Tolerating Change and Transitions

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.

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