Sensory Inclusive Schools

When a student is rocking, slumping, leaning or constantly changing position, how quickly do we assume they are "seeking movement"? This came up in our Sensory Inclusive Schools drop-in sessions this week.

The bigger teaching point was this: posture is not simply about sitting upright. It is the sensory-motor foundation that allows us to use our eyes, hands, attention and energy for participation.

If maintaining posture is effortful, a student may rock, lean, brace, slump, or keep moving because their body is trying to create the stability and sensory information it needs. So movement does not always mean "movement seeking". Sometimes movement is a clue that postural control is hard work.

Before trying to reduce the movement, ask, "Does this student have the postural support they need to free up their body for learning and participation?" That may completely change what we choose to do next.