What it is
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
Potential signs | Potential impact | Strategies to assist with learning |
---|---|---|
Potential signsFearful reactions to ordinary movements | Potential impactAvoid physical activities. | Strategies to assist with learningAllow alternative activities that do not require high vestibular input such as activities when sitting or standing up straight. Allow activities where the movement is controlled by the CYP and not by others. |
Potential signsDifficulty climbing or descending stairs or hills | Potential impact | Strategies to assist with learning |
Potential signsApprehensive about walking on uneven surfaces | Potential impact | Strategies to assist with learning |
Potential signsMotion induced sickness such as fairground rides and cars | Potential impact | Strategies to assist with learning |
Potential signsFear of feet being off the ground | Potential impact | Strategies to assist with learning |
Potential signsDifficulties rolling, laying on back and lifting legs in the air | Potential impact | Strategies to assist with learning |
Potential signsDifficulties in positions where the head is down. | Potential impact | Strategies to assist with learning |
Hyposensitive
Potential signs | Potential impact | Strategies to assist with learning |
---|---|---|
Potential signsSeeking intense movement experiences, for example body whirling, jumping or spinning, crashing, being upside down and running | Potential impactDifficulties concentrating | Strategies to assist with learningAllow movement breaks to fulfil the need for movement, that the CYP is expected to participate well in activities. |
Potential signsStruggling to sit still. | Potential impactMay disturb others in the classroom | Strategies to assist with learningMovement breaks should include proprioceptive activities. |
Potential signs | Potential impact | Strategies to assist with learningSit on air cushion or gym ball. |
Potential signs | Potential impact | Strategies to assist with learningAllow CYP to stand in the back of the classroom if able to concentrate and not disturb others. |