Hey there, parents, caregivers, and friends! Have you ever noticed your child spinning in circles, rocking back and forth, or jumping on the couch like it’s a trampoline? If so, they might be a vestibular seeker—someone who craves movement to feel calm, focused, and happy. Don’t worry, it’s totally normal! Let’s dive into what vestibular seeking is, why it happens, and how you can support your child in fun and safe ways.
What is Vestibular Seeking?
The vestibular system is like your body’s internal GPS—it helps you balance, understand where you are in space, and feel grounded. For some autistic children, their vestibular system might need a little extra input to feel “just right.” This is called vestibular seeking (or, in simpler terms, movement seeking). It’s their way of self-regulating and feeling more in control.
Think of it like this: some kids need a hug to feel calm, while others need to move their bodies to feel centered. It’s all about finding what works for them!
Why Do Autistic Children Seek Movement?
Movement seeking can help autistic children:
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Feel calm and regulated
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Improve focus and attention
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Boost their mood and energy levels
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Process sensory information more effectively
It’s not just about burning off energy—it’s about helping their brains and bodies feel balanced and happy.
Fun Ways to Support a Vestibular Seeker
Here are some playful and practical ideas to help your child get the movement they crave:
Indoor Activities
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Sensory Swings: Hang a swing indoors (like a hammock or platform swing) for gentle rocking or spinning.
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Trampoline Fun: A mini trampoline is perfect for safe jumping. Bonus: it’s great for coordination!
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Dance Parties: Turn up their favorite tunes and let them dance their heart out.
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Obstacle Courses: Create a course with cushions, tunnels, and chairs to climb over and under.
Outdoor Adventures
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Playground Time: Swings, slides, and merry-go-rounds are vestibular gold!
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Bike Riding: A great way to get moving while building balance and confidence.
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Nature Walks: Let them run, jump, and explore in a safe outdoor space.
Calming Movement
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Rocking Chairs: Perfect for gentle, soothing motion.
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Yoga or Stretching: Try simple poses like “rocking boat” or “child’s pose” for calming input.
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Weighted Blankets: Pair movement with deep pressure for extra comfort.
Tips for Parents and Caregivers
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Follow Their Lead: Let your child show you what kind of movement feels best for them.
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Create a Safe Space: Make sure they have room to move without bumping into furniture or sharp objects.
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Set Boundaries: It’s okay to guide them toward safe activities if they’re jumping on the couch or spinning too fast.
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Celebrate Their Needs: Movement seeking is just another way their unique brain works—embrace it!
Final Thoughts
Vestibular seeking is a natural and important part of how many autistic children process the world around them. By providing fun, safe ways to move, you’re helping them feel calm, focused, and happy. So, whether it’s a dance party, a swing session, or a trip to the playground, let’s celebrate the joy of movement!
At AutisticFlare, we’re here to support you with sensory tools and resources that make life a little easier and a lot more fun. Check out our collection of swings, fidget toys, and more to help your child thrive!
Let’s keep moving forward together! 🌟
Ready to explore sensory tools for your vestibular seeker? Shop our collection now and discover products designed to support movement and calm. Check out our motion Seeking collection and get started! 🛒✨