vestibular/regulation: LOVES rollercoasters but hates playground swings and slides

[Anonymous]

Hi DCUM, wondering if the collective can help me figure this out. My kiddo has very low muscle tone, he is in PT/OT/SLP (and is starting aquatic therapy in a few weeks! Finally!). But his sensory system seems to be all over the map, he hates getting his hair washed, only recently could he tolerate being in the rain. At the playground he does not usually play much at all on swings or slide down unknown/steep slides. I think it's because it takes a lot of work for him to keep his upper body upright with all that movement. He has worked really hard in a sensory gym to practice being on various types of swing apparatus, but that hasn't really translated to comfort on playground swings. But over spring break we took a big trip and it turns out that this kid LOVES rollercoasters. LOVES THEM. Could not get enough! Wanted to go on the upside-down coaster desperately! (but he didn't meet height requirements: he took the disappointment really surprisingly well). It was a joy to see and experience. I think he likes the motion and the feeling of the wind across his body, and because of how sturdy and strapped in he was he didn't actually have to support his body himself--unlike on playground swings/slides. Moreover, it seemed to really helped him keep his cool, he ate well, and he slept well (not a given over here). So now I'm looking to repeat that (without the big ticket expense). any thoughts on how to translate that rollercoaster vestibular input to home life?

Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Hammock spinning swing.

[Anonymous]

[Anonymous]

He might like the security or pressure of being strapped in.

[Anonymous]

Maybe try adventure park in Frederick?

https://adventureparkusa.com

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

AMAZING. we're in a DC rowhouse with a concrete parking pad for a backyard, so i don't think we'll be able to pull this off.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:He might like the security or pressure of being strapped in.

I think that's right, he likes a tight squeeze, but doesn't love being in a body sock or strapped into a pressure vest.

[Anonymous]

I assume you’ve tried this, but what about the swings that have the plastic chest restraints? They look a lot like roller coaster seats. Almost every park in DC has some version of those.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:He might like the security or pressure of being strapped in.

I think that's right, he likes a tight squeeze, but doesn't love being in a body sock or strapped into a pressure vest.

DP. How about a bean bag chair? We got ours from AAH Bean Bag Chairs almost 10 years ago. It wasn't cheap but I can tell you it's been used really hard by dogs and kids (2 of my 3 kids have ADHD/sensory issues) and is still going strong. We have had to refill it 2x but that would be true for any bean bag.

Does your DS like bouncy houses? If so, you might consider a rebounder. You can get them with or without a bar.

https://www.ahhprods.com/bean-bag-chairs/bean-bag-chairs-and-adhd/

https://www.amazon.com/BCAN-Foldable-Trampoline-Rebounder-Adjustable/dp/B07SMGQ18F/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1R363AOYT6F1J&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.pFdLXsB3smOu87jPzDh1WorSWKuzz2-9dAT01GVjLIXuCUydxos_wt0DNm3lafW8Or2S5JrT-ajI9GwQszwk3fAGLIChIYYf7gpwoBJTHThbnXj0zc7dordyGdrau4keuw5gs-kW8epz3YFE2lsGSwU6cG4T3R8BovuEVkK6Eo85PVZ2oyd0q20Z_4LneusbtsZI944Db5FiLH2KCnyMHe6o7tnGYJkwjMfxwlPjzq4t-cHpGzvm39zxm2YNtxOQiTRMfJD_qDWUYUsTDgn2m9nvvP8zZxgPyIu6tqLADQA.5WEPjjQCJJb-ev0N4FV_TfPDifQSAZBlKBnfL7BJSmU&dib_tag=se&keywords=rebounder+trampoline+for+adults&qid=1714664744&sprefix=rebounder%2Caps%2C196&sr=8-5

[Anonymous]

A parent on one of my special needs message boards also just mentioned roller coasters for her asd/spd/low tone kiddo and said that they like hip hop dancing as giving a good sensory input. Also bear hugs, weighted blankets, heavy work.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I assume you’ve tried this, but what about the swings that have the plastic chest restraints? They look a lot like roller coaster seats. Almost every park in DC has some version of those.

This. I worked with a kid who couldn't manage regular swings for whatever reason but absolutely loved these!

[Anonymous]

Talk to your PT. Mine was a genius at coming up with unique things to try for my DS who had similar issues.

Have you thought about climbing? Strapped into a harness and rappelling down might be fun for your child. At a scout camp they had horizontal lines set up where you stepped off a platform and swung across back and while gently falling. (Summit Scout Camp…called The Leap of Faith if you want to look up photos).

Along the same idea, zip lines might be fun.

[Anonymous]

I would look at the Fun and Function website, at their swings/sensory equipment. They have tons of stuff and lots of videos also. There are swings/stands you can buy for indoors if need be.

My dd is just the opposite-loves swinging but will NOT set foot on a coaster or almost any ride really.

[Anonymous]

look into hypermobile spectrum disorder and/or Ehlers Danlos Syndrone.

Swings and slides are hard because it requires both core strength and joint stability. Roller coasters require nothing because they provide so much support.

PT that is EDS-informed could help him a lot.

[Anonymous]

NP. I don’t have any ideas to contribute but wanted to share that my 15 yo AuDHD child also loves roller coasters, airplane turbulence, anything of that sort. Weighted blankets and other things tried at home have not been successful: the child just thrives on the experience of the coasters and similar.

I’ve read a little about EDS but haven’t pursued it with any of our providers yet so nothing to offer there.