In a Spin about Spinning?

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So, having just dealt with a huge meltdown from my 3 year old after a soft play session where she spent the majority of the time spinning on a sit-on wheel, I feel the need to warn parents about the power of spinning on the brain. Although a useful tip for all parents, it is particularly poignant for those with children who have sensory processing difficulties, as these kids respond more unusually to sensory input and often have difficulty self-regulating as a result.

Spinning is the most powerful form of sensory input that the brain processes and as little as 10 minutes of spinning can have an impact up to 8 hours later. Rotatory movement (spinning) can be alerting if used appropriately and for short periods and so may be recommended at times by therapists for those "low and slow" kids that rest at a low level of alertness. However, it is disorganising for the brain and as a result can cause over-excitement, giddiness, manic behaviour, dizziness and nausea, plus more extreme behaviours such as tantrums and meltdowns, as the brain becomes overwhelmed and confused. Some children can become very sleepy and lethargic as a result of the brain going into shutdown. We therefore need to be really careful when working with this type of movement. (It is important to note that lots of children crave spinning - this is usually because they like the feeling of dizziness, disorganisation and giddiness that comes with it. However this giddiness will often escalate if not controlled/limited, ending in more negative behaviours.)

So here are a few tips to consider when taking your kids to the park, soft play centres or even just playing in your back garden:

  • Spinning needs to be controlled, supervised, and monitored (particularly with children who have sensory differences).

  • Teach your child to spin no more than 10 times in one direction at 1 spin/revolution per second...then stop briefly before spinning in the other direction.

  • If possible, encourage heavy resistive activity at the same time as spinning or immediately following it, as this is organising and regulating for the brain - try hanging on a rope swing, climbing up a cargo rope/climbing wall/monkey bars/climbing frame, jumping and crashing on a trampoline, pushing, pulling or lifting activities.

  • You may see reactive behaviours up to 8 hours after spinning so keep an eye on your child.

  • Focus more on linear movement (to and fro/back and forth) rather than rotatory. This is calming and regulating for the brain. Try swinging, rocking in a rocking chair/horse or hammock swing etc.

If you need any further advice or have concerns about your child, you can contact Rosie (see the Contact Us page for details).