Does your child have a fear of heights? Do they become scared when swinging or tipping their head back to wash their hair at bath time? These are symptoms of gravitational insecurity, or an exaggerated fear response to movement, changes in head positioning, or having one’s feet off the ground.
Let’s take a closer look at the signs of gravitational insecurity and how OT can help!
Common Signs
- Fear of Heights and Motion
- The child may avoid slides, swings, or climbing on the playground
- Hesitancy Toward Head Tipping
- When the child is having their hair washed they may become upset or distressed when tipping their head back.
- Fear of Not Having their Feet on the Ground
- The child may show reluctance to go up stairs or escalators, and they may cling tightly to handrails.
- Avoidance of Uneven Surfaces
- You may notice the child struggling to step over curbs or walk on stepping stones.
- Motion Sickness
- Children with gravitational insecurity tend to be more susceptible to motion sickness.
How Can OT Help?
- In occupational therapy, the therapist will provide graded vestibular input to desensitize the child to certain motions.
- Intervention will begin with linear movements.
- These are often more calming than rotational movements.
- The OT will utilize equipment where the child’s feet can still touch the floor.
- This may include placing a stool under the child’s feet while sitting at a table or using a swing where the child’s feet still touch the floor.
- The therapist may also utilize gentle pressure, such as a weighted vest.
- This will provide the child with a stronger sense of awareness of where they are in space.
Tips for Home
- It is important not to force movement upon your child, as this can reinforce their fear.
- Allow your child more time to explore movement activities to increase their comfort.
- Encourage movement activities where your child’s feet are still on the ground.
- Utilize linear movements and weight to help your child feel more secure and safe during movements.
If you think your child may have gravitational insecurity, Building Blocks occupational therapy is here to help!
Resources
Clasi: Understanding gravitational insecurity. The Collaborative For Leadership In Ayres Sensory Integration. (n.d.). https://www.cl-asi.org/understanding-gravitational-insecurity
Sensory interventions used in the treatment of gravitational insecurity (GI) | The American Journal of Occupational Therapy | American Occupational Therapy Association. (n.d.-c). https://research.aota.org/ajot/article-abstract/74/4_Supplement_1/7411515452p1/9800/Sensory-Interventions-Used-in-the-Treatment-of?redirectedFrom=fulltext
Sidwell, S. (2024, July 12). All about gravitational insecurity. Ability Innovations. https://www.abilityinnovations.com/blog/all-about-gravitational-insecurity
