- Hannah Jimenez
The vestibular system is responsible for balance and spatial orientation. Children with an under-responsive vestibular system seek vestibular stimulation and are always moving. They may constantly wiggle in their chair because they need movement to stay alert and focused. Because they are so wiggly, it may appear they are not listening or paying attention, but their movements are increasing their concentration. For vestibular seekers, movement assists and improves learning!
Vestibular seekers will enjoy:
- jumping
- spinning
- being upside down
- swinging
- jumping on the trampoline
- wiggle cushions in the seat of their chair or under their feet
- ball chairs
- therapy band tied to the legs of their chairs providing something to “kick” against
- rocking chairs
- fidgets to keep their hands busy
- being pushed on a car or tricycle
Games like “red light, green light” before a seated activity or use of a supervised swing, hammock, rocking seat, or cocoon pod in the classroom or home can also provide much needed vestibular input.
Vestibular avoiders will particularly dislike:
- fast movements
- being pushed on a tricycle
- backward movements when being pushed on a swing
- spinning movements created on a platform swing or saucer
They generally do not like to swing, spin, or tilt their heads back in any way. These children need alternative activities which do not involve fast, unpredictable movement.
They can be eased into movement activities that involve up and down movements because they are easier to tolerate than backward and spinning movements. Therapists can develop programs to slowly introduce movements that the child does not like. This can help them get used to these movements gradually.
For a deeper dive into vestibular processing, watch or listen to season 4 of our Helping Kids Be Kids podcast!
To learn even more about sensory adaptations and the importance of sensory play, enroll in our FREE online course “Teaching Strategies: Let’s Play!”