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Home Pediatric Occupational Therapy Astronaut Program
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Astronaut Program
- Vestibular Habilitation The vestibular system is like the “compass”
of our brain! It is a uniquely designed structure located in the
middle ear that detects movement, and gives us an understanding of where
our head and body are in space in relation to the pull of gravity. Children with vestibular processing
dysfunction have poor motor coordination skills, may be fearful of
movement, awkward, clumsy, fall and bump into things. These children may
have poor balance. They may appear to be “squirmy”,
“fidgety”, or be described as the child who “doesn’t stop
moving”. Children with vestibular processing dysfunction may appear to
be “lost in space”. Their actual experience may feel similar to
the sensation astronauts feel when gravity is eliminated; thus the term
Astronaut Training.
Astronaut Training is the term used to describe the treatment protocol for
vestibular habilitation. Mary J. Kawar MS,OTR, and Sheila Frick OTR/L
developed a child friendly approach to vestibular training which
incorporates therapeutically imposed movement, visual (sight) and auditory
(sound) activities that are fun and appealing to children. The vestibular system also activates our
visual system. Movement stimulates the muscles that support the vertical
axis of our body. A strong center is required as a stable support in
order for us to use our eyes effectively. A strong and stable core allows
us to hold our eyes steady on a target while moving our body through
space. Without our eyes working properly in conjunction with our vestibular
system, visual information is not interpreted properly. This in turn makes
it difficult to read, write, throw and catch a ball, and participate in
many activities that are so vital to proper childhood development. Using music through the Astronaut
Training protocol incorporates sensory integration through a different
channel of the central nervous system. The auditory system is basic to our
survival in that it prepares us for the “fight/flight” response.
The sensory input of sound also stimulates activation of the muscles
surrounding our core vertical support. Sound should always elicit an
orienting response. An orienting response activates the postural
muscles that enable us to bring our bodies into an alert, upright
position. This allows us to turn our heads and our bodies if
necessary, and then visually locate the source of sound in a precise
manner. It is then that we determine if we are faced with a “fight” or
“flight” situation. During our day to day activities of
daily living, all parts of the vestibular-visual-auditory triad are
required to function at optimal levels. All systems working together
will properly provide us with a good understanding of the “spatial
envelope” in which we live. Without full integration of all
systems, the sensory information received will be interpreted in a
fragmented way that does not make sense. It is for these reasons
that Astronaut Training is a helpful tool that is used to assist in
achieving optimal vestibular function. At Capital Kids Occupational Therapy, we may use this protocol as part of our comprehensive treatment plan. This may occur during our treatment session or as part of your child’s home program.
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124 Hall Street,
Suite H, Concord NH 03301 |
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