Navigating Movement and Balance

The vestibular system, comprised of the intricate semicircular canals in the inner ear, registers movement in various planes. Challenges in this area can manifest in behaviors such as:

• Experiencing car sickness
• Sitting down when crossing a door threshold
• Constantly seeking or avoiding swinging activities
• Poor balance
• Difficulty changing head position (e.g., washing hair) or maintaining it
• Fear of heights or climbing

Nurturing Strength and Coordination

The proprioceptive system, housed within our muscles, allows us to move with purpose. Issues in this area might result in the behaviors of your child like:

• Displays weakness and fatigue easily
• Intentionally bumps and crashes into objects
• Stomps feet on the ground
• Constantly chews on items
• Holds pencil either too tightly or too lightly, resulting in messy written work
• Engages in kicking, banging, hitting, or biting behaviors
• Stabilizes against furniture or adults
• Exhibits clumsiness and frequently drops objects
• Locks joints to maintain posture

Navigating the World Through Touch

The tactile system, the body’s first line of communication with the environment, processes sensations related to touch, pressure, temperature, and pain. Challenges here might lead:

• Avoids showing affection, such as hugs
• Struggles with standing in line
• Dislikes holding objects
• Explores using mouth rather than hands
• Touches people or objects excessively
• Reacts aggressively when touched by others
• Has sensitivities to clothing
• Displays picky eating habits
• Tends to be a loner, isolating from others
• Resists change
• Either overreacts to pain or doesn’t notice injuries