Sensory Processing Disorder

Vestibular and Proprioceptive Processing in Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD): Understanding Movement and Body Awareness Challenges

Authored by: The DrSensory Editorial Team

Reviewed by: 🛡️ DrSensory Clinical Review Board

Last updated: June 2025

All medical content on this page has been reviewed and approved by licensed Doctors on the DrSensory Clinical Review Board. Our reviewers follow strict editorial standards and ensure alignment with current APTA guidelines, evidence-based practice, and orthopedic rehabilitation protocols.

Overview: What Are the Vestibular and Proprioceptive Systems?

The vestibular system helps us maintain balance, posture, and spatial orientation by detecting movement and changes in head position. It’s located in the inner ear and is essential for knowing where our body is in space.

The proprioceptive system involves receptors in our muscles and joints that send signals to the brain about body position, pressure, and movement—helping with coordination and motor planning.

In Sensory Processing Disorder, dysfunction in these systems can lead to symptoms like poor balance, clumsiness, fear of movement, or sensory-seeking behaviors like crashing into furniture or constant fidgeting.

Signs of Vestibular Processing Challenges in SPD

When the vestibular system is not processing correctly, children or adults may appear:

  • Overly fearful of movement (e.g., hates swings, climbing, or elevators)
  • Extremely active and constantly spinning or jumping
  • Poor at balancing, frequently falls or bumps into things
  • Motion sick easily in cars or rides
  • Uncoordinated in activities requiring balance or head control

Some individuals are under-responsive and seek intense movement, while others are over-responsive and avoid it entirely.

Understanding Proprioceptive Processing Issues

Children with proprioceptive dysfunction may:

  • Push too hard with a pencil or slam doors unknowingly
  • Trip over their feet or appear clumsy
  • Seek deep pressure by crashing, stomping, or biting
  • Struggle with fine motor skills like buttoning shirts or using utensils
  • Seem unaware of their own strength or body boundaries

They often seek input from heavy work, deep pressure, or resistance activities to feel “grounded” in their bodies.

How Vestibular and Proprioceptive Issues Affect Daily Life

When vestibular and proprioceptive systems are dysregulated, everyday tasks become challenging. These children or adults may:

  • Avoid playgrounds or climbing activities
  • Have trouble riding a bike or participating in sports
  • Show extreme fear or seek thrills with no fear of falling
  • Struggle with posture at a desk, handwriting, or even walking smoothly
  • Appear constantly restless, fatigued, or uncoordinated

These issues can also affect learning, attention, and social confidence, especially in school or group environments.

Therapies and Treatment Strategies for Vestibular & Proprioceptive Dysfunction

Occupational therapy with a sensory integration approach is the most effective treatment. Therapists use play-based vestibular and proprioceptive activities to retrain the brain’s sensory pathways.

Examples include:

  • Swinging, bouncing, and spinning activities in controlled settings
  • Balance beams and obstacle courses
  • Weighted blankets and compression vests
  • Heavy work activities: pushing, pulling, carrying, climbing
  • Joint compressions and resistive play (like tug-of-war)

Consistency and repetition are key. The brain adapts over time, improving sensory integration and self-regulation.

Best Sensory Tools and Toys for Vestibular and Proprioceptive Support

Parents and caregivers can reinforce therapy at home using targeted sensory tools:

For vestibular input:

  • Indoor sensory swings
  • Sit-n-spin toys
  • Mini-trampolines
  • Scooter boards

For proprioceptive input:

  • Weighted vests and lap pads
  • Therapy putty or resistance bands
  • Body socks
  • Animal walks or yoga poses
  • Sensory chew tools

These tools support self-regulation, attention, and calming throughout the day.

How Parents and Educators Can Support Children with Vestibular/Proprioceptive SPD

Support starts with recognizing sensory needs and responding with understanding, not discipline.

Tips for families and teachers:

  • Build movement breaks into routines
  • Allow sensory-friendly seating or fidgets in classrooms
  • Offer deep pressure or heavy work before focused tasks
  • Avoid punishment for clumsiness or avoidance
  • Work with an OT to create a home or school sensory diet

Collaborative, informed support reduces frustration and promotes development.

What is the difference between vestibular and proprioceptive processing in SPD?

Vestibular processing relates to balance and head movement through the inner ear, while proprioceptive processingrelates to body position and muscle/joint feedback. In SPD, dysfunction in either or both can lead to difficulty with coordination, posture, and movement regulation. Children may avoid movement, constantly seek it, or have trouble controlling their body in space.

Can someone have both vestibular and proprioceptive dysfunction?

Yes—many individuals with SPD have challenges in both systems. A child who is under-responsive to vestibular input might crave spinning and jumping, while also having poor proprioception, leading to clumsy or unsafe movements. Dual dysfunction is common and should be addressed in therapy together.

How is vestibular and proprioceptive SPD diagnosed?

Diagnosis is usually made by a licensed occupational therapist using standardized assessments like the Sensory Profile, along with observation and parent input. The OT will test for balance, coordination, body awareness, and response to movement and resistance tasks.

Do vestibular and proprioceptive issues go away with therapy?

With consistent therapy, symptoms often improve significantly, though some sensory needs may persist into adulthood. Early intervention leads to better outcomes. Sensory integration therapy helps the brain process input more effectively over time, allowing for better motor control, regulation, and confidence.

This page provides general educational content and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a licensed provider for diagnosis and treatment.

Therapist Ratings & Reviews

Find a Therapist near you

Are you looking for a physical, occupational, or speech therapist in your area?
Look no further than the DrSensory Therapist Database and Clinic Directory!

What Are Others Reading?

Got Concerns?

Find a Therapist

Find the physical therapist, occupational therapist, or speech language pathologist you’re looking for!

Ask Us Anything

Whether you are looking for advice, have a general question about sensory processing, or looking for resources.

Submit Your Story

Share your story about your child. Let’s celebrate milestones and learn more about challenges.