ND Creator Spotlight: Dyspraxics Are Not Just Clumsy – Here’s What You Need to Know

Always Covered in Bruises Thanks to Proprioceptive Dysfunction

*Image credit: Alyshia @notjustclumsy*

Alyshia writes: Proprioception is the sensory system responsible for knowing where the body is in space. This system is essential for co-ordination, posture and body awareness. Proprioception also plays an important role in self-regulation, focus and speech.

Proprioceptive input comes from sensory receptors in the skin, muscles and joints. When we have problems with our proprioception we have difficulties knowing where the parts of our bodies are, how to move and how much strength we need to use to execute tasks.

Many people with DCD (dyspraxia), ASD and SPD experience problems with their proprioception.

Those with proprioceptive dysfunction may misjudge where there bodies are in space. I don’t always understand where my body is. I compensate for my poor body awareness by being hyper vigilant with my surroundings. Concentrating on every little movement is exhausting; by the end of the day I am clumsier and have more accidents. I am always covered in bruises thanks to proprioceptive dysfunction.

Vestibular Dysfunction Can Cause Anxiety, Under- and Oversensitivity to Movement

*Image credit: Alyshia @notjustclumsy*

Alyshia writes: The vestibular system is the sensory system responsible for balance and movement. This system provides our brains with information about motion, head position, and spatial orientation. It is also involved with the functions that help maintain our balance and posture.

Dysfunctions in the vestibular system can cause anxiety, over-sensitivity or under-sensitivity to movement, and abnormalities in muscle tone.

I have significant difficulties understanding where I am in space. I am terrified of heights and despise being picked up. I always feel as if I will fall over or fall off a chair. I hate sitting on stools because they seem far too high and dangerous. I have trouble maintaining my posture and have spent years overcorrecting my posture, resulting in chronic back pain. I panic when the chair tips back at the hairdresser or dentist.

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