18/09/2025
When we think about supporting speech and language, most people picture drills, articulation cards, or expanding vocabulary. But hereโs the thing, communication often starts with the body.
The vestibular system (our sense of movement and balance) and the auditory system (hearing and processing sound) are tightly connected. Movement actually influences how the auditory system processes sound. Thatโs why children with vestibular challenges often also show auditory-language difficulties.
As OTs in Early Intervention, we can make a real difference by:
๐ Observing sensory preferences and figuring out what kind of movement helps a child learn best.
๐ Using movement-based play like swinging, spinning, rocking, or rolling to support arousal and attentionโcritical for learning new skills.
๐ Challenging motor planning through novel movements, which helps organize the tiny oral muscles needed for speech.
๐ Pairing sensory input with language opportunities (music, deep pressure, tactile input) to give the childโs brain multiple ways to connect.
This isnโt just theory, itโs practice-changing. And itโs the kind of resource we dive into inside The Therapy Village, where youโll find handouts, session examples, and community discussion on how to integrate vestibular strategies into communication-focused goals.
๐Want more insights like this? Explore whatโs inside The Therapy Village and see how practical, research-informed tools can transform your sessions.
