Stimming, also known as self-stimulatory behavior, is a commonly recognized behavior associated with autism. It involves repetitive movements, sounds, or actions that individuals with autism engage in to regulate their sensory experiences and emotions. It’s important to recognize that stimming serves a significant purpose for individuals with autism, helping them navigate their environment and manage their internal states effectively. ABA Therapy Services can provide targeted strategies to support and manage stimming behaviors, enhancing the overall well-being of individuals with autism.
Sensory Challenges in Autism
Individuals with autism often experience heightened sensitivity in one or more senses due to sensory issues associated with the condition. This means that they may have heightened or intense reactions to sensory stimuli that others may not notice or find bothersome. For example, a person with autism who is more sensitive to smell may feel uncomfortable entering a particular room due to a strong smell that distresses them but that others cannot detect.
In addition to hypersensitivity, some individuals with autism may also experience hyposensitivity, which is a decreased sensitivity to certain sensory stimuli. This means that they may seek out intense sensory experiences to compensate for the lower sensory input they perceive.
The Seven Senses of Autism
The traditional five senses (vision, hearing, taste, smell, and touch) are well-known, but in the context of autism, there is an expanded understanding of sensory processing. The seven senses of autism include:
Understanding the seven senses of autism can help parents, caregivers, and individuals with autism themselves to develop strategies and interventions that cater to their sensory needs. By recognizing and addressing sensory challenges, it becomes possible to create environments and experiences that are more comfortable and supportive for individuals with autism.
The Proprioceptive Sense
Proprioception refers to our body’s ability to perceive and understand its position and movements. This sense relies on receptors found in our muscles, tendons, and joints, providing us with feedback about our body’s position in space. By integrating proprioceptive input, individuals can coordinate their movements, maintain balance, and determine the amount of force required to complete tasks.
For individuals with autism, the proprioceptive sense can be both a source of comfort and a challenge. Engaging in activities that provide proprioceptive input, such as chewing gum, lifting weights, or going for a run, can help regulate sensory experiences without individuals consciously realizing it. This input supports the development of body awareness, motor planning, and overall sensory integration.
Signs of Proprioceptive Sensory Issues
Children with autism may exhibit signs of sensory processing issues related to proprioception. Some children may be under-responsive to proprioceptive input, while others may actively seek it.
Children who are under-responsive to proprioceptive input may display the following signs:
- Slumping at their desk or in chairs
- Leaning on objects or people for support
- Appearing clumsy or uncoordinated
- Having difficulty with fine motor tasks that require precise control
On the other hand, children who seek proprioceptive input may display the following signs:
- Frequently crashing into objects or people
- Engaging in rough play or seeking out activities that involve deep pressure
- Climbing onto furniture to jump off
- Having difficulty standing still or sitting quietly for extended periods
- Applying excessive force when completing writing tasks
Recognizing these signs enables parents, caregivers, and educators to gain a deeper understanding of the specific sensory needs of individuals with autism. This understanding allows them to offer targeted support and accommodations that promote comfort and facilitate learning and engagement.
Activities for Proprioceptive Input
Providing activities that stimulate the proprioceptive sense, also known as “heavy work,” can be beneficial for individuals with autism. These activities help regulate the sensory system, improve focus, and promote a sense of calm. Incorporating ‘heavy work’ can be done in various settings, including school and home environments.
Incorporating ‘Heavy Work’
In the school environment, it’s important to embed activities that provide proprioceptive input throughout the day. These activities can be incorporated into lessons, movement breaks, and sensory supports during tabletop tasks. Examples of ‘heavy work’ activities include:
- Animal walks: Encourage children to imitate the movements of animals such as crab walks, bear walks, or frog jumps.
- Wheelbarrow races: Engage in wheelbarrow races where one person holds the legs of another person and they walk on their hands.
- Chair push-ups: Encourage children to place their hands on a chair seat and push their body up and down, similar to doing push-ups.
- Jumping on the trampoline: Provide a trampoline for children to jump on, which provides deep pressure and proprioceptive input.
- Climbing on equipment: Allow children to climb on playground equipment, which engages their muscles and provides proprioceptive input.
- Playing hopscotch: Engage in games like hopscotch, where children jump and land on specific squares.
- Crawling through a tunnel: Set up a tunnel for children to crawl through, providing resistance and proprioceptive input.
- Walking with a weighted backpack: Have children wear a backpack with some weight inside while engaging in activities or walking.
Proprioceptive Activities at School
At home, there are also opportunities to provide proprioceptive input for individuals with autism. These activities can be embedded into daily routines to proactively implement proprioceptive input. Here are some examples of proprioceptive activities that can be done at home:
- Pushing/pulling heavy objects: Encourage children to push or pull heavy objects such as furniture or weighted sleds.
- Carrying heavy objects: Have children carry heavy objects like grocery bags or laundry baskets.
- Sweeping: Engage children in sweeping activities, where they use a broom to sweep the floor.
- Digging: Allow children to dig in a sandbox or garden, using their arms and hands to exert force.
- Blowing bubbles: Blowing bubbles requires forceful blowing and can provide proprioceptive input to the mouth and lips.
- Drinking through a straw: Using a straw to drink requires a sucking action that engages the muscles in the mouth and provides proprioceptive input.
- Blowing up a balloon: Inflating a balloon requires forceful blowing and can provide proprioceptive input to the mouth and lungs.
Remember, it’s important to tailor these activities to the individual’s preferences and abilities, ensuring a safe and comfortable experience. By providing opportunities for proprioceptive input, parents and caregivers can support the sensory needs of individuals with autism and help them thrive in their daily routines.
Proprioceptive Activities at Home
Engaging in proprioceptive activities at home can help individuals with ASD feel grounded, focused, and ready to tackle the day. By integrating these activities into daily routines, we create a nurturing environment where sensory needs are met, fostering comfort and enhancing participation in everyday life.
Daily Routine Integration
For example, activities such as pushing or pulling heavy objects, carrying heavy items, or sweeping can be included as part of their chores or responsibilities around the house. By assigning tasks that require physical exertion and the use of muscles, individuals with autism can engage in “heavy work” activities that stimulate their proprioceptive sense while also contributing to the functioning and maintenance of their living environment.
Effective Proprioceptive Input Activities
In addition to incorporating proprioceptive activities into daily routines, there are specific activities that can provide effective proprioceptive input for individuals with autism. These activities can be engaging and enjoyable while also meeting their sensory needs. Here are some examples of effective proprioceptive input activities:
- Blowing bubbles: Blowing bubbles requires the use of respiratory muscles, providing a proprioceptive input to the mouth and jaw area.
- Drinking through a straw: Utilizing a straw to drink requires the use of oral muscles, providing proprioceptive input to the mouth and jaw.
- Blowing up a balloon: Inflating a balloon requires deep breathing and the use of respiratory muscles, providing proprioceptive input to the mouth and lungs.
- Carrying heavy objects: Engaging in activities that involve carrying heavy objects, such as groceries or books, can provide proprioceptive input to the arms and shoulders.
- Sweeping or mopping: Using a broom or mop to clean the floor engages the upper body muscles, providing proprioceptive input to the arms and shoulders.
By incorporating these activities into the daily routines of individuals with autism, they can receive the necessary proprioceptive input to support regulation and sensory integration. These activities not only provide sensory benefits but also contribute to the overall well-being and engagement of individuals with autism.
Remember, every individual with autism may have different preferences and sensory needs. It’s important to observe and understand their sensory preferences and sensitivities to tailor the proprioceptive activities to their specific needs and interests. By creating a sensory-friendly environment at home and providing opportunities for proprioceptive input, you can support the neurodiversity of individuals with autism and help them thrive.
If you need a specialized ABA therapist in New York, consider contacting A Better Way ABA for expert guidance and support. Contact us to learn more and schedule a consultation today.
Sources:
https://autismnepal.org/7-senses-of-autism/
https://www.theautismhub.net.au/the-seventh-sense/
http://www.theexpatspeechie.com/blog/your-childs-7-senses-in-learning
