Gravitational Insecurity

On February 8^th, I shared how children with sensory issues can be classified as having sensory defensiveness, registration problems, modulation issues, and sensory integration problems. In that blog entry, I reviewed tactile defensiveness (sensitivity to touch), which falls under the category of sensory defensiveness. Today, I’m going to talk about another type of sensory defensiveness, specifically gravitational insecurity. A child with gravitational insecurity typically responds to movement activities with exaggerated emotional responses. This is because their vestibular system is not functioning properly. (For more information about the vestibular system, see the entry on Feb. 11^th)

Gravitationally insecure children prefer to stay low to the ground. You will typically find them lying down or seated, trying to prevent any possibility of movement. Children with this type of defensiveness avoid most active physical tasks and may get upset when movement is required of them. To get a gravitationally insecure child moving, it may be helpful to physically guide them during play activities such as climbing, sliding and swinging. I’ve gone down a slide with a child in my lap, and sometimes, this provides that extra security needed to tolerate the vestibular input. Also, role-playing can also be beneficial, tell your child, “watch me to this, or do it just it the way I do,” then provide demonstration. If you attempt any of the activities suggested in the Feb. 11^th post, be sure to stop if your child fervently resists an activity. Always introduce new movement activities gradually and in small doses, and ALWAYS stop if your child appears to be frightened or over stimulated. If your child has extreme responses to movement activities, I would recommend that you pursue occupational or physical therapy.

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