Rocking For Relaxation and Regulation For Children With ASD

The rocking chair has a long history that dates back to the 17th century. It has served as a symbol of comfort and relaxation to this very day. They have been found outdoors, on porches, as well as in parlors and bedrooms, and have been used for reading, sewing, and rocking babies to sleep.

According to Rhino UK, “The movement of rocking your body in a chair releases endorphins, which help to boost your mood and reduce stress.”

Who would have guessed that such a simple movement could be so beneficial to our well-being?

Apparently, this simple movement is tapping into the body’s vestibular system, which is a group of organs in the inner ear that are responsible for maintaining balance and equilibrium. The system sends signals to the brain about the position of our head and body in space.

Individuals with ASD often have vestibular processing disorders, which means that their vestibular system does not function properly. This manifests in difficulties with coordination, balance, and spatial awareness. The motion of rocking, whether it be in a rocking chair, swing, or other apparatus, or simply being rocked can help to stimulate the vestibular system and improve its function.

For those with ASD, the rocking motion is known to help train the body's vestibular system in the following ways:

• Moving the head to move back and forth sends signals to the vestibular system about the position of the head in space.

• As a result, the vestibular system sends signals to the brain about the position of the head and the brain uses these signals to keep the body balanced.

• Over time, the vestibular system becomes more responsive to the rocking motion, thus allowing the brain to receive more accurate information about the position of the head. In turn, this can help to improve balance and coordination.

If your child has a vestibular processing disorder, rocking in a chair or other apparatus can be a beneficial exercise. (However, do check with your physician to ensure that it is not contraindicated for your child.) We found a link to a store called Play with a Purpose that sells a variety of rocking products like balance boards, a rocking bridge, and a mini seesaw to name a few. Here’s a link if you are interested: https://pwap.com/active-play/rocking

As with everything, start off rocking for short periods of time and supervise your child at all times to ensure that your child is not becoming dizzy or lightheaded for we know that when children enjoy an activity they will keep at it until it can be no longer tolerated. Over the course of time, you may find that rocking is a contributing factor to improved balance and coordination, while also being a calming and soothing activity.