The Physicality of Autism: How Chiropractic Care Can Support Autistic Individuals
April is Autism Acceptance Month—a time not just to raise awareness, but to deepen understanding, support neurodiversity, and recognize the many ways autism shows up in the body, not just the mind. While autism is commonly discussed in terms of behavior, communication, and sensory processing, it’s equally important to acknowledge its physical expressions and how chiropractic care can play a supportive role in promoting comfort, function, and overall well-being.
Understanding the Physical Expressions of Autism
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that often includes a wide range of physical and
neuromuscular features, such as:
- Low muscle tone (hypotonia)
- Delayed motor milestones
- Gait abnormalities
- Postural challenges
- Stimming behaviors (like rocking, spinning, or hand-flapping, which can affect spinal
alignment over time) - Sensory processing differences, including hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to touch, pressure, or movement
These physical aspects aren’t just secondary symptoms, they’re central to many autistic individuals’ experiences. They can contribute to discomfort, fatigue, or mobility issues, particularly as demands on the body increase with age, stress, or growth.
The Role of Chiropractic Care in Autism Support
Chiropractic care focuses on the alignment and function of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems—both of which are closely tied to how the body processes and responds to sensory information. For autistic individuals, chiropractic care can offer several key benefits:
1. Nervous System Regulation
Chiropractic adjustment directly influences the autonomic nervous system by affecting the spinal cord and associated neural pathways. In individuals with autism, who may live in a state of chronic sympathetic arousal (fight-or-flight mode), adjustments can help activate the parasympathetic nervous system (rest-and-digest mode). This can support relaxation, improve sleep patterns, and reduce physiological signs of stress. Several case studies and preliminary research suggest that chiropractic adjustments may reduce anxiety and improve adaptability to environmental stressors in autistic children.
2. Postural Support and Movement Efficiency
Many autistic individuals experience low muscle tone (hypotonia), joint laxity, and delayed gross motor development. These challenges can result in altered gait, poor posture, and inefficient movement patterns. Chiropractic care focuses on spinal alignment, joint mobility, and neuromuscular function, all of which are important for balance, coordination, and structural integrity. By supporting better alignment, chiropractic care can reduce physical strain, prevent compensatory movement patterns, and improve overall biomechanics.
3. Pain Reduction and Body Awareness
Autistic individuals may experience musculoskeletal pain or discomfort from repetitive movements, poor postural alignment, or reduced body awareness (proprioception). Chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue work, and proprioceptive stimulation can improve joint mobility, ease tension, and increase the brain’s ability to sense and interpret signals from the body. This may also help reduce self-injurious behaviors related to pain or sensory-seeking. Anecdotal evidence and small clinical trials suggest that some individuals report decreased pain and improved comfort after chiropractic interventions.
4. Customized Sensory-Friendly Care
Many chiropractors who work with neurodivergent populations create sensory-adapted environments with dimmed lights, reduced noise, slower pacing, and a strong emphasis on consent. Gentle techniques, such as instrument-assisted adjustments, craniosacral therapy, or low-force spinal manipulations, can be used to meet the needs of those who are sensitive to touch or sound. These supportive environments help reduce appointment-related anxiety and empower autistic individuals to engage in body-based therapies on their own terms.
What to Look for in a Chiropractor for an Autistic Individual
Not all chiropractors are trained or equipped to work with neurodivergent populations, so it’s
important to find someone who:
- Is trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming
- Communicates clearly and respectfully (with both clients and caregivers)
- Understands sensory differences and provides consent-based care
- Offers gentle, low-force techniques
- Welcomes collaboration with other members of the healthcare team
The Need for Whole-Body, Whole-Person Support
Autism affects the entire body, not just the brain. The physical expressions of autism deserve as much attention and support as any other aspect of health and function. Chiropractic care, when offered with understanding and compassion, can be a powerful ally in helping autistic individuals move through the world with greater comfort, balance, and autonomy.
This April, let’s continue building a more inclusive and supportive world, not just through awareness, but through action, acceptance, and body-based care.
About the Author
Dr. Rachel Knowles is a Doctor of Clinical Nutrition and a proud member of the autism community. As an autistic
practitioner, she brings a unique, lived understanding to her work and specializes in supporting neurodivergent individuals through personalized nutrition and integrative care. Her approach is rooted in compassion, empowerment, and respect for neurodiversity, with a focus on helping autistic individuals and families navigate health in ways that honor their sensory, emotional, and physiological needs.
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