Sensory Processing Disorder and Proprioceptive Input

Proprioception is a mouthful to say. This long, scientific-sounding term is actually just one of our eight senses. Yes, most therapists suggest there really are eight, the five you’ve always known – sight, taste, touch, hearing, and smell – as well as the lesser-known senses – balance, internal, and body awareness or proprioception.

What does proprioception or body awareness, as a sense actually mean? Proprioception is your sense of knowing your body and its parts relative to each other. For example, if someone tosses you an object, you don’t have to look at your hands to be able to position them to catch it. Or, if you are writing your name on a piece of paper, you can sense how much pressure to exert so that you don’t break the pencil.

Many children and adults with sensory processing disorder struggle with proprioception, especially if they are also living with autism, ADHD, or anxiety. They may struggle with self-control, or they may play too rough. They can be uncoordinated or clumsy. Their lack of body awareness can lead to frustration, anxiety, or an inability to feel calm or focused.

When a child cannot see properly, they are prescribed glasses. When they can’t hear, they may be fitted with hearing aids. When a child has issues with proprioception, there are tools and methods that can help them to feel more comfortable and self-aware.

Proprioceptive input methods can help to calm children and regulate their senses. They can also enhance motor skills, increase body awareness, and reduce anxiety.

There are lots of ways that a child can obtain proprioceptive input. It can come in the form of movement and stretching. Jumping, push-ups, or yoga are good examples. Some may find that chewing is helpful, so they might prefer chewing gum or chewing on chewable jewelry. One of the most common tools for proprioceptive input is weighted vests or blankets. These tools provide pressure to the body taking the place of the proprioceptive input that they lack.

The downside to any wearable proprioceptive input device is the bulkiness. It’s hard for kids to wear a weighted vest or cover with a weighted blanket all day, every day. For one thing, it can be really hot, especially during physical activity or warmer months. The extra bulk can make just being a kid more difficult. And, it makes choosing clothes a challenge. Shirts need to be lightweight enough to fit under a vest, or loose enough to accommodate wearing them over the vest.

These challenges are precisely why Compresso-T is a better alternative to weighted vests or blankets. Compresso-T is lightweight, so it won’t add a lot of extra heat. The thin material fits snug against the skin, so it won’t interfere with your active child’s playtime and activities. The lightweight, thin material makes it ideal for wearing under most normal shirts and outfits.