Proprioceptive Dysfunction

Secondary to the Vestibular Sense is the Proprioceptive Sense.

Liam is a sensory seeker in that he:

• deliberately bumps and crashes into objects in the environment, ie jumps from high places, dives into leaf pile, crashes into people and furniture
• kicks his heels against the floor or chair legs
• modulates his arousal level, by engaging in self-stimulatory activities, such as head banging, nail biting, finger sucking and knuckle cracking
• likes to be TIGHTLY swaddled in a blanket or tucked into bed VERY tightly.
• also likes to be laid upon by us, full body weight of an adult across his body.  This provides almost immediate relaxation for Liam.
• chews constantly on objects, such as shirt collars and cuffs, hood strings, pencils, toys and gum.  He loves chewy foods
• appears to be very agaggressive at times

Liam also displays emotional insecurity within his proprioceptive dysfunction by:

• avoiding participation in ordinary movement experiences, because they make him feel uncomfortable or inadequate.
• becoming rigid, sticking to the activities that he has mastered and resists new physical challenges.
• lacking self-confidence, saying, "I can't do that," even before trying.
• this is seen when he begins hopping and will attempt to flee the area
• if he is forced to try the new physical challenge, he may be set off for the remainder of the day and will reach "total shut-down", if he isn't assisted in calming down.
• becoming timid in unfamiliar situations

We are currently working with Liam in that we explain to him what techniques he can use to self-sooth appropriately and we provide him with appropriate chewing objects.  We also indulge his desire to be squished or wrapped.