Movement (Vestibular) (Hypersensitive)

 

• Dislikes movement activities.

• Struggles with sport due to finding the movement difficult.

• May have travel sickness.

• Becomes emotional with unexpected movement.

• Feels dizzy and sick from simple movement.

• Likes to be sitting or have feet on ground at all times.

• Struggles to stop quickly.

• May struggle with balance.

• Hates having head backwards or upside down.

 

Support

 

• Practice balance activities.

• May need to use stairs instead of lifts (feel connection to ground).

• Encourage development of Vestibular (Movement) System by swinging, see-saws, bouncing on a trampoline etc.  Begin gently to build up tolerance.  If they begin to feel dizzy or sick, stop the activity.

• Provide enough movement but not too much.  Set time limits so that they don’t become over-stimulated.

 

Movement (Vestibular) (Hyposensitive)

 

• Enjoys movement activities such as rocking, spinning, swinging.

• Active, always moving to gain sensory input.

• Enjoys climbing, falling.

• Makes impulsive movement without regard for safety.

• Doesn’t feel dizzy.

• Has problems sitting still.

 

Support

 

• Encourage development of Vestibular (Movement) System by swinging, see-saws, bouncing on a trampoline etc.

• Allow movement breaks so they can release some energy.

• Provide enough movement but not too much.  Set time limits so that they don’t become over-stimulated.

• Get them to sit on an exercise ball, wiggle cushion, sensory wedge to provide sensory input when trying to concentrate.

• Use fidget toys, stress balls which may help with concentration.