The vestibular system in highly sensitive children is often overlooked, but it can be a huge contributing factor to meltdowns, tantrums, and difficulty focusing. This system, located in the inner ear, is responsible for our sense of balance, movement, and spatial awareness. Because it plays such an essential role in how we perceive and interact with our environment, understanding the vestibular system and vestibular disorders can help moms better navigate parenting a highly sensitive child. It might just be the missing link that helps your kiddo feel calm and regulated.
The vestibular system is a sensory system, like sight and touch, that processes information about movement and head position in relation to gravity. Our vestibular sense works silently, helping us move with confidence and navigate the world without feeling dizzy or disoriented.
It helps us determine things like which way is up and whether we are moving forward or backward, as well as postural control. Its contributions extend beyond this, sending information to our brains that helps maintain balance and coordination, control eye movements, and regulate muscle tone.
The vestibular system also plays a role in spatial orientation and body awareness—all crucial aspects of how we learn, interact with our environment, and understand our bodies in space.
Highly sensitive children (HSCs) often experience the world with heightened intensity. Their brains process sensory information differently, meaning they tend to pick up more detail and subtle nuances in their surroundings, whether auditory, visual, or tactile. They’re constantly processing incoming sensory information at a faster rate than less sensitive kids, which can lead to overstimulation, overwhelm, and challenges in regulating their emotional responses.
HSCs often react more strongly and experience things more intensely than their less-sensitive peers. This sensitivity affects their vestibular processing, too, meaning some HSCs are easily overwhelmed by movement, experiencing dizziness or nausea more easily. Others however, crave movement—spinning, swinging, jumping—as a way to regulate their system and seek vestibular activities.
Just as kids react to sensory input in various ways, there’s a spectrum of vestibular responses in HSCs. Some kiddos may crave intense movement, while others might shrink away from it, fearful of even simple playground equipment like swings. Recognizing these differences is crucial in providing your child with the appropriate support they need.
These are just a few examples, but remember each child is unique, and sensory processing challenges will vary. If you suspect that your HSC is sensitive to vestibular input, consulting with an occupational therapist or pediatrician. They can help provide a professional assessment and tailor strategies that suit your child’s specific needs. The Napa Center has a great resource for helping understanding the vestibular system and finding an occupational therapist. Remember, professional guidance will be essential in supporting your little one’s healthy development. Occupational therapy helping children is something that has been heavily researched, and is one of the best early interventions you can do to help your child.
Imagine this. You’re pushing your HSC on a swing. It’s all giggles and squeals at first, and then the laughter morphs into tears as they frantically cry out to “STOP.” The gentle back and forth motion that delights other children sends your child’s senses into a tailspin, causing them to feel dizzy and overwhelmed.
Another situation that can feel all-too-familiar to moms of vestibular-sensitive kids? Bath time. This nightly routine becomes an epic struggle as tipping their head back to rinse shampoo sends them into an absolute meltdown. Tears, screams, and fear dominate what could be a soothing end to their day. These scenarios highlight how sensory processing issues like those related to the vestibular system are much more than just behavioral quirks—they’re physiological responses that profoundly affect a child’s comfort, safety, and overall experience.
Armed with an understanding of the vestibular system in highly sensitive children, moms can implement supportive strategies and adjustments at home to reduce anxiety and discomfort, providing a sense of control and calmness. Think of this awareness as another tool in your “calm mama” toolbox. Providing them with calming activities such as a rocking chair, could help regulate their vestibular systems.
| Vestibular System Sensitivity | Strategies for Parents |
|---|---|
| Overstimulation with movement (spinning, swings, etc.) | Start with shorter, gentler movements and gradually increase exposure. Offer calming activities like rocking or swaying. Occupational therapy activities, tailored by a professional, are extremely helpful for kiddos in learning to regulate. |
| Fearful of Heights/Movement | Allow your HSC to climb, explore, and test limits at their own pace. Avoid pushing beyond their comfort zone, as it can exacerbate fears. Remember, providing choices will help empower them as they work through this. Occupational therapy exercises may also help reduce this anxiety by gradually increasing exposure to heights in a safe, controlled environment. |
| Under-Responsive/Seeking Movement (craves intense motion) | Offer lots of opportunities for safe movement exploration. Think playground adventures, trampolines (with adult supervision), dancing, swinging—all those physical activities that get your kiddo’s heart rate up. Recreational therapy, led by a qualified professional, is a great way for kids to find activities that help them meet their sensory needs. |
Adjustments in your daily routine can make all the difference. Allow extra time for transitions like bath time or going to new places, anticipating potential challenges. These mindful changes demonstrate your support, sensitivity, and willingness to tailor your parenting to their needs. This proactive approach is vital to building trust and fostering emotional resilience in your sensitive kiddo.
Remember that knowledge is power. The more we understand the role of the vestibular system in highly sensitive children, the better equipped we’ll be as mothers to create nurturing and empowering environments that support their sensory needs and foster a deep sense of belonging, acceptance, and love. After all, creating calm for ourselves means creating calm for our kids, setting everyone up for a more harmonious, fulfilling parenting journey.
One tell-tale symptom of a child being overly sensitive to vestibular stimulation is getting upset or anxious on a playground swing, even when swinging slowly. They might complain of feeling dizzy or nauseous, even cry out for you to stop swinging. Gravitational insecurity—fear or avoidance of having their feet off the ground, climbing high, or even tipping their head back (as in getting hair washed)—is another sign of vestibular system sensitivity.
Children with vestibular challenges might also have difficulty maintaining their balance. They could have a hard time with fine motor skills that require coordination. You might notice your child struggling with visual tracking or losing their balance easily.
A combination of approaches may be used to treat vestibular dysfunction. Working with an occupational therapist skilled in sensory integration is key to a customized plan to address vestibular hypersensitivity. They’ll guide you and your child in a variety of age-appropriate therapeutic activities aimed at desensitizing.
Vestibular rehabilitation, as provided at facilities like the Cleveland Clinic’s specialized Balance Disorders Program, offers specific exercises and therapies designed to reduce dizziness and improve balance function. Incorporating stress-reduction techniques as part of daily life is important as stress often exacerbates sensitivities. Slow rocking or swaying movements may also provide calming input for those with vestibular hypersensitivity.
The key lies in professional guidance to identify triggers, provide safe exposure, and gradually work toward greater tolerance and comfort with movement.
It’s a tough question, and experts don’t have all the answers. Often, the causes are complex and can involve a combination of factors, and more research is always being done to better understand how it works. Sometimes, the underlying causes are genetic or might be associated with other medical conditions or syndromes. In other instances, premature birth, ear infections, or head injuries may play a role. Some children have a underdeveloped vestibular system, which could cause issues.
Early identification and intervention are crucial in helping kiddos build skills and confidence while navigating the world more smoothly. Consulting a trusted healthcare provider or pediatric specialist can help identify potential causes and determine the best course of action. For many, therapy or engaging in vestibular exercises, even from an early age, can significantly impact these issues. It’s important to address your child’s pediatrician with any concerns, as they can offer insight and support your journey.
Vestibular sensory seekers are kids who adore all forms of motion and can’t get enough. Instead of being sensitive, their brains are under-responsive to movement, causing them to seek constant stimulation. Think spinning until they’re dizzy (or not dizzy.), rocking constantly, hanging upside down, jumping endlessly on the trampoline, or loving fast-moving amusement park rides. They crave strong movement to give their system what it needs.
They also often love being airborne and don’t show typical fear of heights, which can make supervision extra crucial. While their high energy and constant movement may pose behavioral challenges in classrooms or quiet spaces, supporting their needs with structured activities can create outlets for healthy regulation. Treasure hunts are a great example of an activity that allows children to explore their environment and get the movement they crave. Yoga poses, such as downward dog, can also be regulating for a child’s vestibular system.
As mothers navigating the intricate journey of parenting a highly sensitive child, our roles are full of wonder and sometimes even a bit overwhelming. Understanding how the vestibular system in highly sensitive children works can give us essential insight into supporting their needs. Remember, each sensitive child processes the world in their own unique way.
Early intervention is crucial for children who are experiencing vestibular challenges. If your child is struggling, don’t hesitate to seek help from an occupational therapist. With the right support, your child can thrive and reach their full potential. Creating a sensory-friendly home can make a world of difference for a child with vestibular sensitivities, allowing them to feel safe, secure, and better able to pay attention.
How The Vestibular System Impacts Highly Sensitive Children
Jill Gilbert
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