This free printable PDF explains vestibular sensory needs in children in a clear and practical way, helping adults understand why some children need movement to feel calm, settled and ready to learn. It focuses on how the vestibular system supports balance, body awareness and movement, and why some children seek constant movement while others may feel overwhelmed by it .
The resource shows what this can look like in everyday life – such as fidgeting, struggling to sit still, seeking spinning or climbing, or appearing constantly “on the go” – and explains that this is not about poor behaviour or “just high energy”, but a way the child regulates their body . It also highlights how unmet sensory needs can affect focus, transitions and behaviour, which many parents and professionals see day to day.
Alongside this, it offers simple, realistic strategies to support regulation, including movement breaks, active play, outdoor time and “heavy work” activities like pushing or carrying . These approaches help children feel more balanced, improve attention and reduce distress.
This resource is useful for parents, carers, teachers, SEN staff, early years practitioners, social workers and therapists supporting children with sensory processing differences, ADHD or regulation difficulties. It can be used as a quick reference guide, a conversation tool, or part of wider support around behaviour, emotional wellbeing and sensory needs.
