Sensory integration occurs when the body takes in information through sight, sound, taste, touch and smell and processes this information to find meaning or to store knowledge. Some children with autism have what is known as sensory integration dysfunction, or SID, in which they are able to take in the information around them but the brain has difficulty processing it. In these situations, a child might become overstimulated or resort to self-calming behaviors. Vestibular exercises often are performed to help a child with SID.
Considerations
There are several types of exercises that will stimulate the vestibular system of a child with autism. Each exercise should be performed as the child allows and without forcing him to do more than he wants. Approach the exercises by giving your child enough to do without overstimulating him. The amount of activity and his perception of the activity should be in line. In order to find success with exercises, you might need to reduce other types of stimulation, including those that affect the other senses. Be aware of stimulants such as excessive noise or scratchy clothing that might overwhelm your child and diminish the success of the exercises.
Swinging
The back and forth movement of swinging stimulates the vestibular system and can be as fast or as slow as you like. If you have a swing set or access to a park, try pushing your child on the swings. Allow him to choose how high he wants to go. If he is old enough, he might be able to help to keep the swing going. If your child is smaller, you also might try picking him up and holding him in your arms, lying on his back. Gently swing his body back and forth from side to side. You also can perform this exercise holding your child in a sitting position.
Bouncing
Bouncing moves the body up and down, and the eyes must refocus with changes in head position. According to Brain Training Associates, approximately 20 percent of the visual neurons react to vestibular exercises. Use a large exercise ball and have your child sit on top of it. Holding his hands for balance, bounce him up and down while sitting on the ball. Your child might want to control his bouncing by doing it on his own. Try having him sit on his knees and holding his hands and bounce up and down. Small trampolines also are useful for bouncing, take up little space and are easy to use.
Twirling
Twirling exercises stimulate the body to use its sense of balance. If you have an office chair that rotates, let your child sit in it and slowly turn him over a period of two minutes. This exercise can be performed with his eyes open or closed. Another type of movement is log rolls. Have your child lie on the floor and roll from one side of the room to the other, keeping his body straight. This also can be performed with eyes open or closed. With these exercises, if your child becomes dizzy, slow the movements until he can tolerate it, but try to continue with the exercises.
