#391 - How to Use Vestibular Input Without Overloading the Sensory System

Swinging, spinning, and jumping can be incredible tools for regulation but they can also lead to overstimulation if we’re not careful. In this episode, we’re breaking down how to safely use vestibular input (aka movement) to support sensory regulation without causing meltdowns or motion sickness.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What the vestibular system is and why it’s so important

• The difference between seekers, avoiders, and under-responders

• Signs of vestibular overload and what to look for

• How to safely build up tolerance to spinning, swinging, and movement

• Tips for balancing vestibular input with proprioception for regulation

Thanks for listening 🩷 Share this episode with a parent or therapist who wants to better understand movement and regulation!

LINKS

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All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram 

https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/ 

Harkla Website 

https://harkla.co/ 

Harkla YouTube

​​https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily 

Harkla Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/ 

Harkla Digital Courses

https://harkla.co/collections/courses 

What is Vestibular Input? (Blog Post) 

https://harkla.co/blogs/special-needs/vestibular-input?_pos=4&_sid=58b88ae0e&_ss=r 

What is the Vestibular System? (Podcast)

https://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/21-vestibular-system?_pos=1&_sid=58b88ae0e&_ss=r 

Sensory Dice 

https://harkla.co/collections/focus/products/sensory-activity-foam-dice 

Sensory Sticks 

https://harkla.co/collections/focus/products/sensory-activity-sticks 

Sensory Cards

https://harkla.co/collections/focus/products/sensory-activity-cards 

Research Articles:

Vestibular Input in Children 

https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9067/11/1/2

Vestibular Activity and Development in Children 

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/integrative-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnint.2013.00092/full

Vestibular Dysfunction in Children 

https://vestibular.org/article/diagnosis-treatment/types-of-vestibular-disorders/pediatric-vestibular-disorders/part-i-vestibular-dysfunction-children/ 

Epidemiology of Vestibular Impairments

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6054584/

Assessment of Vestibular Function in the Pediatric Population 

https://www.audiology.org/practice-guideline/american-academy-of-audiology-clinical-consensus-statement-assessment-of-vestibular-function-in-the-pediatric-population/

Effectiveness of Vestibular and Proprioceptive Exercises in Reducing Hyperactivity in Children with Autism

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S305065652500015X#:~:text=Vestibular%20and%20proprioceptive%20training%20significantly,significant%20changes%20in%20vestibular%20function. 

Association of Sensory Processing and Behavioral Challenges in Children 

https://research.aota.org/ajot/article-abstract/78/Supplement_2/7811500008p1/25267/Association-of-Sensory-Processing-amp-Behavioral?redirectedFrom=fulltext