The vestibular system is the balance sense. It tells us:
where the body is in relation to gravity for example, when you are spinning, jumping and swinging
whether we are moving or standing still
how fast we are going and in what direction
where our body is in space.
Hypersensitive
(over sensitive)
Potential signs
Potential impact
Strategies to assist with learning
Fearful reactions to ordinary movements
May try to control and manipulate events to avoid stressful sensations. This can look like uncooperative behaviour
This can be more difficult to work on as it requires a graded desensitising approach with guidance from an appropriate professional. However proprioceptive input can help greatly
Can appear clumsy
Can often seek physical support from an adult
Staff will need to be aware of difficulties and not insist on children engaging in activities that they percieve as fearful as this can lead to flight and fight or negative reactions. Instead differentiating activities is important.
Difficulty climbing or descending stairs or hills
Regular accidents from clumsiness
Apprehensive about walking on uneven surfaces
Motion induced sickness such as fairground rides and cars
Fear of heights or of feet being off the ground
Hyposensitive
(less-reactive)
Potential signs
Potential impact
Strategies to assist with learning
Seeking intense movement experiences such as body whirling, jumping or spinning, crashing, being upside down and running
Difficulties concentrating and making academic progress
Riding bikes, trikes and horses
Some children can appear clumsy, with difficulty coordinating both sides of the body
Can delay speech, reading, writing and visual perception (as can all sensory processing difficulties)
Using outdoor play equipment
Move and sit cushions
Bouncing on a gym ball
Regular movement breaks such as running errands
Extra play times, gym trails, space hoppers, scooter boards and spinning dishes
