Aug 305 min read

Help your Homeschool Learner to Focus and Feel Regulated - Daily Proprioceptive Input

Updated: Sep 27

homeschool, homeschool curriculum, autistic homeschool, special needs homeschool, ADHD homeschool, homeschool sensory

What is Proprioceptive Input and Why is it helpful for some people with Autism?

Let's start by recognizing the proprioceptive system, which is a component of our sensory system responsible for giving us a perception of our body's position in relation to the surrounding space. By utilizing sensory receptors present in our skin, muscles, and joints, it enables us to understand the location of our body parts, determine the required muscle strength, and coordinate our movements. This system holds significant importance for the brain as it plays a major role in self-regulation, coordination, posture, body awareness, and is a VITAL regulatory element in sensory processing.

Some individuals with Autism or sensory sensitivities find proprioceptive input calming when they feel overloaded by sensory stimuli. For others, it can enhance sensory stimulation to improve concentration and learning. Proprioceptive sensors inform the brain about body movements and position, aiding in attention, focus, and emotional control. Incorporating proprioceptive input into children's daily routines can help them sustain focus and regulate emotions effectively.

For some people, however, may feel overresponsive to proprioceptive input, and may need to seek other ways to calm down or promote focus.

Signs that Someone is Seeking Proprioceptive Input may Include:

Sensory Seeking:

Biting or Chewing objects like pencils or nails
Seeks out jumping, bumping, and crashing activities
Rough Play, without realizing how rough they are being
Likes to be wrapped tightly in blankets at bedtime or squishing activities
Prefers to run, jump or stomp heavy when walking
Banging with toys or objects

Difficulty with Judging Movement and Pressure:
Difficulty regulating pressure with writing
Written work is messy
Misjudges the weight of objects they pick up, using too much force or complaining things are too heavy

When should children be provided proprioceptive input in homeschool?

Following the advice of our Occupational Therapist, we have added proprioceptive input into our daily routine for our children. This addition has significantly enhanced their ability to focus, remain engaged, and sustain positive moods throughout the day. We start our day with proprioceptive activities, with phenomenal outcomes. Moreover, integrating such activities into our learning has effectively curbed restlessness and improved writing readiness. We have also observed positive outcomes by including proprioceptive input before bedtime and meal times.

What are examples of Proprioceptive Activities for Homeschool?

Jump Rope
Hop Scotch
Rolling them into a blanket (like a burrito)
Yoga - we love Cosmic Kids Yoga on YouTube
Crab Walks
Jumping Jacks
Tug of War
Crunchy Snacks
Weight Lifting Exercises - We follow Harbor Harden and Lauren Fitter on YouTube

We've made some changes to our daily routine, and it's been amazing to see the positive impact. Our son, who has autism, used to struggle with homeschooling tasks, but now he's taking more initiative and becoming a better learner. We've introduced a daily checklist, a visual schedule, a timer, and regular breaks, and it's really helping him excel in his studies this year.

An excellent resource for proprioceptive ideas and sensory diets, is Harkla, a company formed by occupational therapy assistants that specialize in sensory diets. They provide sensory diet training, proprioceptive input ideas specialized to your learner, and products to support their needs. Click here to learn more - Harkla.

I hope this may help some of you that may be encountering resistance to learning with your little one.

Click HERE for Proprioceptive Sensory Tools

Click HERE for Homeschool Supply Recommendations

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