From Silence to Confidence: Brayden's Story of Healing Through Neurologically-Based Chiropractic Care
When Brayden’s mom first called our office, she had one big question:
“Can chiropractic care help with selective mutism?”
We had never worked with a child who had been diagnosed with it before—but we knew one thing for sure: when the nervous system is regulated, incredible things happen.
And Brayden’s story is living proof of that. 💜
What Is Selective Mutism?
Selective mutism is a childhood anxiety disorder where a child who is otherwise physically capable of speaking finds themselves unable to do so in certain settings—often at school, in social environments, or around unfamiliar people.
It’s not stubbornness or behavioral defiance—it’s a nervous system response. These children often want to speak but feel physically frozen or overwhelmed when they try. Their silence is often misunderstood, but at its core, selective mutism is a signal that the body is stuck in a protective state, unable to fully regulate or feel safe.
And that’s where chiropractic care enters the story.
The Nervous System Connection
Your child’s nervous system is responsible for everything—communication, regulation, motor function, focus, digestion, sleep, emotional control, and more. When it’s under stress, the body shifts into a constant state of "fight or flight"—a state where survival comes first and higher functions (like speech and emotional expression) take a back seat.
At Edified Chiropractic, we use neurologically-based scans to assess where stress is being held in the nervous system. These scans don’t diagnose—they reveal how the body is functioning. When we see patterns of heightened stress or dysregulation, we know exactly how to adjust and support the body’s ability to shift back into a calmer, more connected state.
That’s what Brayden’s care journey focused on: supporting regulation from the inside out.
Brayden’s First Visits
When Brayden first came into our office, he was quiet—really quiet. He avoided eye contact. He didn’t speak. He appeared tense and uncomfortable with even basic interactions. Our team welcomed him with open arms and quiet encouragement, never forcing engagement—just letting him feel safe.
Over time, with consistent, gentle chiropractic adjustments, something started to change.
His posture began to relax. His body started to move with more ease. He started making better eye contact.
And then, he started talking.
A Nervous System Shift
This shift wasn’t just about confidence. It was a sign that Brayden’s nervous system was finally calming down—getting out of that fight-or-flight state and moving into rest, digest, and connect.
Every adjustment built off of the previous one and each interaction we had with him was a glimpse of a child becoming more connected to his environment, his body, and his voice.
The Big Win: “Not Nervous”
Fast forward nearly a year into care: Brayden walked in for his adjustment with a HUGE win to share—
He had just given a full presentation in front of his entire class.
For the first time in his life, he stood up, spoke, and presented like any other student.
We were stunned. His dad was glowing with pride. And after his adjustment, Brayden walked over to our “Weekly Wins” board and wrote:
“Not nervous.”
Two words that speak volumes about how far he’s come.
Why This Matters
We know that not every child with selective mutism—or any diagnosis—will have the same story. But we do know that the nervous system plays a vital role in every single one of them.
When the body is constantly stuck in survival mode, it’s not in a place to learn, speak, or socialize. Our role as pediatric chiropractors isn’t to treat diagnoses—it’s to help a child’s nervous system find safety, balance, and adaptability.
When we do that, we often see improvements in:
Speech and expression
Emotional regulation
Social confidence
Sleep and digestion
Immune function
Learning and focus
The Power of Neurologically-Based Pediatric Chiropractic Care
At Edified Chiropractic, we love helping kids like Brayden by looking at the root of their struggles—not just the symptoms.
Our care process starts with:
A detailed health history to understand your child’s stress timeline
Non-invasive scans to assess nervous system function
Gentle, specific adjustments that help restore communication between the brain and body
Ongoing check-ins and progress scans to make sure we’re moving in the right direction
There are no harsh techniques. No cracking or popping. Just care that honors your child’s needs, rhythms, and development.
What Brayden Has Taught Us
Brayden has become a symbol of resilience and possibility in our office. His story reminds us that sometimes healing looks like standing taller, smiling more, and speaking up after years of silence.
It’s easy to assume that chiropractic care is just for back pain or headaches. But when you understand the nervous system—really understand it—you start to see how every function, every behavior, every struggle may be linked to how the body is processing stress.
That’s the lens we use. And it’s the lens that changed Brayden’s story.
For the Parent Who’s Unsure
If you’re a parent wondering if chiropractic care could help your child—whether it’s for speech delays, anxiety, sensory issues, or something as rare as selective mutism—we see you. And we’re here to talk.
We may not have all the answers, but we do have the tools to look deeper. And we’d be honored to walk this journey with you.
Because just like Brayden, your child has so much potential waiting to be unlocked. 💜
Ready to Start?
Let’s connect.
📍Edified Chiropractic
💌 team@edifiedchiroaz.com
📞 480-903-8008
📲 @edifiedchiroaz
We can’t wait to meet you—and your brave, beautiful kiddo.
