STRATEGIES FOR SELF-REGULATION

The vestibular and proprioceptive systems contribute to the achievement of the calm-alert state.

In fact, an underactive vestibular system has been shown to lead to children becoming hyperactive and distractible. It’s important to encourage your child to engage in active movement to activate these senses when it’s important he remains in this optimal state of learning. Movement, which causes your child’s body to stretch or work against resistance, such as hanging from a monkey bar or jumping on a trampoline, are best.

One way to help your over-aroused child when he’s required to sit still would be to tie an elastic exercise band to the base of his chair. He may press his feet against the band for a “workout” that provides proprioceptive input that will alleviate the need to drum. He will appear to be sitting still while he obtains the input he requires to attend to eating his dinner. Alternatively, tell your child to push himself “up” on his hands by placing them on either side of his body on the seat of the chair. Allow him to do this, two or three times, to regulate his vestibular and proprioceptive system.