October 22, 2024
The vestibular system—the part of the inner ear responsible for balance and spatial orientation—plays a critical role in maintaining physical equilibrium and coordination. For children with developmental disorders like ASD, ADHD, and sensory processing disorder, the vestibular system may not function optimally, leading to difficulties with balance, coordination, and movement.
Research Insight:
As Ayres (2005) explained, “Vestibular stimulation is key in promoting motor development, improving balance, and enhancing spatial awareness in children with sensory integration challenges.” These difficulties are common in children with autism and ADHD, where an under-responsive vestibular system may make it hard for children to regulate their movements or navigate their environment effectively.
How Superstars Helps:
At Superstars, our occupational therapists use vestibular stimulation as part of our sensory integration therapy. Activities such as swinging, spinning, and rocking provide controlled vestibular input to help children improve balance, spatial awareness, and coordination. These activities not only help children improve motor control but also enhance their ability to focus, interact socially, and follow instructions in school and community settings.
We carefully tailor the vestibular activities based on each child’s sensory needs, ensuring that they receive appropriate stimulation to balance their motor responses without overwhelming them. By enhancing the vestibular system, children gain greater control over their body movements, which positively impacts their motor skills, academic performance, and social interactions.
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Social skills are essential for building relationships and thriving in school and social settings. Occupational therapy (OT) supports children in developing social skills by providing structured opportunities for practice and enhancing their ability to engage with peers. Research Insight: According to Gresham (2007), “Group-based occupational therapy can significantly improve social skills, including taking turns, sharing, […]
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Assistive technology (AT) plays a significant role in supporting children with developmental challenges by providing them with tools to perform daily activities independently. Occupational therapy (OT) integrates AT to enhance children’s functional abilities. Research Insight: According to King et al. (2003), “Assistive technology can significantly improve children’s functional performance and participation in daily activities, allowing […]
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Parent involvement is essential for maximizing the effectiveness of occupational therapy. Parents play a key role in reinforcing therapy goals at home, and when they actively participate in their child’s treatment, children achieve better outcomes. Research Insight: A study conducted by Baker-Ericzen et al. (2005) found that “parents who were actively involved in their child’s […]
Self-care skills are an essential milestone in every child’s development. For children with developmental delays, acquiring self-care skills like dressing, eating, and brushing teeth can be a significant challenge. Occupational therapy (OT) plays a crucial role in helping children develop these skills, which are key to fostering independence. Research Insight: Research from Baker-Ericzen et al. […]
Fine motor skills are vital for performing tasks like writing, eating, and dressing. For many children with developmental delays or disorders, such as ADHD or Down syndrome, these skills can be difficult to develop. Occupational therapy provides targeted interventions that help children improve their fine motor abilities. Research Insight: According to the American Occupational Therapy […]
Sensory processing difficulties can affect children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, and other developmental disabilities, making it hard for them to process and respond to sensory information in their environment. Sensory Integration Therapy is an effective treatment approach that helps children regulate their sensory experiences. Research Insight: As Jean Ayres, a pioneer in sensory […]
At Superstars Child Development and Research Centre, we believe that every child has the potential to lead a fulfilling, independent life, no matter their neurodevelopmental challenges. Occupational Therapy (OT) plays a crucial role in helping children with neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, and cerebral palsy improve their ability to function independently […]
In today’s digital age, gadgets like smartphones, tablets, and video games have become integral parts of children’s lives. With the internet providing endless learning resources, digital devices can serve as powerful tools for communication, learning, and development. For children with neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, and sensory processing issues, these devices […]
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Focusing on age-appropriate skills in therapy is essential for helping children develop the necessary abilities to interact with their peers and succeed in academic, social, and daily life environments. Research Insight: As Gresham (2007) points out, “Focusing on age-appropriate skills promotes the child’s self-esteem and encourages social acceptance by their peers, leading to better social […]
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often have difficulty with working memory. Research suggests that working memory impairments are common in children with ASD, particularly in tasks that require verbal and non-verbal memory (e.g., recalling spoken or written instructions or remembering the sequence of actions in a task). These difficulties can significantly impact their daily […]
When providing therapy for children, it is important to consider both their developmental age (the stage at which they function in cognitive, emotional, and motor skills) and their social age (the age at which they can engage socially with peers). These two factors can be different, especially in children with developmental delays, and impact how […]
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At Superstars Child Development and Research Centre, we believe that therapy should not just be about structured sessions but should be integrated into a child’s natural environment. Context-Based Intervention and Parent Education are central to this approach, enabling children to thrive both within therapy and in their everyday lives. These principles emphasize the importance of […]
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