Today, 1 in 36 children receives an autism diagnosis—and that number continues to rise. Yet, for many families, this diagnosis often comes with more confusion than clarity. Parents are left searching for real answers and meaningful support, all while navigating the ups and downs of daily life.

If you’re a parent on this journey, you’ve probably heard terms like neurodiversity or conversations about being proudly autistic. While it’s important to honor and celebrate every child, the reality for families whose children fall into Level 2 or Level 3 autism can be more complex than what’s often discussed.

Your child may struggle with sleep, communication, or sensory overload that can lead to long stretches of distress. You’ve seen their nervous system in constant overdrive, and you may feel like you’re running on empty trying to hold everything together.

And often, the explanation you’ve been given is simple: “It’s genetic. This is just how your child is wired.”

But what if there’s more to the story?

Luke’s Story: A Mother’s Journey Toward Hope

Jacqui’s son Luke was developing beautifully until around 13 months old, when everything shifted. He stopped talking, eye contact disappeared, sleep became a nightly struggle, and he seemed to pull further away from his family.

Jacqui faced the question that so many parents wrestle with: “Will my child ever connect again?”

Determined not to give up, she explored different avenues of support. While Luke was also receiving traditional therapies, what made a big difference for him was discovering neurologically-focused chiropractic care.

“Chiropractic has been our #1 tool the whole time,” Jacqui shared. “It helped Luke calm, regulate, and begin connecting again on a deeper level.”

One breakthrough moment came right in the chiropractor’s office—Luke spoke his first words again after an adjustment. From that point forward, his progress continued.

Today, Luke is a thriving 10-year-old—happy, calm, and full of personality.

Understanding Autism Levels

Autism is categorized into three levels based on support needs:

• Level 1: Requires support with social communication and flexibility in behavior.

• Level 2: Requires substantial support, with more challenges in communication and behaviors that affect daily life.

• Level 3: Requires very substantial support, with more significant difficulties in communication, interaction, and regulation.

While these levels help identify what kind of support a child may need, what families are rarely told is that these levels don’t measure what’s happening beneath the surface in the nervous system—and that’s where real breakthroughs often begin.

The Role of the Nervous System

For many children, their challenges don’t stem only from genetics, but from stressors that overwhelm the developing nervous system. These can include things like:

• High stress during pregnancy

• Birth interventions (such as induction, forceps, vacuum, or C-section)

• Prematurity or low birth weight

• Early exposure to antibiotics, medications, or toxins

Together, these factors can contribute to what we call neurological dysregulation—when the nervous system becomes “stuck” in survival mode. This affects digestion, sleep, immune health, and brain-body connection, showing up as developmental delays, sensory challenges, and difficulties with regulation.

Children at Level 2 or Level 3 often experience deeper and more intense dysregulation, which explains why they need higher levels of support.

Measuring What Truly Matters

At Foundation of Stone Pediatric & Perinatal Family Chiropractic, we use advanced technology called INSiGHT Scans to measure nervous system function directly. These scans look at patterns of stress, regulation, and communication within the body, giving us a clear picture of how deeply the nervous system may be impacted.

Instead of a “one-size-fits-all” approach, this allows us to create care plans tailored to your child’s unique needs and to track their progress as their nervous system begins to find balance again.

What This Means for Your Family

An autism diagnosis may feel overwhelming, but it does not define your child’s future. Their current level of support is simply a reflection of where they are today—it doesn’t set the limit for what’s possible tomorrow.

When the nervous system begins to regulate and heal, children at any level can make progress. Every small step forward is a sign of growth, connection, and potential.

A Message of Hope

If you’ve ever been told, “This is just how things will always be,” know that there are other paths worth exploring. Parents’ instincts are powerful, and if you feel there’s more that can be done for your child, you’re probably right.

At Foundation of Stone Pediatric & Perinatal Family Chiropractic, we are here to walk alongside you. With tools like INSiGHT Scans and nervous system-centered care, our goal is to help children and families move forward with more peace, balance, and connection.

Every child deserves the chance to thrive. Every family deserves hope. And every parent deserves support on this journey.

Start by learning more about neurologically-focused approaches to autism care. At Foundation of Stone, we understand “The Perfect Storm” concept and use INSiGHT Scans to measure and track nervous system function. If you are not local to us, check out the PX Docs directory to find a PX Docs office near you.