In recent years, sensory swings for kids with disabilities, have been widely adopted in therapy. Sensory swings especially help people on the autism spectrum, kids with Asperger’s syndrome or kids with a sensory processing disorder. These swings have many therapeutic benefits. Kids with these disabilities often find it difficult to process their movements and movements around them. This is called a vestibular dysfunction. Most of us are aware of our five senses (hearing, touch, smell, sight, and taste). However, the sixth important sense which is often forgotten is the vestibular sense (the movement sense). This is responsible for how we process stimuli around us and navigate our bodies.
This sense allows to understand movement and control our balance. Such as how fast to walk, what direction to walk in and not to fall over. The vestibular sense allows us to understand where we are positioned in relation to gravity (like how close they are to other objects).
The system responsible for all this movement is called the Vestibular system. It is in the inner ear and connected to the brain. Kids with a well-developed vestibular system have good spatial awareness, a sense of positioning, hand eye co- ordination and good balance. For example, they can run, walk, zip up their jacket, tie their lace, eat with a fork, and play sports. They can carry out an array of movements with confidence.
These movements may be perceived as easy for most people. However, some kids with a vestibular dysfunction or with a sensory processing disorder, can find these activities very challenging. They can be hypersensitive (over sensitive to movement) or under- sensitive to movement. They struggle to understand the movements around them which can be very frustrating for them as they feel little sense of control. A great way to help kids control their movements is to use a sensory swing.
Sensory swings provide a haven of comfort for kids with these conditions as it allows them to feel more in balance and helps them with body awareness. The swing allows them to escape from the overwhelming sensory stimuli in the world. The gentle swinging motion allows them to rock peacefully like a baby in their mother’s arms.
Kids with this condition tend to struggle with everyday activities as they are overwhelmed and find it hard to process vestibular input. Swinging on a sensory swing help them increase balance and co ordination and become more in tune with movement. It helps speed up their exposure to sensory inputs and will allow them to better understand how to control their bodies and understand their physical space.
Sensory swings can be used both indoors and outdoors and sensory swings as a mechanism to help kids with disabilities has been widely used for years now and have had great success. For more information on how our sensory swings can help you child, call Bernie on 0599132844 or visit our product page.