Vestibular Hyper Sensitivity in Children with Autism

Abstract

Vestibular sense is an input from inner ear about equilibrium, gravitational changes, movement experience, & position in space. Children with Vestibular dysfunction have problem in integrating vestibular sensation hindering their life skills. Recent studies have shown the presence of Vestibular hyper sensitivity in children with Autism which is reflected in low tolerance for any activity that involves movement or quick change in position of the bodies. The child with sensory dysfunction does not necessarily exhibit every characteristic. Thus, the child with vestibular dysfunction may have poor balance but good muscle tone. Very few professionals are aware of this condition in children with Autism. 15 children with Autism were observed for Vestibular hyper sensitivity using the Sensory Dysfunction Checklist (Carol Stock Kranowitz (1995). This is a descriptive study using Qualitative method. Data was collected with the help of special educators, & care givers, parental interview & through direct observation. The study is concerned with the symptoms the child shows, which category they experience difficulty with, how much it interferes with their or other's lives and what kind of impact it has on their level of functioning. The research findings will help target diagnosis and intervention and rehabilitation. This study therefore focuses on idiosyncratic features of children with Autism with special reference to Vestibular hyper sensitivity.