Vestibular issues in Autism

The vestibular system is associated with balance of the body and is present within the inner ear. It allows the detection of the position of the body and different movements. The vestibular system helps maintain balance while walking on uneven surfaces, climbing stairs, etc. and while doing activities like jumping, hopping, and spinning.

Autistic individuals can be hypo or hyper sensitive to the vestibular sensory inputs. When an autistic individual is hypersensitive to vestibular input, they may be afraid of movements, especially sudden ones. In the case of hyposensitivity, the child may engage in vestibular stimming behaviors such as rocking or spinning.

Vestibular issues in autism:

-??????? Sensory processing: Although the vestibular system is present within the inner ear, it works in conjunction with eyes and the sensory receptors within the joints and muscles, allowing to assess the bodily position in space. Sensory issues present in autism thus affects the vestibular functioning of the body.

-??????? Motor skills: Proper vestibular functioning is required for development of motor skills by maintaining balance, posture and muscle tone. The issues in vestibular system leads to motor skill deficits in autism.

-??????? Behavioral manifestations: For autistic children with vestibular hypersensitivity, they may be averse to movement and hence refuse to engage in play or even day to day activities. Hyposensitivity to vestibular input on the other hand can lead to stimming behaviors of spinning and jumping and other seeking behaviors.

-??????? Communication issues: The sensory processing issues related to the vestibular system may also affect how a child responds to different stimuli, affecting speech and language development.

Sensory integration therapy for managing vestibular stimming:

Occupational therapy and sensory integration therapy uses strategies to either stimulate the senses or calm the excessive sensory overload. These activities also aim to improve balance, coordination, and posture.

An occupational therapist usually creates a personalized treatment plan for each child depending on the stimming behavior and other issues.

At Jewel Autism and Child Development Centre, we use a multi-specialty approach to provide therapy to children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. We are the largest team of professionals for Autism therapy in India and we also have a branch in Dubai, UAE.

·??????? Successfully completed 17 years in mainstreaming autistic kids

·??????? Success stories of 150000 + children from 38 countries

·??????? Internship center for 38 universities across the globe

·??????? PhD center for five universities

·??????? First complete child development center in India since 2008

·??????? Biggest CHILD DEVELOPMENT TEAM in India with 180 staff members

·??????? Well established branch in UAE which can cater up to 200 plus kids a day

We believe every child with special needs deserves a chance to experience life like everyone else and it is our mission to provide them the skills and training to realize that dream.

Contact us: Cheriyapally Hospital Buildings, Ooppoottil Kavala, Chalukunnu, Kottayam, Kerala 686001

Phone: +91-9745451747 / +91-9846565524 / +91 9400225922 / +971 547829954

Email: [email protected]

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