Triveni Goswami Vernal
Registered Special Educator (A64010)

Proprioception refers to the body’s ability to sense movement, force and body position. A stim is a self-stimulatory behaviour that an individual on the Autism spectrum engages in, to regulate their sensory experiences.
In the previous blog on Proprioceptive Stims and Autism (https://specialsaathi.com/2024/07/25/proprioceptive-stims-and-autism/) , I had written about the nature of Proprioceptive Stims (Hyposensitivity to Proprioceptive input (hence engage in seeking proprioceptive sensory input) or Hypersensitivity to Proprioceptive inputs (hence engage in avoiding proprioceptive sensory inputs).

ACTIVITIES FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE HYPOSENSITIVE TO PROPRIOCEPTIVE STIMULATION:
An individual who is hyposensitive to Proprioceptive stimulation, would more often than not, be in constant motion and seek more and more proprioceptive stimulation. This can take the form of jumping, bouncing, swinging, running, wanting deep pressure, massages etc.
**Please note, all activities should be done only after a consultation with an Occupational Therapist or a trained Sensory Integration professional**

Some activities that can be done, are as follows:
1) Jumping on the trampoline
2) Deep pressure massages
3) Walking up a hanging ladder
4) Swinging
5) Crawling through an obstacle course
6) Carrying weights (Books, grocery bags etc)
7) Wearing weighted jackets /ankle weights
8) Running
9) Tug of War (pushing/pulling)
10)Blowing Bubbles etc


ACTIVITIES FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE HYPERSENSITIVE TO PROPRIOCEPTIVE STIMULATION:
An individual who is Hypersensitive to Proprioceptive stimulation, will be too overwhelmed by it, and try to avoid it at all costs.
For individuals such as these, one can
a) Provide a calming environment.
b) Try not to pressurize the child into participating in any activity that overwhelms them sensorily.
c) Introduce low demand activities for the child and try to create opportunities to de-sensitize the child.
d) Introduce games that can help create greater body awareness for the child.
Care needs to be taken to always keep the child’s safety and sensory needs in mind, before proceeding with any intervention. Please consult an Occupational Therapist or a trained Sensory Integration professional for expert guidance.
RESOURCES:
https://sensory-processing.middletownautism.com/sensory-strategies/strategies-according-to-sense/proprioceptive/
https://connectability.ca/2020/07/14/proprioceptive-sense/
https://yourkidstable.com/proprioceptive-activities/
https://www.theottoolbox.com/proprioception-sensory-activities/
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Author Triveni Goswami Vernal

Triveni Goswami Vernal is an Autism advocate, registered Special Educator (CRR A64010) and an Independent Researcher. Her areas of interest include Autism, Disability Rights, Gender, Art and Northeast studies. She is a mum to an 12 year old on the Autism Spectrum.

Artwork “Autumn”, Artist Kabir Vernal
Acrylic Painting on Ivory Paper