Sensory Processing Dysfunction – Vestibular Activation

The occupational therapist at my school recently attended a workshop regarding vestibular activation which can be used for people with autism to address sensory processing dysfunction. These exercises are used as part of Sensory Integration Therapy (SIT) to help people organize and process incoming sensory information (movement, visual and auditory) in order to integrate all this information into a meaningful message. The theory is that when there is not good information coming from the vestibular system, the brain is unable to process visual and auditory information properly which leads to misinterpretation of input. For people with autism, ADHD, and other related disorders which involve sensory processing abnormalities, Sensory Integration Therapy and vestibular activation can be the key to helping people organize incoming information.

The vestibular system is comprised of the Utricle and Saccule which detect gravity and linear motion, and the Horizontal, Superior and Posterior Semicircular Canals which detect rotary movement of the head and work in close conjunction with the muscles of the eye. This diagram shows the parts of the vestibular system which are connected to the cochlea which is the sound-receptor of the ear.


By using a series of physical activities to activate the vestibular system, it is thought that we can help the brain organize and process information more effectively and efficiently. The activities that follow vestibular activation may then be more effective because we’ve helped the brain become “ready” to process this information. The book “Astronaut Training: A Sound Activated Vestibular-Visual Protocol” describes and illustrates the protocol for using these activities to help children. It is important to use these protocols under the advisement of a trained professional (i.e. an occupational therapist) to ensure that the protocol is being used appropriately in accordance with the needs and tolerance of the person involved in therapy.

Activities included in this book are to be used as part of a comprehensive program to maximize the benefit. They include such activities as controlled spinning, side-to-side turning, cross-body toe touches, and tilting back-leaning forward (there are many more activities in the book, but this is a quick sample). These activities, when used as part of a whole program, systematically activate all parts of the vestibular system which may lead to more effective information processing. I encourage everyone to research these sensory integration activities because although they, in and of themselves, aren’t a whole program, they may add to the efficacy of programs.