What you haven't been told about ADHD in children.

Understanding ADHD in Children from a Different Perspective

Trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviours, and being overly active — these are common symptoms that often lead to an ADHD diagnosis in children.

But many parents still have questions:

• Does my child actually have ADHD?

• What are the underlying causes?

• Are there options beyond medication to support attention and focus?

At House of Chiropractic, we take a different view — one that looks beyond a label or diagnosis to understand what’s really happening in the brain and nervous system.

ADHD and the Brain–Body Connection

ADHD is often described as a challenge “in the brain,” but research into neurodevelopment and the nervous system suggests a deeper relationship.

The nervous system sends constant signals to the brain, and when those signals are imbalanced — often due to stress or early developmental factors — it can influence the way children focus, self-regulate, and manage impulses.

Four Common Stressors That Can Influence Nervous System Function

Many children experience early life stressors that can contribute to an overwhelmed or “fight or flight” dominant nervous system. These may include:

• High stress during pregnancy or birth which can affect early neurological balance.

• Birth interventions such as caesarean delivery, forceps, vacuum extraction, or induction.

• Infant feeding and digestion challenges, such as colic, reflux, or constipation.

• Frequent infections or antibiotic use in the first few years of life, which can influence the gut–brain connection.

These experiences can place additional load on the autonomic nervous system, the part of the body that manages automatic functions like sleep, digestion, and emotional regulation.

When the “Accelerator” Is Stuck On

Children with ADHD symptoms often show signs of sympathetic dominance — when the body’s “accelerator pedal” (the fight-or-flight system) is more active than the “brake pedal” (the rest-and-digest system).

This can look different in every child. Some may appear constantly “on the go,” while others seem exhausted, unfocused, or easily overwhelmed. Both patterns can stem from the same neurological imbalance.

Genetics and Environment — A Balanced View

While genetics can play a role in behaviour and focus, studies in the field of epigenetics show that environment and nervous system regulation have a major influence on how those genes are expressed.

That means while a parent might have experienced similar traits, it doesn’t necessarily determine what their child will experience. The developing brain and nervous system are remarkably adaptable — a concept known as neuroplasticity.

Exploring the Nervous System with INSiGHT Scans

At House of Chiropractic, our approach starts with listening and understanding your child’s full health story.

We may then use INSiGHT Scanning technology, a non-invasive way to measure how the nervous system is functioning. These scans help identify areas where the body may be under stress or out of balance, providing valuable insight into your child’s overall neurological health.

Supporting Families with Education and Insight

Our goal is to help parents better understand how the brain, body, and nervous system interact — and how this understanding can inform choices about supporting attention, focus, and emotional wellbeing naturally.

If you’d like to learn more about our neurological assessment process, or explore resources about ADHD in children, you can contact our team or find more information on our website.