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Vestibular Activities for Sensory Integration Disorder

People with vestibular sensory integration problems often have difficulties coping with their environment. Engaging children in simple activities for both the overactive and underactive vestibular system allows them to grow up into healthy adults.
Certain conditions such as autism and attention deficit disorder respond well to sensory integration therapy and improve the life of a person with either of these conditions.
Rely on a professional trained in this area for the best outcome.

  1. Sensory Integration Disorder

    • The link between the way the brain works and a person's behavior is sensory integration. Sensory integration occurs naturally in most people. After receiving sensory information about things through your five senses as well as from pain or the position of your body, your brain captures this information and reacts to your environment correctly.
      Difficulty processing information from the senses is sensory integration disorder or dysfunction. The brain puts information together incorrectly from the body's senses.
      Sensory integration disorders typically appear in young children. Children with sensory integration disorder display problems in learning, development and behavior.

    Vestibular System

    • Vestibular sensations determine our sense of balance. The structures in the ear not responsible for hearing make up the vestibular system. This system detects our orientation to gravity and our movement through space even in the dark. The vestibular system helps us maintain our equilibrium while we spin, rock, sway or bend.
      Additional vestibular system functions include muscle tone, and language. Changing head positions, shifting your weight, and using both sides of your body develop a good vestibular system

    Oversensitive To Movement

    • Children with overactive vestibular systems prefer slow movement, avoid risk-taking and avoid activities that require good balance and fast movement. They are fearful of falling, elevators, going up and down stairs and being tipped upside down.
      Activities for people with an overactive vestibular system include moving heavy objects, tumbling, slow repetitive rhythmic movements such as Tai Chi, water aerobics, or swaying in a rocking chair. Firm pressure on the body from hugs and compression devices also help.

    Undersensitive To Movement

    • These children enjoy fast spinning and swinging. They enjoy jumping, partake in dangerous activity and move while sitting.
      Movements suggested for these children help their brains organize and process information more effectively and efficiently by using a series of physical activities to activate the vestibular system.
      This prevents falling, keeps body parts properly aligned, and contributes to coordinated movement.
      Outdoor and indoor swings give children of every age the vestibular activity they need.
      Rocking toys calm youngsters who have sensory integration disorders. Bouncing on a large ball improves balance.
      Monitor the child during any vestibular activity. Watch for signs of over-stimulation.

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