If you are the parent of a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) you know well that keeping things organized, having routines, and maintaining consistency can make a world of difference. When your child is calmer, the day runs smoother, and everyone benefits. As a parent, you do everything you can to eliminate stressors that throw your child off their normal routine. That’s great! But there’s another piece of the puzzle that many overlook—biological stressors.
Let’s talk about the hormone cortisol, also known as the “stress hormone.” When we experience stress, our body releases cortisol, and it can lead to all kinds of issues like anxiety, weight gain, and even depression. For children on the Autism Spectrum, cortisol can contribute to stress-induced “behaviors” that make daily life harder. It’s a vicious cycle: stress triggers cortisol, and cortisol causes more anxiety and stress, making it harder for kids with ASD to calm down.
Here’s where the science comes in. There’s an area of the brain called the HPA axis, which plays a big role in this cortisol release. When triggered, the HPA axis stimulates cortisol production. This part of the brain doesn’t care if the stress comes from a major life event or a minor change in routine—it treats it all the same. One type of stress you might not be aware of is physical stress caused by a misalignment in the upper neck.
That’s right, an upper cervical neck misalignment can cause your child’s body to be in a constant state of stress without you even realizing it. The top two vertebrae in the neck—called the atlas and the axis—are small, highly mobile, and very important. The atlas holds up the head, while the axis allows most of the head’s rotation. These bones are essential, but they’re also easily misaligned, especially in children. A difficult birth or the many falls kids take while learning to walk can cause misalignments in this area.
When these bones are out of alignment, it sends a signal of stress to the body. This activates the HPA axis and increases cortisol levels. Studies have shown that children with ASD have higher baseline levels of cortisol throughout the day. While the exact cause is unknown, this could explain why these children are more easily stressed and have a harder time calming down.
This is where upper cervical chiropractic care comes in. By gently realigning the atlas and axis, we can reduce the body’s stress response and lower cortisol levels. I’ve personally seen the calming effects this has on kids with ASD. Once their upper neck is properly aligned, I’ve noticed that other therapies they are undergoing often show even better results. It’s amazing how much more a child can focus and learn when their body isn’t constantly in a state of stress.
If you have a child on the Autism Spectrum, I encourage you to come into our Chiropractic office in Fort Myers for a free consultation. It doesn’t take long to determine if your child has a misalignment in the upper cervical spine, and the adjustment process is both gentle and effective. Realigning these bones could be a simple, painless way to lower your child’s cortisol levels, reduce stress, and help them thrive. Call us today at 239-243-8810. Let’s help your child live their best life!
