Could you give examples of how a swing helped your autistic (or on the spectrum) child?

Question

hi everyone

could you provide me some specific examples of how using a swing (either indoors or outside) helped your autistic or child with a spectrum disorder?

I am thinking it is helping my daughter, and wonder if it could help her with her OCD and ODD.

Thank you so much! :)

Answer 1

A swing is a dream come true for many parents.  Not only is it calming to the child, it also gives them an outlet for their boundless energy while parents can work around the house.  There are lots of websites out there.  The biggest thing I would recommend is making sure your door frame is sturdy enough to handle the weight.

Answer 2

Talk to an OT-

swing helps with sensory processing-usually calming/organizing the brain

There is also a diference between side to side swing and back and forth swinging

Answer 3

Hi

Many children with autistic spectrum disorder 'crave' vestibular stimulation. - They are always on the go, sometimes resembling 'sensory seeking missiles.'  This is sometimes due to a malfunction of the neural systems which provide serotonin and / or norepinephrine to parts of the brain. (the raphe nuclei and the locus cereleus respectively).  What vestibular stimulation like swinging does is to stimulate the eighth cranial nerve, which enters the brain at this level.  Stimulation of this nerve can help to restore the correct balance of neural functioning of these two systems and can help to minimise any distortions of sensory perception the child might be experiencing.

Hope this helps.

Read this.  http://www.lulu.com/content/1225081

Or go here http://www.snowdrop.cc/info2.cfm?info_id...

Answer 4

The swing can help with motor planning (learning to pump your feet, move back & forth), which is challenging for kids on the spectrum. It can also help with sensory input. A sensory balanced kid tends to be better able to function all around, so it would help with the OCD & ODD-like symptoms that way. Its really not OCD so much as its perseveration. And the ODD is usually because they get stuck either because they can't break down a task or don't understand something. For that, really think about tasks & how many steps there are involved in them & break them down into really basic steps.

Regardless, I found swinging helpful. Also an exercise trampoline, swimming, a dizzy disc, karate, yoga & daily walks for mine. All have helped.