Muscle tone, proprioception, and the vestibular system are all interconnected and play a vital role in a child’s overall sensory processing and motor development. When one or more of these systems is underdeveloped or misaligned, it can significantly impact the child’s ability to engage with their environment, perform motor tasks, and engage socially.
For children with ASD, integrating interventions that target all three systems can have a profound impact on their overall development and functioning.
Research Insight:
Schwarz and Muir (2010) emphasized that “A multidisciplinary approach targeting muscle tone, proprioception, and vestibular integration is essential in treating children with sensory processing disorders, especially those with ASD. Addressing all three systems together can significantly improve motor coordination, social participation, and overall functional ability.”
How KITES Helps:
At KITES, our Occupational Therapy (OT) team works with each child to address muscle tone, proprioception, and vestibular input through a comprehensive, individualized treatment plan. We combine strengthening exercises, balance training, and sensory integration techniques to improve motor coordination, body awareness, and sensory processing.
For example, we will use vestibular stimulation (such as swinging) to support balance and coordination, combined with proprioceptive input (like deep pressure or resistance exercises) to increase body awareness and self-regulation. This holistic approach ensures that children receive a well-rounded therapy experience that targets the multiple sensory systems crucial for their development.
