Vestibular stimulation is the input that your body receives when you experience movement or gravity. It can be mild; nodding your head or climbing stairs or it can be intense; skydiving or a rollercoaster

Characteristics of Vestibular Dysfunction

• Vestibular input has an impact on arousal. Too much vestibular input may lead to overarousal and too little vestibular input may lead to underarousal.
• Hypersensitive: The child who is hypersensitive to vestibular input is more responsive to sensory input and will avoid movement. The child might:
  • be fearful of moving equipment
  • be fearful of simple challenges to balance
  • may appear lethargic
  • may appear to have low muscle tone
  • may avoid active play
• Hyposensitive: The child who is hyposensitive to vestibular input is less responsive to sensory input and will seek movement. The child might:
  • appear to need to move
  • enjoy busy, energetic activities
  • appear to be in constant motion
  • enjoy movement
  • spin, whirl, or bounce frequently

Tips for Providing Vestibular Input

• Slow, rhythmical, predictable movement is calming. For example, swinging, rocking, walking, or slow, gentle spinning in one direction.
• Quick, arrhythmical, unpredictable movement is arousing. For example, jumping, bouncing, running, playground activities like the teeter totter, slide or climber, sports and games like hopscotch, soccer, hockey or tag.
• Supervise and monitor activities as “overload” of the nervous system can occur. Signs of overload include irregular breathing, colour change, sweating, pallor, increased anxiety, change in sleep patterns, etc.
• An activity should be stopped immediately if the child shows any signs of distress and/or discomfort.
• Consultation with an Occupational Therapist is recommended.

Source:
Geneva Centre for Autism
112 Merton Street, Toronto, Ontario, M4S 2Z8
Tel: (416) 322-7877 – Toll Free: 1-866-Geneva-9 – Fax: (416) 322-5894
www.autism.net