Proprioception/Vision in Autism

[Jodi Kraynak]

There is over-reliance on proprioception for autistic kids in motor learning, but they rely more on vision for postural control. Is this correct? Confusing but that’s what I’m seeing –

[Helen Carey]

Hi Jodi,
Much of what I have seen in the literature is a strong reliance on vision for postural control and gross motor skill performance, although motor imitation if often impaired (speculating mirror neuron impairments). There seems to be speculation that proprioception is impaired in children with ASD, as evidenced by dyspraxia. Here is some info from the ASD study guide: Some researchers have suggested that dyspraxia is a core feature of ASD and may be related to deficits in motor imitation. Children with ASD may demonstrate deficits in postural control (postural hypo-reactivity), especially in situations of conflicting sensory input, such as when the somatosensory system is disturbed or visual input is removed. Children with ASD may continue to have an over-reliance on the visual system for postural control as youth or adults.

Helen

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