Let's Explore Proprioception!

What is proprioception, why is it important for sensory processing and how can we give more of it.

Proprioception is the sense that allows us to be aware of our body's position and movements. It is the ability to sense where our body parts are in relation to each other and the environment around us. Proprioception is a vital sense for movement and coordination, and it plays an important role in sensory processing.

For children with sensory processing difficulties, proprioception can be a challenging sense to navigate. They may have difficulty understanding where their body is in space or struggle with coordination and motor planning. This can lead to a range of issues, including poor balance, clumsiness, and difficulty with fine motor skills.

Proprioceptive input can help children with sensory processing difficulties better understand their body's position and movements. Proprioceptive input is input to the muscles and joints that provides feedback to the brain about body position and movement. Activities that provide proprioceptive input can help children better regulate their movements and improve their sensory processing abilities.

There are many different types of activities that provide proprioceptive input, including heavy work activities, such as carrying heavy objects or pushing and pulling objects. These types of activities help provide deep pressure to the muscles and joints, which can help improve body awareness and coordination.

Other activities that provide proprioceptive input include jumping, bouncing, and roughhousing. These activities can help improve balance and coordination, and they can be a fun way for children to get the sensory input they need.

For children with sensory processing difficulties, proprioceptive input is essential for improving sensory processing abilities and overall motor development. By providing the right type of sensory input, parents and caregivers can help children better regulate their movements and improve their ability to navigate the world around them.

In conclusion, proprioception is an essential sense that helps us understand our body's position and movements. For children with sensory processing difficulties, proprioceptive input is important for improving coordination and motor planning. By incorporating activities that provide proprioceptive input, parents and caregivers can help children better regulate their movements and improve their sensory processing abilities. It is important to work with a specialist Occupational Therapist to determine the appropriate types and amounts of proprioceptive input for each child's unique needs.

You can book a call with Vicky to discuss specific sensory activities for your child: Book a call with Vicky here

Dive deeper with these relevant resources:
Read: What is Sensory Processing Disorder?
Join: The Sensory Hub
Want more: Book a 1-2-1 session with me