Benefits of Climbing for Sensory Processing Disorders
5 min read
Children with sensory processing disorders (SPD) may struggle to regulate their system so that they can concentrate and achieve sensory equilibrium. Whether a child is a sensory seeker or a sensory avoider, getting the right amount of input will empower them to participate in activities with their peers. Climbing is a wonderful regulatory activity for kids with SPD. It provides opportunities for motor skill development, sensory integration and emotional regulation. Continue reading to learn more about the benefits of climbing, and strategies to make it part of your regular routine.
How Climbing Benefits Sensory Development
Indoor and outdoor climbing activities engage children’s vestibular and proprioceptive systems. The vestibular system is responsible for balance and spatial awareness, letting kids know where their body is in space. As they navigate their way up a rock climbing wall for kids, the vestibular system reacts to the changes in head position and body movement, learning to adapt to the environmental challenges.
Deep pressure input to the muscles and joints, also known as proprioceptive input, is often an important sensory regulator. The stimulation also improves body awareness. Sensory climbing equipment gives children a space to engage their core muscles, stretch their arms to reach an upper hold, and push off with their feet. It teaches kids to recognize how much force they need to use, and gain confidence in their body’s abilities.
A climbing ladder for kids is a fun and engaging way to find both vestibular and proprioceptive stimulation. As they make their way up the ladder swing, it will sway from their movement. Kids can improve gross motor skills, strength and balance in one activity.
It isn’t just their gross motor skills getting a boost. Visual motor integration also benefits. Children’s minds have to coordinate what their eyes see with where their body is moving. This translates into fine motor tasks like writing and reading, too. Kids also exercise their motor planning skills as they plan their route to climb, as well as improve their bilateral coordination.
Emotional and Social Benefits of Climbing
Climbing play is ripe with chances for children to build their self-esteem. Facing the rigors of climbing builds self-confidence and teaches kids to assess risks, which is valuable for emotional regulation. By overcoming obstacles to reach their goal they can further develop the resilience and perseverance necessary to navigate life's challenges beyond the sensory gym.
The effort required to climb helps regulate energy levels. All of the proprioceptive and vestibular input can reduce anxiety and enhance focus, in turn having a grounding effect on children that calms and organizes their system. It can be used preventatively before a stressful event, or reactively after a child reaches a state of sensory overload.
There are also many social benefits to climbing. A peer group can help guide each other across a child’s climbing wall, developing their teamwork and problem-solving skills. Children also practice turn-taking as they wait for each other to complete a climbing course. These skills are crucial to carry forward into adulthood, too.
Practical Tips for Incorporating Climbing
You can integrate climbing into your routine in a variety of ways to get the most benefits possible. If you have the space, consider installing monkey bars for kids or create a custom setup with Climbing Bars and Climbing Holds on these Rock Climbing Wall Panels. Crawling over soft play equipment and up and down stairs is also a great starting point to encourage children to build up their strength to tackle greater climbing challenges.
Many playgrounds have sections for climbing up and down. Taking the activity outside also gives kids a natural outlet for tactile exploration. They can experience the feeling of rough rope, bumpy bark and the tickle of grass as they play. Going outside also promotes better sensory integration. The variations in temperature and natural elements, such as wind and sun, help children learn to adapt to their environment and listen to what their body needs at a given moment.
Always make sure to consider the safety requirements before letting your child climb. Set up safety mats to provide a soft landing underneath them. Start with smaller ascents that are closer to the ground if a child needs to work their way up to greater heights. An adult can also give extra support by holding a child’s back or guiding them in where to place their foot or hand for the next step.
Depending on the setting and needs, you can encourage wider participation in climbing activities. Designate climbing something as an integral transition point between classes at school. If you want to incorporate climbing as part of your child’s bedtime routine, try gamifying it to increase willingness to participate. Involve kids in how to best integrate climbing for the most effective participation.
While it may seem like something kids do when they’re feeling wild, climbing can actually provide a safe and structured outlet for sensory stimulation. Climbing equipment can be designed for many types of spaces and requirements. Whether it’s a rock climbing wall, monkey bars or soft play equipment, including something for children to climb ensures that they have access to an engaging and therapeutic activity.
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