SENSORY SYTEMS: VESTIBULAR
The vestibular
system is our sense of movement and gravity.
This system is important because it is a unifying system which forms the
basic relationship of a person to the physical world. Because gravity is our anchor, all other
types of information are processed in reference to basic vestibular
information. Good vestibular processing
is key to developing hand dominance, bilateral coordination, balance, and
complex motor planning. It supports reading fluency and enables us to sequence
components of actions, thoughts, and speech.
Vestibular information also helps us to understand right side up, upside
down, left, right, horizontal and vertical which helps us manage both two- and
three-dimensional space. Providing a
variety of movement activities helps to develop this system. Good activities include swinging, log
rolling, somersaults, and spinning as tolerated by your child. If your child seems sensitive to these
activities, introduce gently and follow with jumping or other proprioceptive
activities.
