Pinnacle Guru · Published archive
Proprioceptive sensitivity
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The proprioceptive system is located in our muscles and joints. It provides us with a sense of body awareness and detects/controls force and pressure. The proprioceptive system also has an important regulatory role in sensory processing as proprioceptive input can assist in controlling responses to sensory stimuli.
Proprioceptive input can be very calming for those who are easily overwhelmed by sensory stimulation.
Proprioceptive input can be alerting for those who need increased sensory stimulation to facilitate attention and learning.
Many students with autism seek proprioceptive input in order to regulate their emotional and behavioural responses to sensory stimulation.
It should be noted, however, that some students may be overresponsive to proprioceptive input and will therefore avoid the activities listed below. It is important to find alternative calming strategies for these students as listed in other sections.
Indicators that a student is seeking proprioceptive input
Bites/chews on objects e.g. sleeve of jumper, pen/pencil
Hyperextends joints e.g. bending back fingers, locking knee joints
Bangs body parts e.g. bangs hands together, bangs jaw with hand
Holds objects with excessive pressure e.g. pencil; writes heavily on page
Enjoys rough and tumble play but can be excessively rough with others
Throws self heavily onto floor
Prefers to run, jump or stamp heavily when he/she should be walking
Likes to sit with knees tucked under himself/herself
Engages in weightbearing activities e.g. swinging on desks, climbing
Walks on tiptoes (NB there are other possible factors for this gait pattern; seeking proprioceptive input is just one factor)
Providing proprioceptive activities can enhance a student’s learning in the classroom. These activities will help a student to achieve a calm and alert state which then improves emotional wellbeing and the ability to engage and learn.
Ideas for Proprioceptive Activities
Proprioceptive activities involve providing intensive input to the muscles and joints. Some ideas are provided here but you may wish to develop your own ideas which will suit your students and your classroom routine. Think of activities which will work the muscles and joints:
Weightbearing activities e.g. crawling, push-ups
Resistance activities e.g. pushing/pulling
Heavy lifting e.g. carrying books
Cardiovascular activities e.g.running, jumping on a trampoline
Oral activities e.g. chewing, blowing bubbles
Deep pressure e.g. tight hugs
Consider the following factors when introducing proprioceptive activities
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