Imagine yourself dancing, spinning, bouncing on a trampoline, rocking in a chair, or riding on a roller coaster? How do these activities make you feel? Do they bring a sense of calm and relaxation, or make you feel more alert? Perhaps you even feel a bit queasy or sick? Let's explore these sensations and delve into the fascinating world of the vestibular system, which has a profound impact on daily functioning, learning, and engagement in various activities.

What is the vestibular system?
The vestibular system, located within the inner ear, is made up of different components that play a crucial role in maintaining balance and coordination. Whenever your head moves in relation to gravity, the vestibular receptors in your inner ear are activated.

Why is it important for our children?
The vestibular system serves as a prominent source of information for the brain, providing vital details about the position and movement of our head in space. Consequently, it plays a significant role in various functional tasks, including:

• Maintaining balance and an upright posture.
• Knowing the appropriate walking speed in different environments or when navigating around people.
• Recognising and responding to situations where our body is at risk of falling.
• Coordinating body movements for skilled activities, such as learning different exercises or riding a bike.

How can I identify if my child has issues with the vestibular processing system?
Here are some signs that may indicate difficulties with vestibular processing:

• Poor balance.
• Challenges with visual processing.
• Limited spatial awareness.
• Difficulty discerning body position or movements.
• Problems with action sequencing.
• Weak visual-motor skills.
• Struggles with bilateral coordination.

Exposing your child to various forms of vestibular input is beneficial for developing an efficient and well-balanced sensory system. Here are some activity ideas to provide vestibular stimulation:

• Swinging back and forth on a swing (fast and slow).
• Going down a slide.
• Jumping on a trampoline.
• Bouncing on a bouncy ball.
• Rocking on a chair or spring horse.
• Practicing animal walking or yoga poses (including going upside down).
• Spinning in a tire swing.
   

Precautions for vestibular sensory input:
Vestibular input has a significant impact and can potentially lead to negative reactions to sensory experiences, which may not become apparent until several hours after the activity. Even if a child initially responds positively, they can still experience sensory overload. It is important to be mindful that children with impaired sensory systems may struggle to recognise when they have received enough sensory input during a therapy session or activity.

Please consult with an occupational therapist for further information and guidance.

 

Reference:

1. Roley, S.S. & Mailloux, Zoe & Miller Kuhaneck, Heather & Glennon, T.. (2007). Understanding Ayres Sensory Integration®. OT Practice. 12. CE-1.

2. Smith-Roley, Susanne & Bissell, Julie & Clark, Gloria. (2015). Occupational Therapy for Children and Youth Using Sensory Integration Theory and Methods in School-Based Practice. The American journal of occupational therapy.