We often hear about the importance of sensory experiences in a child’s development. We’re told about the significance of touch, sight, taste, smell and hearing, but there’s one lesser-known sensory system that plays a crucial role in our children’s development: the vestibular system. Let’s explore what the vestibular sensory system is and why it’s essential for your child’s growth and well-being.
What is Vestibular Sensory Input?
The vestibular sensory system is responsible for our sense of balance, spatial orientation, and movement. It’s located in the inner ear and comprises a complex network of tiny hair cells that send signals to the brain about the body’s position in space. These signals help us maintain our balance, coordinate our movements, and navigate our environment.
Why is vestibular input calming?
The vestibular system is stimulated through movement. When it’s stimulated, it sends signals to the brain that help organise and regulate levels of alertness, also known as arousal. Many children, particularly those who have a particularly high or low sensory threshold, often experience fluctuating levels of arousal, leading to states of hyperactivity, restlessness, or fatigue and low energy. By adding in vestibular input, this can help bring a child’s arousal level to a “just-right” state where they feel more settled and focused.
While vestibular input is calming for some children, each child is unique! Some children may find certain types of movement overwhelming or overstimulating. For example, spinning before an activity may help one child focus on the next task, but for another child it may give them more energy, that means they want to keep moving. Everyone’s body is different and has its own sensory needs, so it is important to get to know what works for your child as an individual.
How can I use vestibular input to help my child regulate?
- Rhythmic, Gentle Movements: Slow, predictable motions like swinging, rocking in a chair, or gentle bouncing can have a soothing effect on the nervous system. These types of movements are often calming for kids who might feel overstimulated or anxious.
- Balance Activities: Activities that involve balancing, like lying on a therapy ball or standing on a balance board, help activate the vestibular system in a controlled way, giving kids a sense of grounding and security.
- Spinning: Spinning on the spot or a rotating chair can also provide beneficial vestibular input. Many children initiate this themselves – if you notice your child tends to spin or cartwheel, it may be a sign they are looking for this sensory input as their body finds it calming.
- Repetitive Motion: Activities with repetitive motion, like swinging or rolling, can also be self-soothing because they create a sense of predictability and stability.
Remember that you don’t need to buy certain equipment to see if vestibular input is a good fit for your child’s sensory toolbox – there are many effective vestibular activities that don’t require any special equipment and can easily be done at home. This can include spinning, rolling, jumping, hopping, and any upside-down movements (like the downward dog yoga pose, lying over the back of the lounge, handstands, cartwheels, or forward rolls).
Harnessing vestibular input and other sensory systems through movement, like heavy work, can help your child feel calmer and cope with daily challenges. Working with an occupational therapist (OT) can help tailor sensory activities to a child’s specific needs, and give you more ideas on sensory activities you can include in your day to build regulation and routine.
SIENNA SMILEY
Occupational Therapist
