Vestibular (Definition and Symptoms)

Definition: Tells a child when he/she is moving, and the direction and speed of that movement. These activities help children develop their posture, balance, and coordination. It gives gravitational security.

Symptoms of Over-Responsiveness:

• as a baby, dislikes being held away from adult's body or tossed in air, may be clingy

• avoids swings, slides, anything that requires feet to be off the ground

• fearful of escalators, elevators, and all heights

• gets motion sick easily

• dislikes leaning back for hair-washing or floating on back in pool

Symptoms of Under-Responsiveness:

• as a baby, needs to be rocked a lot, is happiest in stroller, swing, bouncer

• dislikes sedentary tasks

• is in constant motion, loves spinning, swinging, being upside down

• may have low muscle tone (muscles and joints seem too soft and floppy)

• "W" sitting on floor, slumps, leans in chair

• loves spinning, loves amusement park rides, is a "thrill-seeker"

• rocks self or moves head back and forth while sitting