Proprioceptive input, often called the “body’s sense of position,” is essential for children with autism and ADHD. It helps them understand where their bodies are in space, improving body awareness, coordination, and self-regulation. Activities that offer deep pressure, heavy work, or joint compression can have a calming and organizing effect. Here are 10 fun and easy ways to provide proprioceptive input at home, in therapy, or at school:
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1. Animal Walks
Encourage children to mimic animal movements like crab walking, bear crawling, or frog hopping. These movements provide heavy work for the arms and legs, helping with coordination while offering deep pressure input. It’s an engaging activity that doesn’t feel like work at all!
Tip: Create an obstacle course or play “follow the leader” to make it even more exciting.
2. Weighted Blankets or Lap Pads
A weighted blanket or lap pad can provide calming deep pressure input when a child is feeling overstimulated or anxious. They can be used during quiet activities like reading, homework, or while sitting in class.
Tip: Start with short periods and make sure the child is comfortable. Weighted items should be around 5-10% of the child’s body weight.
3. Jumping on a Trampoline
Jumping on a trampoline provides excellent proprioceptive input through the joints. It helps children release excess energy, improves body awareness, and promotes self-regulation. Plus, it’s just plain fun!
Tip: Supervise trampoline use to ensure safety and consider a smaller indoor trampoline if space is limited.
4. Pushing and Pulling Heavy Objects
Heavy work activities like pushing a weighted cart or pulling a resistance band can engage large muscles and provide proprioceptive input. These activities help to organize the sensory system and improve focus.
Tip: Create tasks around the house like “helping” push laundry baskets or moving pillows as part of a fun game.
5. Bear Hug
A simple bear hug can provide immediate deep-pressure input. Encourage self-hugging or offer a gentle bear hug to help calm and ground the child.
Tip: Introduce a sensory-friendly stuffed animal that offers deep pressure when hugged to support emotional regulation.
6. Rolling Up Like a Burrito
Wrap the child snugly in a blanket like a burrito. The compression of the blanket provides deep pressure, which can help them feel secure and calm.
Tip: Add a fun twist by pretending you are adding “ingredients” to their burrito like cheese or salsa to engage their imagination!
7. Wheelbarrow Walks
Have the child do a wheelbarrow walk where you hold their legs and they “walk” on their hands. This provides deep pressure to the shoulders and arms, building upper body strength and coordination.
Tip: Use a timer or race to encourage kids to challenge themselves in a fun way.
8. Lifting and Carrying Weighted Objects
Have the child lift or carry objects such as small weighted balls or a basket of toys. This provides proprioceptive input to the arms and legs and can help develop muscle tone and stability.
Tip: Make it part of a fun scavenger hunt or sorting game for added motivation.
9. Playdough or Theraputty Play
Squishing and molding playdough or Theraputty offers proprioceptive input to the hands and fingers. This can help with fine motor skills while providing calming sensory input.
Tip: Incorporate cookie cutters or small objects to press into the dough for an added element of play.
10. Body Socks
A body sock is a stretchy, enclosed piece of fabric that the child can crawl into, providing deep pressure and resistance as they move. It’s a fun way for children to explore body awareness while getting sensory input.
Tip: Play some music and let the child dance in their body sock to make it a fun and rhythmic activity.
Proprioceptive input can be a game-changer for helping children with autism and ADHD stay regulated, focused, and calm. By incorporating fun and easy activities into their daily routine, you can support their sensory needs in a positive and engaging way. The key is to make these activities enjoyable and part of their natural playtime.
What’s your favorite proprioceptive activity to try with kids? Let me know in the comments!
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