Special Needs Swings As A Therapeutic Tool

By Shawna Trujillo


Swinging is beneficial for all children but particularly for those with disabilities. Special needs swings are used by occupational and physical therapists for many different conditions such as autism spectrum disorders and cerebral palsy. There are many different types of swings available which are designed with these specific conditions in mind.

Children swing because they enjoy it. They do not realize the many benefits to their bodies. Movement is an important part of development. For example, when moving backwards and forwards, the eyes are forced to adjust their focus, stimulating visual development. The motion is also helpful for developing balance as it causes the inner ear fluid to move. Co-ordination and strengthening of muscles all over the body also takes place.

A child who is suffering from any disability, whether it is mental, physical or emotional, can also benefit from swinging. Such a child may have great difficulty with processing input from all the senses. This input does not come just from the eyes and ears but also from other areas of the body. The vestibular system (weight and balance) and the proprioceptive system (muscles, joints, tendons) as well as the tactile system (sense of touch) are all large areas of sensory input. If the child is not receiving reliable information from these different systems, therapy is needed to activate them and develop the brain in the areas which are lacking.

Many different swings which offer the benefit of a variety of types of movement are available. There are swings which rotate and others which move backwards and forwards. A bolster swing can help a child who needs to strengthen arms and stabilize the trunk. A net swing envelops the whole child and puts pressure on the muscles and joints. This pressure helps to calm down the nervous system.

As the spectrum of disabilities is extremely wide, a physical or occupational therapist will help to decide on the therapy needed for a specific child. For example, some children move all the time while others are afraid of motion. The therapist will work out what specific program is most beneficial for a specific child.

When swinging, one of the most important considerations is safety. Adult supervision is necessary, whether it be a therapist, parent or teacher. The swing must be able to support the user. For example, there are full support swings for younger children which have a safety harness. Children who are prone to seizures may need special precautions. Children should feel secure at all times and be able to stop whenever they want to.

Many children learn better when swinging. They seem to retain information better, especially those who have a problem with concentration. They are more focused and calmer. Problems with social skills and verbalizing can also be addressed successfully.

Special needs swings are used widely in clinics, special homes, in the rooms of occupational therapists and in the back yards of private homes. They are an important therapeutic tool and can be used to reinforce therapy objectives and reward positive behavior. Of course, swinging is also fun!




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