Pediatric Occupational Therapy in Charlotte

A child with vestibular hyposensitivity may be seeking vestibular input in order to stimulate their vestibular system. Vestibular input can be very alerting. This means that it can help to increase attention and energy level. Due to how alerting it can be, balance should be sought when giving vestibular input because it can make some children very alert to the point that they have trouble sitting still or learning. It is also a particularly important type of input for us to maintain eye contact. 

Children with vestibular hyposensitivity may have difficulty learning situations. This can be observed in the classroom if a child is constantly moving in their seat because they’re seeking input. This need for movement could be similar in social situations as well. For example, a child may have difficulty sitting to play a board game or for creative activities due to their need to participate in big movement activities instead. 

Some hyposensitive children need vestibular input, such as from swinging, in order to be alert enough to learn successfully. If they are hyposensitive to vestibular input then they may likely need more of this type of input, either in intensity or frequency, in order to satisfy their system. Our systems rely on vestibular input to keep us alert, and aware, and enable us to maintain good eye contact and posture more naturally. Children who are not getting the level of vestibular input that is appropriate to satisfy their systems may have difficulty attending in a classroom setting or appropriately engaging in social situations.

In addition to the classroom difficulties (such as difficulty attending or being alert) they may also have difficulty interacting with peers if they are not receiving the input they need. If they need vestibular input in order to be alert enough to learn, it follows they may also need it to be alert enough to socialize and interact successfully.