Thanks for coming back - If you are new, welcome! Our last blog post went into greater detail about the vestibular processing. Let's dig into our proprioceptive system to understand why it is important, difference between a typical (integrated) and atypical system functions, and what are some warning signs to seek help!
Proprioceptive sensory processing is essentially our body awareness. Proprioception is the information from our muscles, joints, tendons and ligaments pulling, contracting and compressing sent to the brain about our positioning. It is brought to the brain through jumping, pulling, carrying, climbing movements that contract or elongate (lengthen or stretch) muscle fibers.
Fun facts about proprioception:
Majority of proprioceptive processing happens subconsciously (meaning we don't even realize it is happening)!
You don't need your vision to know where your body/limbs are in relation to other things.
This type of input is VERY organizing to our nervous system
Provides a sense of "grounding" creating a safe sense of security to move with and against gravity.
Vestibular and proprioceptive inputs are frequently paired together for optimal integration and regulation
Helps control quality of coordinated movements/motor planning
What does optimal functioning (integrated) proprioceptive processing look like?
Adequate postural stability and control
Able to produce smooth, fluid and coordinated bilateral movements
Age appropriate gross and fine motor development
Efficient praxis skills (ideation, motor planning and execution)- More on this topic in another post!
Know where your body is without relying on vision
Proprioceptive modulation vs discrimination dysfunction:
We touched on the differences between modulation and discrimination in our sensory processing 101 post. Head back over there if you need a little refresher!
Modulation:
Over responsive:
Avoids/dislikes rough house play
Nervous about climbing, jumping
Dislikes standing in line close to others
Uses very light pressure/force
Low pain tolerance
Under responsive:
Likes playground/park play
Enjoys gross motor activities
Poor social boundaries/invades others space
Uses excessive pressure/force than needed for tasks
Has higher pain tolerance
Craving:
Seeks crashing/falling
Likes heavy blankets to fall asleep
Enjoys climbing and jumping activities
Frequently engages in rough/tumble play games
Likes lifting, pushing and pulling activities/tasks
Only calmed being swaddled tightly as baby
Needed to be constantly cuddled/swaddled as a baby
Discrimination:
Poor body awareness
Awkward/clumsy coordination
Difficulty with core strength and endurance
Struggles maintaining sitting/standing positions
What are some signs to look for if you think there is poor proprioceptive processing/integration? *(not all children will display each sign)
Poor body awareness
Decreased core strength
Clumsy/awkward coordination; trips, falls or bumps into people/objects frequently
Difficulty with learning new motor skills/movements; praxis struggles
Poor force modulation- may use too much or not enough needed for task or activity
Struggle with appropriate social personal boundaries
Difficulty with dressing/managing fasteners
May chew on clothing/non-food objects
Trouble locating objects or completing movement tasks without use of their vision
We hope this is all starting to make a little more sense (pun intended). The world of sensory integration is challenging to navigate and understand. Just remember, there is no silly or dumb questions! If you are concerned or curious about your child's development, chat with your pediatrician and voice your concerns/observations. We will say it again, you know your child BEST! Second opinions are never a bad thing. Think of it as a second opportunity to learn and know more about your child. Feel free to ask us any questions, we love talking sensory any chance we get!
Go play!
Cassie & Amy