How can Balance affect your Child’s School Skills?

The vestibular system is one of our most important senses and it’s a sense that many of us don’t often think about.

While we are going about our day our vestibular systems are hard at work evaluating the space around us and adapting our bodies for movement through that space.

But… How does the vestibular system work?

Our vestibular system is located in the inner ear and is made up of 3 semicircular canals filled with fluid. Each canal detects a different type of movement: rotary (rotational), linear, (up and down), and tilting side to side. As the fluid shifts within these canals receptors within the inner ear send signals to your brain to signal your body to adjust and maintain balance within a space. 

Then… How does balance affect my child’s school skills?

As our brain detects our head movements, our brain tells our bodies to adjust our core postural muscles appropriately. This is how we stay balanced and upright in both standing and seated positions. Our core postural muscles help stabilize our eyes much like a camera on a tripod. If our vestibular system isn’t functioning properly our eyes are not able to appropriately perceive and process information for activities such as reading, writing, copying, and performing other visual motor tasks.

So… What are the signs of vestibular dysfunction?

Children and adults with an unintegrated vestibular sense may seem ‘lost in space’.

They may lose their balance often, bump into their surrounding, have difficulty ambulating on uneven surfaces, crave or dislike spinning movements, suffer from motion sickness, and have difficulty sitting still. 

What can be done to help?

If you suspect that you or your child has vestibular dysfunction or vestibular sensitivities there are therapies that can help. Speak with your doctor to find out if they recommend vestibular rehabilitation. Elevation Health and Therapeutic Services offers occupational therapy evaluation and treatments for children with vestibular sensitivities.  

References

Kawar, M. J., Frick, S. M., & Frick, R. (2005). Astronaut training: a sound activated vestibular-visual protocol for moving, looking & listening. Vital Links.