something that never happened before). In kindergarten, Sophie’s teacher noted she was able to sit through circle time by mid-year, whereas at the start she was constantly wiggling or needing breaks. Sophie’s story highlights that what looked like possible ADHD was really more of a sensory disorder, and by calming and organizing her nervous system (with OT exercises and chiropractic), her “ADHD-like” behaviors diminished. Her anxiety also eased because she could now process her environment without feeling under assault. Sophie transformed from a “frazzled” child to one who is focused and free to learn.

Each child is unique, but these examples show that when we correctly identify the driving issues and support the child holistically, improvements happen. The parents of these kids went from feeling helpless and overwhelmed to feeling hopeful and empowered as they saw their children gain control, confidence, and calm. At Vital Wellness Center, these kind of success stories — a kid sleeping through the night for the first time, or not getting daily calls from the school, or finally enjoying a playdate without chaos — are what fuel our passion.

Helping Your Child Thrive in Crystal Lake, IL and Beyond

If you’re a parent in the Crystal Lake or greater McHenry County area who is worried about

your child’s attention, mood, or sensory sensitivities, know that you’re not alone and that there are comprehensive, supportive options available. ADHD, anxiety, and sensory processing issues may be common, but with the right understanding and approach, your child can overcome their challenges.

A few closing points to remember:

• Don’t rush to self-diagnose: many childhood behaviors can have multiple explanations. Seek a thorough evaluation and trust your parental intuition if you feel something is being missed. You are your child’s best advocate.
• Consider all pieces of the puzzle: sometimes a child needs a blend of solutions (perhaps some tutoring or behavioral therapy for attention skills, plus chiropractic for neurological support, plus changes at school like sensory breaks or seating accommodations). A team approach often works wonders.
• Focus on the root causes, not just symptoms: as we’ve discussed, addressing the neurological root (for example, an overwhelmed nervous system) can lead to improvements in many symptoms at once. It’s like fixing the wiring in a house rather than just screwing in stronger lightbulbs when lights flicker. We encourage looking for providers who share this root-cause philosophy.

Lastly, remember that there is hope. Children’s brains and bodies are incredibly resilient and capable of growth and change. With early intervention and a nurturing, holistic approach, kids with ADHD can learn to harness their creativity and energy, anxious children can gain confidence and peace, and those “out-of-sync” sensory kids can find comfort in their own skin and environment. We have witnessed transformations that are nothing short of amazing — kids who went from daily meltdown and trouble at school to smiling, thriving, and excelling in their own unique ways.

Our Commitment to Your Family

At Vital Wellness Center in Elburn, IL, we are committed to providing professional, compassionate, and confident care for your child. We take the time to truly listen to your concerns and thoroughly evaluate your child’s needs. Our pediatric chiropractic team works alongside local pediatricians, therapists, and educators as needed to ensure your child gets well-rounded support. Being a part of the Crystal Lake community, we take pride in helping children here (and in surrounding communities) grow into their best selves — healthy, happy, and well-adjusted.

If you’re curious about whether our holistic chiropractic approach could benefit your child, we welcome you to reach out. Sometimes the first step is just a conversation — we’re here to

answer questions and guide you toward the answers that feel right for your family. Whether it’s distinguishing ADHD from anxiety, calming a sensory storm, or just helping an overwhelmed kid find balance, we’re here to help. Every child deserves the opportunity to shine, and with the right support, they can.

Your child’s potential is immense — let’s work together to help them thrive!

References:

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Data on ADHD prevalence and co- occurring conditions .
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Data on childhood anxiety and mental health statistics .
3. UC San Francisco News. Sensory processing disorders affect 5 to 16 percent of children; identified as distinct from autism/ADHD with brain research .
4. Capital Area Pediatrics. Differences between ADHD vs. Anxiety in children — symptom comparisons and co-occurrence .
5. Ignite Chiropractic (Cypress, TX). Chiropractic and Sensory Processing Disorder — research on chiropractic’s impact on sensory integration .
6. Frontiers in Psychology (2024). Pilot RCT on chiropractic care for ADHD — noted improvements in oculomotor control and reading in adjusted group .
7. PX Docs — Dr. Tony Ebel. Evidence-informed pediatric chiropractic care — highlights on autonomic balance improvements (HRV) and parents seeking drug-free care .
8. Case series review (Gotlib et al., 2008) on chiropractic outcomes in ADHD — reported improvements in concentration, behavior, sleep, etc.