Page 8

Understanding Asperger Syndrome
Sensory Integration Dysfunction


The vestibular systems help us maintain:

  • Posture

  • Joint stability

  • Balance

  • Bi-lateral Coordination (using both sides of the body, running, skipping, swimming)

  • Awareness of body position

  • Body position in relation to movement

  • Eye focus on objects

  • Rhythmic movement

The term perception of movement refers to the processing of vestibular information...


The vestibular system primes the entire nervous system to function effectively by sending messages to the higher centers of the brain.

The Vestibular System and AS

Hypersensitivity Hyposensitivity
  • Clumsy, lethargic
  • Disoriented by sudden movement
  • Easily nauseated by movement
  • Reactive and overly sensitive to movement
  • Clumsy
  • Agitated by stillness
  • Poor awareness of physical space
  • Under-reactive to environment
Behavioral Response Behavioral Response
  • Insecure, fearful response to activities that involve movement
  • Difficulty negotiating stairs, playground equipment, etc
  • Difficulty walking in line, or in synchronization with others
  • Avoidance of modeling others
  • Restless, irritable
  • Disregards the physical space of others
  • Craves constant movement
  • Seeks spinning and rocking activities
  • Hangs upside down and/or swings for long periods of time


The Vestibular System and Muscle Tone

  • Muscle tone refers to the degree of tension present when muscles are resting
  • Both hypersensitive and hyposensitive vestibular systems are characterized by poor muscle tone
  • Characteristics of poor muscle tone include:

    • > Loose, floppy body
    > Joints and ligaments appear loose and flexible
    > Rests head and other body parts on stable surfaces
    > Handles items with loose grasp, drops and spills things easily
    > Easily fatigued and frustrated by motor activity
    > Difficulty sitting upright for extended periods, especially without back support

The Proprioceptive System

Location Receptors located in the muscles and joints that tell the brain how and when muscles are contracting

Function Provides information to the brain about the activity of individual body parts.


The Proprioceptive System...

Often works independently of visual perception, but closely overlaps with the vestibular and tactile sensory systems

Can be described as the subconscious ability to position one's body and individual body parts, as needed for a specific activity

Previous Page     Next Page     Home

Page 8

home      Understanding Asperger Syndrome: Diagnostic Overview

about Nan Lester            directions to office            Facilitated Mirroring: Group Therapy model (2006)