A sensory diet of proprioceptive input can make a world of difference for children with ASD or other sensory processing challenges. In this post, we're sharing ideas for individuals who present with hyposensitivity or hypersensitivity.
What is Proprioception
Proprioception is essentially our awareness of our body and our movements in space. When an individual has higher sensory needs, they may interact with their environment differently and have difficulty with their proprioception. When a child is hyposensitive, it means that they won't be stimulated enough by sensations in the environment, and show limited awareness of their body in space. For example, they may seek out items to chew, appear low energy, show limited response to pain, or lean on walls or people. When a child is hypersensitive, they may not be able to tolerate bright lights, loud sounds, certain smells, certain foods or tactile textures, or certain physical touch. Children with sensory challenges will often benefit from redirection to safer ways to seek or escape sensory input.
Hypersensitivity
A child who is hypersensitive to their environment might be triggered by stimuli in their environment because it is as if their senses are working too acutely. They might benefit from tinted glasses, desensitization programs for certain foods, or headphones depending on their specific sensitivities. They might also benefit from breaks if they are in a loud environment such as a lunchroom or playground that has a variety of stimuli happening at the same time.
Hyposensitivity
A child who is hyposensitive to their environment might show limited awareness of stimuli because it is as if their senses are not working acutely enough. They may demonstrate unsafe behaviors such as bumping into adults or walls, or mouthing items such as rocks or toys. They may also need to be monitored regarding pain and temperature, as they may not be able to independently recognize if they are injured or overheated. They could benefit from a chewy, which as a sensory tool that come in a variety of shapes and strengths that can help replace unsafe mouthing behaviors.
Proprioceptive Movement Ideas
Climbing/Heavy Work: Climbing on a playground structure or pushing/pulling/lifting a heavy object can help provide input to a child's major muscle groups. Wheel barrow walks, where an adult holds the child's feet and they walk on their hands, are a great way to provide input to their upper body, and are a safe way to allow the child to be upside down.
Structured Directions: Providing specific directions such as "hop like a frog", "run to the stop sign and back as fast as you can" or "stomp 5 times" can be a great way to help a child focus and receive input safely. If we only say "go play and get some energy out", it will likely not be as effective or safe. The child also has the control to determine how hard to stomp or how fast to run, which can help increase their awareness.
Log Rolls/Tunnels: Rolling a child up in a blanket by having them start at one side and log roll across can provide a sense of comfort and pressure. Log rolls down a small hill can also provide input. Crawling through a tunnel or using a Body Sock can also help a child increase their body boundaries.
Roll/Bounce on Yoga Ball: Bouncing on a yoga ball or rolling over it on their belly can be a great way to get physical and proprioceptive input. Providing the child the opportunity to pick the song you sing together while they bounce, or to choose when to stop and go can be a great way to increase their focus and control of their body.
Wagon/Swing: When using a wagon or swing, it can give the child movement input of going fast and slow, forward and back, or side to side. It is important to discourage a child from swinging in a circle or too quickly because it can become overstimulating and have the opposite of the desired effect.
Movement Breaks: Making an obstacle course or playlist of structured movement songs can be very helpful for a child who may be engaging in a lot of movement, but may be unfocused. It is also helpful to end a movement break with a slower, calmer song before the child returns to their classroom or activity to help bring their energy level back down.
Deep Pressure: The clients I work with will often request squeezes or rock on a therapist's back for input. A child seeking pressure could benefit from a bear hug, a weighted vest or blanket, or periodic squeezes such as head squeezes, arm squeezes, leg squeezes, or a jaw massage. When providing squeezes, be sure not to squeeze on a child's joints directly, only provide pressure on their larger bones such as their shin or forearm to prevent injury.
There are many other ways to provide sensory input or help a child who is overstimulated by their environment! Please reach out to myself or your child's therapist for more ideas, or if you have questions!
Comments