Proprioception
Proprioception, or the body’s ability to sense itself, can be a complicated matter, especially in children with academic, social or behavioral issues like ADHD, Asperger’s and sensory processing disorder. Proprioceptive dysfunction has been observed in such children, as many of them have difficulty knowing where their body is in space and understanding boundaries when playing and interacting with other children.
Many children with processing disorders report feeling scattered or disjointed which may be related to a faulty proprioceptive sense. Children who are clumsy, uncoordinated, and sensory seeking are often experiencing proprioceptive dysfunction. The following are common signs of proprioceptive dysfunction:
- Sensory Seeking (pushes, writes too hard, plays rough, bangs or shakes feet while sitting, chews, bites, and likes tight clothes)
- Poor Motor Planning/Control & Body Awareness (difficulty going up and down stairs, bumps into people and objects frequently, difficulty riding a bike)
- Poor Postural Control (slumps, unable to stand on one foot, needs to rest head on desk while working)
These children often self regulate by engaging in behaviors that provide proprioceptive input such as toe walking, crashing, running or flapping. One study found that proprioceptive difficulties may contribute to decreased motor planning and postural control leading to disruptive behaviors that negatively affect their participation in daily tasks.
Whether you seek texture, vibrancy, softness, silence, movement or body pressure, our range of sensory products can help. From motion chairs, cubes, balls and cushions to weighted vests, blankets and body socks – our wide selection of items will appeal to kinesthetic learners, kids on the go, or people who like to sit back and relax while taking it all in.
