Proprioceptive Dysfunction: The Real Reason He Keeps Crashing, Jumping, Tripping, Falling, Writing Too Dark, And Breaking Things!

Trust me, you will know when you see a child with proprioceptive dysfunction! It is one of the saddest aspects of sensory processing disorders, and will easily and quickly wreak havoc on a child's self-esteem.



If "proprioceptive" is a new term to you, then let me explain. It is one of the "8 senses" I talk about in other articles . One of the best ways I can explain it is in the article Sensory Processing Disorders: How Does It Feel Like. Feel free to read this, then come back.

You're back?... Oh good, because I have a lot more to say on about proprioception dysfunction!

You see, in sensory integration theory (developed by A. Jean Ayres back in the 70's) the proprioceptive sense refers to the sensory input and feedback that tells us about movement and body position. It's "receptors" are located within our muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons, and connective tissues. It is one of the "deep senses" and could be considered the "position sense" (as Carol Stock Kranowitz refers to it in her book entitled The Out-of-Sync Child: Recognizing and Coping with Sensory Processing Disorder (The Out-of-Sync Child Series)... which is a must read for anyone dealing with sensory processing disorders.

So, if this proprioceptive sense is not receiving or interpreting input correctly within these muscles, joints etc., then we refer to it as Proprioceptive Dysfunction.

When I say it is "one of the saddest aspects", it is because it manifests itself as kids who are clumsy, uncoordinated, and have difficulty performing basic normal childhood tasks and activities. They don't experience the world like me and you.

Without proper messages regarding whether muscles are being stretched, whether joints are bending or straightening, and how much of each of these is happening, children will have the following "clinical" signs of proprioceptive dysfunction...

 

  • difficulty "motor planning"; i.e. conceptualizing and figuring out what each part of his body needs to do in order to move a certain way or complete a task (what is an unconscious sense to us, becomes an active, conscious, frustrating sense to them)

  • difficulty executing those planned movements: i.e."motor control" (the brain may know what to do, but they can't figure out how to make their body do it)


  • difficulty "grading movement"; knowing how much pressure is needed to complete a task (i.e. hold a cup of water, hold and write with a pencil, turn the page of a book, hit a golf ball into the hole, etc.)


  • difficulty with "postural stability"; i.e. the ability to hold and maintain one's postural muscles and responses, giving you a sense of security and safety during movement. As a result, proprioception is impaired and "emotional security" suffers.

    • Children with proprioceptive dysfunction, who are unable to move and use their body effectively can become easily frustrated, give up, and lose self-confidence. It is truly difficult to watch these kids try SO HARD and not be able to do what they want to do. :0( Keeping in mind the aforementioned difficulties a child will have if this sense is not doing it's job correctly, you will quickly notice some of the following...



    Signs Of Proprioceptive Dysfunction:

     

    If they are under responsive to proprioceptive input (i.e. sensory seeking) they will...

     

  • walk to hard, push too hard, bang too hard write too hard, play with objects too hard, etc.


  • be the loud ones, rough ones, crashers, movers, shakers, runners, jumpers, and bouncers (i.e. an insatiable bundle of energy!)


  • shake his legs or constantly bang the back of his foot on the floor/chair while sitting in class


  • play too rough (often hurting himself or others), jump off of or crash into anything he can


  • crack his knuckles, chew on his fingers, bite his nails until they bleed, chew on pens, gum, pencils, clothing collars, sleeves, or strings, or inedible objects (i.e. paper clips, pieces of toys etc.)


  • enjoys tight clothes (i.e. turtlenecks, tight belts, hoods, hats, jackets zipped all the way up, tight pajamas etc.)



    • If they have poor motor planning, body awareness, or motor control, they will...

  • have difficulty climbing, running, riding a bike, doing jumping jacks, hitting a ball, roller skating, etc.


  • have difficulty tying shoes (this is a great resource... Tie Your Shoes: Rocket Style/Bunny Ears) or knowing how to move his body when you help him get dressed/undressed


  • frequently bump into objects and people accidentally


  • trip and fall often


  • have difficulty learning to go up and down stairs, and may be frightened by them (escalators too)



    • Signs of postural instability will include...

  • slumping at desk, dinner table etc.


  • appear to be "limp" and lethargic all the time


  • needing to rest his head on his hands or lay his head down on his arm on the desk/table while working


  • having poor posture during motor tasks


  • being unable to stand on one foot and have difficulty with any balancing tasks



    • As a result of proprioceptive dysfunction, and the struggles/challenges these children must face everyday just trying to accomplish normal childhood activities, they may become "emotionally insecure". They may avoid many typical play experiences, become shy, be afraid to try anything new, lack self-confidence and self-esteem. If you have a child you think may show signs of proprioceptive dysfunction ( Click here for the complete sensory processing disorder checklist ), then I highly recommend you talk to an Occupational or Physical Therapist in your community to see if your child may need an evaluation.

    If you have, or know, a child who has a sensory processing disorder, please understand there is a neurological reason they are doing these things!

    I know the "sensory seeking" kids can try our patience, but understand one of the best ways we can help them is to give them appropriate and frequent opportunities for deep pressure activities and heavy work activities ...they need them! This will help them stay more focused, calm, and within an optimal arousal level.

    I also know the clumsy, uncoordinated kids can tug at our heart strings, make us angry or frustrated, but know that if they get the proper treatment, they can overcome (or adapt to) many of the "symptoms" of proprioceptive dysfunction without losing too much self-confidence. Will they ever be a professional baseball player, ice skater, or gymnast? Probably not. But, with the right kind of help they will finally be able to button, tie, zip, hit a ball, catch a frisbee, write out an assignment without breaking their pencil tip, etc. and begin to fit in with their peers and gain self-esteem.

    For their sake, get them the help they need. Their poor little hearts are sad. They feel "different", left out, are struggling so hard, and losing more self-confidence every day. Like I say, "if we can help even ONE child..."







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    Further Reading And Resources

    The Out-of-Sync Child Has Fun, Revised Edition: Activities for Kids with Sensory Processing Disorder (The Out-of-Sync Child Series) - Has a whole chapter devoted to activities to improve the proprioceptive sense.

    Creating A Home Sensory Diet - Are you confused about how to create a home sensory diet for your child who has a sensory processing disorder? Then check this article out for explanations and suggestions.

    Sensory Rooms -  Extremely therapeutic for both children and adults with, or without, sensory processing/sensory integration disorders. What should we put in it?

    Children's Bean Bag Chairs - Use children's bean bag chairs to calm and relax your child (with or without a sensory processing disorder) and give them the deep pressure, proprioceptive input they need and crave.

    Play Tunnels - Every child loves play tunnels, play tents and play huts; use them for gross motor skills or as a personal sensory room for children with sensory processing disorders

    Helpful Activity Ideas

    Ideas And Products To Help Develop Fine Motor Skills

    Tons Of Useful Sensory Integration Products



    Bumping and Crashing into People - Middle school aged child gets bullied as they perceive as him physically attacking them and failing to respect their personal space by frequently bumping into other students or their possessions.

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