Body position and movement - proprioception

Proprioception is your sense of body position, movement, and force (feedback from muscles, joints, and tendons). For example, if you closed your eyes, you would know where your hand is even though you could not see it.

What you might notice:

• Might seem clumsy, bump, crash, and push into things
• Constantly moving
• Might use too much force. They could seem to play too rough or push down on their pen too hard when writing
• Chewing on items such as pens or pencils.

The proprioceptive system can also help by calming, organising, and regulating the brain and nervous system. 

Providing proprioception and tactile input through your muscles helps regulate the sensory system and keep the body calm, organised and in control. Sometimes this is called 'heavy work'. It can be useful to complete this 'work' before and after activities when there are sensory challenges.  

Activities that involve resistive work to muscles can include pulling, pushing, or lifting activities.

• Push-ups, or press-ups against the wall. Chair push ups while seated
• You may enjoy an individual sport like, kayaking, climbing or trampolining.

Try activating the muscles in your mouth.

• Chew gum or crunchy food
• Use a curly straw for drinks.

Other strategies to try:

• Using a lycra sheet
• Instead of picking at skin you could try a stress ball, stretchy bracelet or other fidget.  Try deep pressure massage.