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AUTISM GLOSSARY
Proprioception
DEFINITION
Proprioception is the sensory system that tells the brain where the body is in space — the position and movement of limbs and muscles. It is sometimes called the 'hidden sense' because it operates without external input.
WHY IT MATTERS
Many autistic people have proprioceptive differences — they may seek intense physical input (crashing, jumping, squeezing) or have difficulty with fine motor tasks. Understanding this informs appropriate sensory strategies.
COMMON MISCONCEPTION
Seeking proprioceptive input is not aggression or hyperactivity. A child who crashes into furniture may be regulating their proprioceptive system. This is a sensory need, not a behavior problem.