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The pod sensory swing is an enclosed swing with an inflatable seat cushion that provides vestibular input while also providing a safe space to swing independently.
WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM THE POD SENSORY SWING?
The pod sensory swing was created with sensory in mind, meaning children (and adults!) who struggle with sensory processing are the main beneficiaries of the pod sensory swing.
Let’s break it down a bit more.
If a child is struggling with vestibular processing - they seek out movement that interferes with daily activities, they are clumsy or uncoordinated, or they get motion sickness - then the pod sensory swing can be a great tool!
If a child is struggling with proprioceptive processing - they seek out heavy work (such as pushing, pulling, jumping), they use too much force with tasks such as writing or playing, or they struggle with understanding where their body is in space (may seem clumsy or get hurt often) - then the pod sensory swing can be a great addition to their play items!
If a child is struggling with self-regulation and attention - they get frustrated easily, they cannot sit and attend to a task for an age-appropriate amount of time, or they are unable to solve problems that are age-appropriate - then the pod sensory swing can be a great tool!
If a child has a diagnosis or signs/symptoms of ADHD/ADD, Autism, Down Syndrome, Developmental Delay, cognitive/learning challenges, Apraxia, SPD, or speech/language delay, the pod sensory swing can be a great addition to their play and development.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF SENSORY INPUTS PROVIDED BY THE POD SWING
The pod sensory swing provides two main sensory inputs: proprioception and vestibular.
Proprioception Input:
Proprioception is the awareness of the position and movement of the body. Sensory receptors are located on your skin, joints, and muscles. These sensory receptors send signals to our brain when we move, telling it about the movement's effort, force, and heaviness. Then our body can provide an appropriate response.
Vestibular Input:
The vestibular system is located in the inner ear. This system is directly related to balance and vision - specifically eye movements. Because of the location in the inner ear, the vestibular system is activated with head movements. When the head moves, the eyes move, and the brain and body must provide a response - balance!
When we think about vestibular input, we can think about running, jumping, spinning, and swinging. These movements activate the vestibular system and will provide a response - some people can tolerate more movement than others, while some become easily nauseous with movement (motion sickness). Vestibular input is typically alerting to the nervous system.
The pod sensory swing provides vestibular input because it’s a swing! Depending on how you position your body in the swing, you can receive linear vestibular input - back and forth or side to side, or rotary vestibular input - spinning.
Some individuals become easily over-stimulated by vestibular input. This can cause adverse reactions such as nausea/vomiting or irritability (among others). Some individuals seek vestibular input - constantly on the move, seeking out opportunities to spin and jump.
Because the pod sensory swing provides both proprioceptive and vestibular input, it can be used to achieve a sense of calm or to achieve a higher arousal level.
Another Added Benefit
Another area that the pod sensory swing adds to is body awareness and spatial relations. When we complete an activity that provides both proprioception and vestibular, our ability to better understand our body in space and within our environment improves. This has the added benefit of improving safety, coordination, and motor planning!
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