The Vestibular System by Kioko Center

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THE VESTIBULAR SYSTEM AT KIOKO CENTER
The vestibular system, located in the inner ear,
gives us information about how our head is
oriented in space and is essential for balance.
www.kiokocenter.com
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VESTIBULAR SYSTEM
The vestibular system is closely linked to the
visual system and postural control. Some children
experience challenges related to the development
of this system, and it may reflect in their poor
balance, frequent movement-seeking behaviors, or
reluctance to participate in activities that
involve positional changes.
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OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS PROVIDE INTERVENTIONS

• Seek vestibular input- These children love to
  spin, swing, and be on the move.
• Have postural control challenges- Postural
  challenges are indicated by frequent leaning,
  falling out of a chair, or a child resting their
  body on a table surface.
• Have perceptual challenges- Children who often
  appear uncoordinated or have trouble timing the
  movement of their body to music (such as during
  circle-time songs) may fall into this category

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THE PLAYGROUND
Playgrounds have built-in structures that are
perfect for getting vestibular input. Slides
provide an opportunity for children to both climb
and descend in a smooth movement. Many play areas
have various swing choices, giving children a
chance to sit or lay down (as in a tire swing).
Both spinning for a short amount of time and
pushing back and forth can provide organizing
input. Monkey bars work well for both climbing
and hanging upside-down- an impactful way to
change the position of the head.
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AT HOME
Children naturally work on developing their
vestibular system in outdoor spaces. Climbing up
rocks or hills, log-rolling down a grassy hill,
or practicing somersaults or cartwheels can all
be done without special equipment. Jump-roping,
riding a bicycle, and rocking on a porch swing,
are also organizing activities children can do
outside.
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THE GYM OR OT CLINIC
OT clinics have special tools that can target a
childs specific vestibular system needs and
build skills in other identified areas of need at
the same time.
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In these spaces, youll often find climbing
equipment, scooter boards, balance beams, a
variety of different swings, spinning boards, and
more.
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THE KIOKO CENTER
NEED A CONSULTATION for your Kid?
820 Turnpike St 104, North Andover,
Massachusetts 01845, United States
kioko_at_kiokocenter.com
kiokocenter.com