Occupational therapy

Here are effective Vestibular and Proprioceptive activities for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). These can be used in occupational therapy sessions, sensory integration programs, or home programs, based on the child’s sensory needs.

⸻

Vestibular Activities

(Supports balance, spatial orientation, attention, and emotional regulation)

Slow & Calming (for sensory seekers or over-aroused children)
• Gentle linear swinging (forward–backward)
• Rocking on therapy ball
• Slow spinning (1–2 turns only, stop if dizzy)
• Side-to-side rolling on mat
• Log rolling on floor
• Scooter board – straight movement

Alerting (for low arousal -poor attention)
• Jumping on trampoline
• Skipping -hopping games
• Running with stops & starts
• Swinging with change in directions
• Obstacle courses with crawling & climbing

⚠️ Always observe for signs of dizziness, nausea, or behavioral changes.

⸻

Proprioceptive Activities

(Provides body awareness, calming input, improves motor planning and regulation)

Heavy Work Activities
• Carrying weighted bags-books
• Pushing or pulling therapy mats -chairs
• Wall push-ups -floor push-ups
• Tug-of-war
• Animal walks (bear, crab, frog jumps)

Resistance-Based Play
• Therapy putty squeezing
• Pulling resistance bands
• Rolling a weighted ball
• Wheelbarrow walking
• Climbing stairs or ladders

⸻

Combined Vestibular + Proprioceptive Activities

(Highly effective for sensory integration)
• Swing + crashing into pillows
• Jump → crawl → push objects sequence
• Obstacle course with climb–jump–pull
• Rolling on ball followed by deep pressure
• Trampoline jumping + carrying weighted object

⸻

Oral & Deep Pressure Proprioceptive Input
• Chewy tubes -crunchy foods
• Blowing bubbles, whistles
• Deep pressure massage
• Body squeezes with therapy ball
• Blanket wrap (“sensory