Proprioception is a sense tells us where our bodies are in relation to other objects and in open spaces, and also how our different body parts are moving. We get messages (feedback) from our muscles and joints telling our brain where we are. They regulate movement and posture and also the appropriate pressure for tasks, such as cracking open an egg without crushing it.
More information about proprioception can be found on Autism Together's website.
The following are ideas and activities compiled by occupational therapists. The activities may be used at school or at home. This is not a sensory diet but contains many practical activities that can incorporated to either the home, school or both.
- Hot dog game: The child lies across the end of a blanket and is rolled (ends up rolled in blanket)
- Carry heavy items: baskets with cardboard blocks, shopping, bags for the teacher etc.)
- Climbing activities: such as playground equipment.
- Swing from a trapeze bar.
- Tug or war.
- Scooter board to and from a designated location: sit and lie on stomach, use arms to propel.
- Pull a heavy rubbish bin.
- Push and pull boxes with books in.
- Pillow cases with stuffed animals (for weight) - drag or pull them up a rain or stairs.
- Place chairs at the desks at the end of the day
- Clean the whiteboard.
- Carry bean bags on head or shoulders and walk across a room
- Push furniture around the house, rearrange bedroom furniture.
- Push teacher around on a wheeled chair.
- Roller skate uphill.
- Walk up a ramp or incline
- Gardening activities: mowing the lawn, raking grass, pushing the wheelbarrow.
- Shovel sand in to the wheelbarrow, wheel it around and dump it in a different spot.
- Squeeze toys
- Help teacher move gym mats
- Cut out items for classrooms displays
- Wear a weighted belt bag
- Suck apple sauce/yogurt and thick shakes through a straw
- Scrub rough surfaces with a brush
- Slowly roll ball over the child and apply pressure
- Bounce on a mini trampoline
- Fill up a child's suitcase with books and pull it around
- Have them sit in bean bag chairs for reading time or during work time