Advice and resources : Vestibular (movement) system
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Sensory processing
The unconscious way our brain takes in information from the environment and our bodies.
Learn moreProprioception (body awareness and body position)
An awareness of body position - where our body is in relation to the immediate space around us.
Learn moreBalance
Good balance skills help us to correct ourselves, sit, stand, and stay upright in unstable conditions.
Learn moreHow can we help
Sensory processing
The unconscious way our brain takes in information from the environment and our bodies.
Learn moreProprioception (body awareness and body position)
An awareness of body position - where our body is in relation to the immediate space around us.
Learn moreBalance
Good balance skills help us to correct ourselves, sit, stand, and stay upright in unstable conditions.
Learn moreOverview
The vestibular sense helps us stay balanced, move safely, and maintain good posture.
Special sensors in the inner ear send messages to the brain about where our body is and how it is moving. The brain uses this information to help us move and stay balanced.
Sometimes the brain does not process these movement signals in the usual way. Some people may be very sensitive to movement, while others may not notice movement as much.
If someone is very sensitive to movement, they may feel overwhelmed, worried or frightened by certain activities and may try to avoid them. If someone is less sensitive to movement, they may look for more movement activities because they need extra movement to feel satisfied.
Our video explains postural stability, balance and alertness, and how they affect everyday activities.
Over-responsive movement (vestibular) system
A child that has an over responsive movement system may:
- be fearful of movement
- not want to play on playground equipment
- dislike escalators or lifts
- be travel sick
- dislike a change in head position, for example, head being tilted back during hard washing
How you can help a child with an over-responsive vestibular system
- When travelling, encourage your child to look out of the window and hold a toy/object that is easy to fidget with without looking, for example a squeezy toy.
- Give them options such as using stairs rather than a lift or escalator.
- Encourage participation in the type of movement they enjoy or tolerate.
- Never force them to participate in an activity.
- Combine movement activities with opportunities to experience proprioception (body awareness).
Under responsive movement (vestibular) system
A child that has an under responsive movement system may:
- be 'on the go’ more than their peers
- need movement in order to concentrate
- take excessive risks, such as not showing fear when jumping from a big height
How you can help a child with an under-responsive vestibular system
- Provide your child with lots of opportunities to experience movement, such as going to the park regularly, swimming and trampolining.
- Create a safe environment in which they can experience movement such as if you are using a garden trampoline, ensure it has a safety net.
- Provide more opportunity to practice certain movement related skills such as jumping and swinging.
- Split the day into small sections to allow for frequent movement breaks.
- Get them to sit on an inflatable cushion such as a Movin' Sit Cushion or disc cushion.
Related services
Occupational Therapy Service for children and young people
- Children & young people
Help for children and young people up to the age of 19 who have difficulties doing everyday activities, such as dressing and feeding.
Occupational Therapy Service for children and young people: Go to service