Swinging is beneficial for all children but particularly for those with disabilities. Special needs swings are used by occupational and physical therapists for many different conditions such as autism spectrum disorders and cerebral palsy. There are many different types of swings available which are designed with these specific conditions in mind.
Most children love to swing and even children who do not have problems benefit from swinging. Movement is necessary for development. It helps with visual processing as eyes change focus in response to the motion. It is great for the development of balance as the motion causes the fluid in the inner ear to move back and forth. It also helps with co-ordination.
Swinging is important not only for fun and exercise but is a great help for children who suffer from disabilities, whether they are mental, emotional or physical. Processing sensory input can be completely overwhelming for children whose systems are not working properly. For example, if the sensory information from the joints and muscles is not getting through to the brain, a child is unable to orient himself in space. A person with this type of problem may not be able to walk without looking at his feet or may try to run and fall or bump into objects. Those whose tactile system is not working properly may experience a soft touch as a hard blow. Some of these children live in a scary world where forms and shapes seem to be moving and changing.
There are many different types of swings which can be used to help with these problems. A net swing, for example, helps to calm the nervous system as the whole body is enveloped. A platform swing can help to develop body awareness as children can sit, stand or even lie on their backs or stomachs. A bolster swing is good for helping stabilize the trunk and strengthening the arms as the child has to hang on. All of the different types of movement help to activate those systems which are not functioning properly.
As the spectrum of disabilities is extremely wide, a physical or occupational therapist will help to decide on the therapy needed for a specific child. For example, some children move all the time while others are afraid of motion. The therapist will work out what specific program is most beneficial for a specific child.
When swinging, one of the most important considerations is safety. Adult supervision is necessary, whether it be a therapist, parent or teacher. The swing must be able to support the user. For example, there are full support swings for younger children which have a safety harness. Children who are prone to seizures may need special precautions. Children should feel secure at all times and be able to stop whenever they want to.
Many children learn better when swinging. They seem to retain information better, especially those who have a problem with concentration. They are more focused and calmer. Problems with social skills and verbalizing can also be addressed successfully.
Swinging is a very enjoyable activity for most children. This means that it can be used effectively as a tool for therapy and as a reward for good behavior. Special needs swings are used extensively and therefore there is a wide choice available. There is a suitable swing available for most children, no matter what problem they may have.
Most children love to swing and even children who do not have problems benefit from swinging. Movement is necessary for development. It helps with visual processing as eyes change focus in response to the motion. It is great for the development of balance as the motion causes the fluid in the inner ear to move back and forth. It also helps with co-ordination.
Swinging is important not only for fun and exercise but is a great help for children who suffer from disabilities, whether they are mental, emotional or physical. Processing sensory input can be completely overwhelming for children whose systems are not working properly. For example, if the sensory information from the joints and muscles is not getting through to the brain, a child is unable to orient himself in space. A person with this type of problem may not be able to walk without looking at his feet or may try to run and fall or bump into objects. Those whose tactile system is not working properly may experience a soft touch as a hard blow. Some of these children live in a scary world where forms and shapes seem to be moving and changing.
There are many different types of swings which can be used to help with these problems. A net swing, for example, helps to calm the nervous system as the whole body is enveloped. A platform swing can help to develop body awareness as children can sit, stand or even lie on their backs or stomachs. A bolster swing is good for helping stabilize the trunk and strengthening the arms as the child has to hang on. All of the different types of movement help to activate those systems which are not functioning properly.
As the spectrum of disabilities is extremely wide, a physical or occupational therapist will help to decide on the therapy needed for a specific child. For example, some children move all the time while others are afraid of motion. The therapist will work out what specific program is most beneficial for a specific child.
When swinging, one of the most important considerations is safety. Adult supervision is necessary, whether it be a therapist, parent or teacher. The swing must be able to support the user. For example, there are full support swings for younger children which have a safety harness. Children who are prone to seizures may need special precautions. Children should feel secure at all times and be able to stop whenever they want to.
Many children learn better when swinging. They seem to retain information better, especially those who have a problem with concentration. They are more focused and calmer. Problems with social skills and verbalizing can also be addressed successfully.
Swinging is a very enjoyable activity for most children. This means that it can be used effectively as a tool for therapy and as a reward for good behavior. Special needs swings are used extensively and therefore there is a wide choice available. There is a suitable swing available for most children, no matter what problem they may have.
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