- Feb 21
- 1 min read
Why does my child have handwriting difficulty? - a sensory explanation
Handwriting difficulties can be due to vestibular, proprioception and crossing midline challenges.
Vestibular System:
Vestibular challenges are those involving the semicircular canals located in the inner ear. This system tells us how our head is positioned and allows us to balance.
When not working well, we tend to be in constant movement, attempting to hit the vestibular threshold we need to feel “just right”. This movement interferes with our ability to focus and complete tasks well.
When functioning well, the vestibular system allows for the focus required for handwriting, decreasing the need to rush.
Proprioception:
Proprioception is the sensation in the joints that provides body awareness. Pressure between our joints tells us how much force to use for tasks.
When functioning well, it allows us to apply appropriate pressure with pencil to paper for handwriting, avoiding hand fatigue or ripping through the paper.
Crossing Midline:
Crossing Midline refers to how the brain interprets spatial concepts such as right/left and forward/backward.
When functioning well, it allows us to write letters and numbers in the correct direction.
The function of these systems can be improved with sensory integration therapies.
For more information about sensory integration and reflex integration, check us out on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557947101668
or on our website: https://www.movingpartstherapy.com/
Why does my child have meltdowns, withdrawal or irritable behavior after school?
A sensory explanation.
Difficulties with after school behavior can be due to sensory overload during the school day.
Often this overload includes auditory, visual, and body awareness struggles (vestibular and proprioceptive systems).
Things that may be challenging to tolerate include but are not limited to:
The noise of the school bus
The noise of the lunch room
The noise of the gym
The coordination demand of gym class
The demand for visual focus vs distraction
The requirement to sit still
The flicker of the overhead lights
The small sounds no one else notices in the background
The noise in the bathroom
When our sensory systems are working well, we are able to tolerate sensory input with ease and do not feel the excessive fatigue that causes after school meltdown, withdrawal or irritable behavior.
The function of these systems can be improved with sensory integration therapies.
- Feb 11
- 1 min read
Why does my child have difficulty with changes in plans and transitions? A sensory explanation.
Difficulties with tolerating changes in plans, or transitioning to the next adult directed activity can be due to feelings of physical insecurity primarily due to vestibular system challenges and crossing midline challenges. Other sensory systems such as the auditory and visual systems may also be involved.
Vestibular system:
Vestibular challenges are those involving the semicircular canals located in the inner ear. This system tells us how our head is positioned and allows us to balance.
Challenges with this system can cause clingy behavior or excessive movement.
When functioning well, it allows for the feeling of physical security/confidence required for tolerating the next task, even when unplanned.
Crossing Midline:
Crossing Midline refers to concepts such as the ability to easily cross arms and legs and eyes over the body’s vertical midline.
When functioning well, it allows for easy physical coordination for activities, increasing feelings of security and confidence to handle the next task, even when unplanned.
Challenges to the sensory systems tend to cause fatigue more quickly than is typical, so integrating these systems allows for more tolerance of changes in plans and transitions.
The function of these systems can be improved with sensory integration therapies.
For more information about sensory integration and reflex integration, check us out on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557947101668
or on our website: https://www.movingpartstherapy.com/