The internal body awareness sense (proprioception) tells us :
- where our bodies are in space, and
- how different body parts are moving.
For many individuals with autism this sense can be distorted and they may be unable to feel the sensation of their whole body.
The use of a weighed waistcoat allows them to feel the sensation of their whole body which is considered to be distorted at times.
Individuals with autism can often respond positively to deep pressure to calm and again give them a sense of self. Therefore the use of weighted waistcoats etc can provide this for an individual when access a particularly challenging situation.
Individual may seeks out all kinds of movement, which can interfere with daily routines.
They may be attempting to gain a sense of the body within space and without this movement they are unable to feel only parts or nothing.
Use of wobble cushions and bands on the bottom of chairs can also be helpful to provide this sensory out point in a manageable way.
Just because they are moving it doesn’t mean they are not listening in fact if they are not moving they will be unable to listen.
