The sensory organs of sight, touch, smell, hearing, and taste are certainly familiar to you. Another sense plays a crucial role in the way the brain perceives movement. This sense, known as the vestibular sense (balancing), tells a person where their body is in space and how fast, and in what direction they are moving.
Children with a well-developed aural sense have strong coordination and balance skills. Continue reading to find out how sensory swings could help your children.
What is a sensory swing?
By allowing the child to see while moving, sensory swings test and promote the functional use of vision. Children also have the option of being entirely submerged in the swing, which eliminates visual feedback. A sensory swing that may be used with or without eyesight is the pod swing.
What is the treatment for sensory processing?
Dr. Jean Ayres created the style of therapy known as sensory processing therapy in the middle of the 1970s. The purpose of this therapy was to assist kids with sensory processing issues in overcoming their challenges with sensory input.
According to Dr. Ayres, children with autism may exhibit behavioral issues because of inadequate sensory integration. Scientific research has also shown that children with ASD are more likely to struggle with balance, hand-eye coordination, and motor abilities as well as sensory processing issues. Additionally, they are less sensitive to external stimulation like bright lights and loud noises. The kid may experience severe discomfort in reaction to these sensations and attempt to rock back and forth, pound their head, or chew non-edible things.
According to several publications, children who get sensory integration treatment report considerable improvements in their behavior, communication, social skills, processing, motor abilities, and environment adaption. Up to 95% of occupational therapists employ this type of therapy with their patients.
Sensory swings, trampolines, slides, and other modalities including deep pressure, weighted harnesses, and brushing are used during therapy sessions. There haven’t been many research studies, thus additional research is required to comprehend and validate the advantages of this therapy properly.
Parents can consult an occupational therapist in the interim to find out which therapies can be helpful for their kids and how to pick the ideal sensory swings. All kids, regardless of whether they have sensory processing issues, should get some activity, and swings are a great way to do so.
Advantages of sensory swings
The vestibular sense may be improved via sensory swinging. A swing may aid in developing core and upper extremity strength as well as motor planning, depending on its design and method of use. A swing may also test and enhance visual processing and tracking since the vestibular system and eyesight are intertwined. While some swings stress the youngster, others aid in promoting quiet and relaxation. It’s crucial to select the swing based on the requirements of the youngster.
For the baby, sensory swings are fun. Indoor usage of sensory swings is possible all year round. When it’s beautiful out, the youngster can also engage in outdoor activities that encourage vestibular input, such as riding a bike, leaping, or swinging on playground equipment. Sensory swings provide rotating motions in addition to backward and forward motions. Several swings also allow the youngster to bounce up and down while swinging.
Sensory swings types
Occupational therapists frequently employ the following sensory swings:
Platform swing: This swing is mainly used in therapeutic settings. The youngster benefits from the increased body and core strength, balance, and motor planning while being calm and focused.
Bolster swing: intended to improve neck and core strength while testing balance, vestibular sense, and motor abilities.
Climbing ladder swing: challenging your body awareness, balance, strength, and motor abilities.
Cocoon swing: provides a baby with a safe haven to run about in or a place to bounce and play. Can support balance, core stability, motor planning, and sensory integration.
Hanging pod swing: helps with balance and tests the sensory sense. provides a kid with a feeling of tranquility and relaxation as well.
Trapeze swing: increases the stamina, motor planning, and strength of the upper body.
Online stores also offer tire swings, web tower swings, and raindrop swings.
FAQ
Do sensory swings actually function?
The growth of any youngster may be supported and encouraged with the use of sensory swings. Because they focus specifically on enhancing sensory processing, they are much more effective for children with sensory issues, SPD, ADHD, or autism. As a consequence, they can aid children in de-stressing or in obtaining their desired feelings.
What components make up sensory swings?
Therapy For kids with sensory processing disorder and autism, Sensory Swing is excellent for giving vestibular stimulation. There are relaxing benefits from deep pressure. It is constructed with high-end stretch fabric that is 95% cotton and 5% lycra/spandex. It feels natural and silky.
What makes sensory swings necessary?
By calming their overstimulated senses, sensory swings help your youngster feel secure. Such ideas are applied in a sensory swing to offer a secure environment for kids with special needs. The raindrop swing aids in the development of a child’s spatial awareness, motor planning, and body awareness.
What can an adult sensory swing do?
By educating your body and brain to cooperate, the swinging action enhances the vestibular and proprioceptive systems. Your coordination, balance, body awareness, and concentration all significantly increase as a result of this sensory integration. OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS TRUST IT.
Do sensory swings benefit autistic people?
A youngster with autism may benefit from swinging by strengthening certain sensory experiences they have. Touch, motion, physiological awareness, sight, sound, and the gravitational pull of the earth are all examples of sensory motions. Kids are able to process these sensory motions as they swing, which supports prospective therapeutic approaches.
The safety of sensory swings
Like any therapeutic tool or toy, sensory swings are often seen to be safe for most kids, but there are measures you can and should take to reduce any possible hazards for your kid.
Final World
A lot of occupational therapists utilize sensory swings and other techniques to foster calm, relaxed moods while also enhancing body strength, eye-hand coordination, and balance. Children enjoy swings as well, and they may include them in their play activities. Before purchasing a sensory swing, parents should speak with an occupational therapist since the therapist will make the best recommendation depending on the child’s requirements and preferences.