Sensory Processing Disorder Parent Support

Vestibular Toys & Tools for Kids with Sensory Differences

Children with sensory differences ... painting the world beautiful.

Vestibular Toys & Tools for Kids with Sensory Differences

Jeanette Loftus

When we provide a safe sensory environment for movement, vestibular toys can help develop a child's balance, coordination, and spatial awareness. Sensory play is an important part of a child's development and one crucial part of sensory play is the vestibular system, which refers to the balance and spatial orientation.

Sensory vestibular therapy tools are toys that are designed to engage a child's vestibular system. These tools typically involve movement, such as swinging, spinning, or rocking.

The vestibular system plays a vital role in balance and coordination. By engaging this system through sensory vestibular tools, children can improve their balance and coordination skills.

The vestibular system also contributes to a child's understanding of spatial relationships. Sensory vestibular tools can help them become more aware of their body's position in space. In today's sedentary lifestyle, it is essential to encourage physical activity in children. Sensory vestibular tools offer a fun and engaging way to promote movement and exercise.

Helps with Sensory Processing: Sensory processing refers to how the brain interprets and responds to sensory stimuli. Sensory vestibular tools can help children who struggle with sensory difficulties to process and integrate sensory information.

Sensory vestibular tools can benefit all children. Sensory differences refer to individuals who experience sensory processing issues or disorders, such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or sensory processing disorder (SPD).

Therapy Swings: These are designed to provide a safe and comfortable space for children to swing and spin, promoting their vestibular development.

Balance Boards: These tools challenge a child's balance and coordination while providing a fun and enjoyable way to play.

Sit and Spin Toys: These classic toys allow children to spin around while sitting, stimulating their inner ear's balance mechanism.

Trampolines: Jumping on a trampoline can provide a whole-body sensory experience, helping to improve balance, coordination, and muscle strength.

Children with sensory differences, the vestibular system can be under or over-responsive, causing difficulties with balance, coordination, and spatial awareness.