When the ADHD and the ASD fight for the same space - Proprioceptive

You Have Eight Sensory Systems

• Visual.
• Auditory.
• Olfactory (smell) System.
• Gustatory (taste) System.
• Tactile System.
• Tactile System (see above)
• Vestibular (sense of head movement in space) System.
• Proprioceptive (sensations from muscles and joints of body) System.

I'm specifically focusing on Proprioceptive "prop" today, well every day - because that is what my little man struggles with. After lots of observing after getting his system clean of all dyes we started really noticing this back and forth of crazy jumping around, climbing, wanting to wrestle/climb on people and then flip a switch he didn't want anyone near him, he didn't want to climb on the play set he would just want to walk laps around the play set. So these observations lead us down to narrowing down his sensory issues mostly being related to Prop.

However as we read more and more on Prop we noticed he oscillated between under-responder and over-responder. Some times this oscillation was happening over and over from minute to minute. So we would start one of the activities related to being in under-responder mode and it would seem to be having a calming effect and flip a switch it started to set him off and not be calming any more and he would need space away from everything.

Fast Forward a few weeks and we try an ADHD medicine again (verified dye free this time) extended release. Once the medicine is given through out the day the ADHD is managed and so we are watching what symptoms are still there from the ASD. We see a significant drop in the under-responder as the medicine kicks in and we see it coming back as the medicine wears off. We see a lot more of a need for space, alone time, less push-pull input needed during the medicine time.

So what are some things we have available to help with the under-responder? We have a big outside netted trampoline and an inside small trampoline. We have a rubber mallet and designated areas where mallet pounding can commence. We have a weighted medicine ball as well as hand weights with dedicated areas to use them. We also have an bounce back punching bag. I will put links down below to these things. When we are out and it is kicking in, what we have found works where ever we are is we have him with our help do the wheel barrow - he goes down on his hands and we hold his feet and then we walks forward on his hands. We speed up and slow down and got a little farther than he thinks he can go. This seems to help and can be done almost every where.

We do not have specifics for the over-responder. We do model healthy body boundaries and we do allow and respect when he doesn't want hugs. We have tried one vest and that did not work for him. We do have a weighted blanket, which he does like, but he doesn't seem to reach for it or appreciate it more when he is in this state.

This is still a very new journey for us and every day we are learning more. As we discover things I will continue to share, because I know as I was trying to look for this particular ADHD vs ASD fight in the same child I was not finding much information. Below the links for the exercise tools are another set of link to a great blogger that discusses all the sensory systems and gives particle ideas to try.

*affiliate links below

Big Trampoline

Inside Trampoline

Weighted Medicine Ball

Hand Weights

Inflatable Punching Bag for Kids

Rubber Mallet

Below comes from neurodivergent insights, check out also 8 forms of Proprioceptive input

Proprioception Under-Responder May:

• Struggle to know how much pressure to apply (make break pencils or use too much pressure when shaking someone’s hand)

• Enjoy jumping, bumping, and crashing into people and objects–sometimes lack awareness of safety and can be prone to accidents.

• Prefer rough play and constantly seem to be wrestling with siblings or other children.

• Tend to stand too close to others and touch them without permission.

• Crave pressure and bear hugs.

How to Support Proprioception Under-Responders

• Encourage safe climbing, jumping, and physical contact games/activities

• Provide ample hugs, deep pressure (back massages), physical contact, and play when desired

• Giving them push/pull/lift chores--chores that require them to move objects (bringing in groceries), do yard work, and more

• Consider incorporating a weighted blanket or weighted lap pad

• Encourage play that incorporates movement and activities that stimulate proprioception

Proprioception Over-Responders (Proprioceptive-Avoider)

Proprioception avoiders are highly sensitive to movement and outside input. They are easily overwhelmed by touch and movement.

Proprioception Over-Responders May:

• Avoid physical contact (hugs and other types of contact or pressure)

• Avoid physical play and appears timid around others

• Refuse to play around slides, swings, and other playground equipment

• Become anxious in crowded spaces or when standing close to others

Strategies for Proprioceptor Over-Responders:

• Advocate for healthy body boundaries from those around (and for parents—model healthy body boundaries and consent by asking for consent before touching/hugging)

• Talking them through movement and what to expect (children)

• Pressured clothing and weighted vests may help offset the distress of unexpected touch