Sensory Processing: Proprioception
Are you able to close your eyes and touch your nose with the tip of your finger? You can thank your proprioceptive system for this! This sensory system is responsible for sensing where our body is in relation to its surroundings. Having impaired proprioceptive processing can cause children to both seek and avoid deep pressure activities. Kids with low proprioceptive awareness may appear lazy, clumsy, or uncoordinated, while kids that seek input tend to enjoy rough play, use too much force with daily tasks, and can be described as being aggressive.
Including ‘heavy work’ activities in your child’s routine is very important! Animal walks are an easy place to start and a great way to provide input. Try bear walks, crab walks, and frog jumps with your child!!
Bear hugs are quick way to provide input through your child’s upper body and core. These can be very calming and organizing for lots of our little pressure seekers!
Have your child lay on his tummy to play games or watch a show. This allows for maintained input through his upper body and encourages activation of his core which are both great forms of proprioceptive input!
