Vestibular System

The Vestibular System provides perception of body position and movement. Structures that sense the information are housed within the inner ear canal (semicircular canals).

The structures detect movement and changes in position of the head and body.

Vestibular input gives information about where the body is in space, how fast it is moving and what direction it is moving. The Vestibular system contributes to posture and tone.

Characteristics of Vestibular Sensitivities

• May tend to move, rock, spin, or run frequently to ‘fill the bucket’ and activate the vestibular system when needing more
• May avoid rapid and spinning movement if overly sensitive to the vestibular input and ‘bucket is already full’.
• Overly sensitive to movement (Headache/ motion sickness more easily. May appear clumsy. May need to be ‘grounded’, not wanting to move and keep feet on the floor.
• Under sensitive to movement ( spins and rarely seems to get dizzy)
• Calms self by linear rocking
• Alerts self by rapid movement and spinning
• May present with minor injuries to limbs and body when moving rapidly or spinning.
• May need frequent movement for attention and awareness to a task.

Strategies to Address Challenges

• Schedule time in the day for stretches and movement of whole body to refocus on a work task.
• Follow daily schedule or have reminders (alarms in calendar or phone) for when to take a walk or stretch.
• Provide variety of sitting and workstations to provide needed input when working. i.e.- rocking chairs, bean bags, tall tables for standing, lap desks, ‘wiggle’ cushions, etc.
• Running clubs, yoga classes, swimming before or after work or possible during lunch break
• Self-check of body for injuries when doing morning or evening hygiene routine

Considerations for Employment:

While every individual is unique and no one aspect of the individual's strengths or challenges can determine the right employment options, it is critical not to assume individuals with ASD cannot succeed in many environments. In some situations, the differences may actually be the factor that leads to unique employment opportunities. Employment examples below are offered as a way to think differently about the potential of individuals with ASD.

• Create and/or provide input on the development of devices for movement that could help individuals focus in work and school settings.
• Consult on the design of room layouts that will allow for maximum movement and the needed types of movement
• Test equipment designed to create or reduce movement in order to address sensory needs

Return to the Sensory page of the Employment and the Youth with ASD guide.