4. How Adoption Affects a Child’s Nervous System: Our Stories, Co-Regulation, and Development (ft. KP Harrington)

Adoption is a beautiful journey, but it’s also important to recognize that every child’s story begins long before they come home.In this episode, I sit down with my friend KP for a conversation that is both deeply personal and rooted in neuroscience. As two adoptees, we share parts of our own adoption stories while exploring how prenatal development, early life stress, co-regulation, and the nervous system can influence a child’s health, development, and resilience.Together, we discuss:Our personal adoption journeys and how they shaped us.How the nervous system develops before and after birth.The role of prenatal and early-life stress in neurological development.Why connection, co-regulation, and a supportive environment matter so much.The incredible adaptability of the nervous system and the hope that comes with understanding it.This episode is not about blame or fear—it’s about education, compassion, and hope. Whether you’re an adoptive parent, considering adoption, working with children, or simply interested in the science of the nervous system, we hope this conversation offers encouragement and a new perspective.Sarah BrodmanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ftdr.sarah_brodmanYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sarahbrodman3226Resources & Links:PX Docs + Learn More from Dr. Tony Ebel (Articles & Educational Resources): https://pxdocs.com/Find a PX Pediatric & Family Chiropractor: https://pxdocs.com/px-docs/Gazerani, P**.** (2025). The neuroplastic brain: Current breakthroughs and emerging frontiers. Brain Research, 1858, 149643.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brainres.2025.149643Frasch, M. G., et al. (2023). Autonomic nervous system dysregulation and pediatric neurodevelopmental conditions. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 14, 1336040. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1336040/fullLicht, C. M., et al. (2021). Heart rate variability and autonomic dysfunction in neurological disorders. BMC Neurology, 21(1), 1-10. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8465800/Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace individualized medical advice