Now that we all know the basics of sensory processing and integration we wanted to dive into more detail with each individual sensory system. First up, vestibular!
This is your 'spidey' sense. The sense that tells us where our head is, and its position (upright, upside down, laying down, etc.) in relation to the rest of our body; as well as how fast we are moving through space at any given moment throughout the day. The vestibular system also tells our brains a lot about gravity!
Couple cool facts about this system:
It's the first sense to send input to the developing brain in utero (as early as 8 weeks gestation!) WOW!!
It is the foundation for all other sensory, motor skills, self-regulation and impulse control, behavior, and learning
This system allows us to navigate our environment (unconsciously) with ease
Activation of the vestibular system engages our core musculature, which stabilizes the eyes while our bodies are in motion!
It can take the brain 8+ hours to process intense (typically rotary or spinning) vestibular input
Influences digestive functioning, bowel and bladder control, and overall homeostasis
What does optimal functioning (integrated) vestibular processing look like?
Adequate body awareness
Ability to start and stop movement activities (i.e. doesn't need to take several additional steps to slow down their body when running)
Has age appropriate motor skills
Can hold their body up against gravity without effort
All other sensory and motor skills fall easily into place along the developmental continuum
Vestibular modulation vs discrimination dysfunction:
We touched on the differences between modulation and discrimination in our sensory processing 101 post. Head back over there if you need a little refresher!
Modulation:
Over responsive:
Avoids/dislikes having feet off the ground
Easily car sick/motion sick
Frequently gets dizzy when other children don't
Cautious/ nervous while moving
'Typically' achieves gross motor milestones later (rolling; sitting; crawling; walking)
Can sometimes be overwhelmed just by watching others (people/objects) move
Dislikes tummy time and swings as infant
Needed to constantly be cuddled/held as a baby; doesn't like to be on the floor
Struggles tolerating being put on their backs
Cries in rear facing car seats; can tolerate front facing car seats
Under responsive:
Seeks movement to the point of it interfering with daily routines
Spins or twirls more than others
Takes movement or climbing risks
Difficulty sitting still
Constantly on the go-moving; struggles moving their bodies slowly
Craving:
Enjoys swinging and other movement play
Pursues movement often throughout the day to stay regulated (in homeostasis)
Can look impulsive/struggles with stopping
Loves amusement park rides
Discrimination:
Poor postural stability
Difficulty with visual skills/hand-eye coordination
Awkward/clumsy coordination
Struggles to maintain positions against gravity
Falls out of their chair frequently
Difficulty with learning and copying from board at school
What are some signs to look for if you think there is poor vestibular processing/integration?
*(not all children will display each sign)
Decreased body awareness - may run into things
Clumsy or uncoordinated
Unable to 'sit still' or described as hyperactive
Easily gets dizzy, car sick, or motion sick
Poor hand-eye coordination; especially when body is in motion (i.e. baseball)
May fall out of chair at school
Fearful of heights and dislikes having feet off the ground
Heightened Moro reflex (startle) response
May not enjoy swings, riding a bike, or climbing playground equipment like other same age children
Close to home
One of Amy's twins, 'D' as he'll be referred to, has what we OT's call gravitational insecurity. D was breech in utero. He did not turn, rotate, or flip from 20 weeks gestation on; partly because there was limited space to do so! That also meant that his vestibular system was getting limited amounts of input (mainly the sensation of being "upright").
D's signs of decreased vestibular processing included:
Disliked having head in any position other than upright
Didn't 'enjoy' having feet off the ground
Was extremely cautious with his movements
Walked later than his twin sister
Had a significantly heightened Moro (startle) reflex - loud noises (generally low frequency sounds like a blender or vacuum), or unexpected sounds were his biggest trigger
Became extremely dysregulated with any type of vestibular input - which came across as frequent crying/emotional instability, being very clingy, and difficulty being consoled.
With early intervention from mom, D has made huge strides in the area of vestibular processing and now enjoys many of the things that once created fear and anxiety for him. It is never too late to work on integrating our sensory systems. Early intervention is BEST, because our children's brains are making millions of new neural connections every second! That doesn't mean we can't make new ones once we are older.. it just takes a little longer. The brain and nervous system are very powerful and able to change/adapt to new information and experiences with repetition. You know your child best! If you are hesitant and have that 'gut feeling' something is off, talk with your pediatrician. It also never hurts to get a second opinion if you are still weary. Information is power and the more we educate ourselves, the better we can serve our children and families!
Reach out and let us know if you have any specific questions regarding your little ones at any age! Occupational therapy serves individuals through the lifespan, so it is never too late to make a change. We are both an open book!
Be well,
Amy & Cassie
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