Have you ever watched a child spin in circles over and over again, laughing the whole time only to collapse in a dizzy heap and then get right back up to do it again?
Spinning is more than just a silly game. For many children, it’s a powerful way to regulate their bodies and engage their senses.
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Why Do Children Seek Out Spinning?
Spinning activates a system in the body called the vestibular system, which helps us maintain balance, coordinate movement, and understand where our bodies are in space. Children often seek out spinning because it stimulates this system, giving their brains important input that helps them feel more grounded and organized. Some kids — especially sensory seekers — naturally crave this kind of movement to help them feel “just right” in their bodies.
Benefits of Spinning for Children
1. Supports Balance and Coordination
Spinning challenges the inner ear and core muscles, helping children improve their overall balance and body awareness.
2. Builds Vestibular Tolerance
Frequent exposure to vestibular input can help children tolerate and process movement better, which is especially important for kids with sensory processing differences.
3. Enhances Focus and Attention
For some children, spinning helps “wake up” their brains. After a few moments of spinning, they may feel more alert, focused, and ready to engage in learning or other tasks.
4. Promotes Sensory Regulation
Spinning provides deep, intense input that some children need to regulate their emotions and energy levels. It can be calming for one child and energizing for another.
5. Encourages Joyful, Active Play
Spinning is fun! It encourages movement, laughter, and imaginative play—all essential for healthy development.
Spinning isn’t just a silly childhood pastime — it’s a key part of sensory development and regulation.
Whether they’re on a tire swing, twirling in circles, or spinning on a playground merry-go-round, children are tuning into their bodies and exploring their world in a meaningful way.
Vestibular System Resources
The link still doesn’t work. Or at least I can’t find an article on spinning where this link takes me.
http://asensorylife.com/the-effects-of-spinning.html
Hi Jennifer
Awesome article, thank you!
What would you recommend to help a child cope with linear movements (just swinging forwards/backwards in prone extention and full flexion/seated)? My 2yr old can’t seem to tolerate either,but would ask for spinning (can cope with it if speed is controlled and limited repetitions)
Thanks in advance!
Hi! Could you please help? I teach a 12 year old DS boy who is on the spectrum and also presents with a quite severe SI difficulty. He has been attending OT for nearly 2 years (although the OT prefers to treat children no longer than 6 months – except in severe cases) and therapy has now been terminated. Vestibular input is always followed by an inhibitory (?) activity and we continue to see the results – especially language. My problem is that, although I have seen a permanent change in some of my other learners, the same is not happening with my DS pupil. He seems to need it on an ongoing basis. I usually do it 2 – 3 times a week and he has come to LOVE it but after a period of no input he is quite resistant and we have to start off very slowly. What happens in the DS brain? The OT just says it is a problem with plasticity. Is it really because the neural connections form with difficulty and prunes easily? I find it hard to accept as I have seen how much progress he made in reading and Math and how fast he picks it up again when we have been a little slack with consolidation. I would also like to know to what extent does the hippocampus produce new neurons in the teenager with DS? I’d really appreciate if you could suggest soem reading matter as well. I live in South Africa and lectures are scarce.
The link doesn’t work
Thanks so much for letting me know! I’ve updated the post.