[The mechanisms involved in rocking toddlers]

Abstract

If the tactile modality is fundamental in the infant's experience, there is a particular situation in which it is mobilized: rocking. Carrying a baby in one's arms or trying to soothe him will spontaneously lead the adult to rock him, whatever his culture. The ways of carrying out this rhythmic movement are varied, but all are characterized by a synchronous combination of somesthesic and vestibular stimulations repeated at regular intervals. The specificities of the tactile, vestibular and temporal modalities involved in rocking highlight the way in which rocking provides an essential support to the sensory and social development of the infant.

Keywords: autism spectrum disorder; bercement; prematurity; prématurité; redondance sensorielle; rocking; rythme vestibulaire; sensory redundancy; trouble du spectre autistique; vestibular rhythm.