Hyperactivity or Proprioceptive Sensory Seeking?

Written by: Jasmine K. Y. Loo (Psychologist)

For parents, teachers and professionals, overt movement can often be interpreted as "hyperactivity". But what if the behaviour we're seeing isn't always rooted in attention or impulse regulation challenges?

Sometimes, the drive to move is less about distraction and more about sensory regulation.

Understanding Proprioception

Proprioception refers to our sense of body awareness — how we perceive the position and movement of our body parts without needing to look. It's what allows us to close our eyes and touch our nose, or walk without watching our feet.

For some neurodivergent individuals (NDs), the brain receives less feedback from this system. In such cases, a person might:

• Constantly crash into furniture or people

• Seek out tight hugs or pressure

• Push, pull, or lift heavy objects for fun

• Climb, pace, stomp or hang upside down

• Seem unable to sit still, even when focused

To an outside observer, these behaviours might look like hyperactivity. But they could actually be signs of proprioceptive sensory seeking (or vestibular sensory seeking, which we would explore another day).

Low Registration vs Sensory Seeking

It can help to understand two subtly different sensory profiles:

• Low Registration: The individual doesn't easily notice or register certain sensory inputs, but this doesn't necessarily cause them any discomfort. They may seem passive or low-energy, or simply unbothered by things others would react to.

• Sensory Seeking: The individual also doesn't register input easily, but unlike those with low registration, this does lead to discomfort or a feeling of being "under-stimulated". In response, they actively seek out more intense input to feel regulated (think of how we generally feel when we're at our baseline — reasonably relaxed, calm. Now, imagine if we always have to work to get the basic ingredients to feel that way.).

This is especially common in the proprioceptive domain. Someone with high sensory seeking needs in this area might look restless or disruptive — when in fact, they're trying to calm themselves.

Hyperactivity vs Proprioceptive Sensory Seeking: Why It Matters

Hyperactivity (as seen in ADHD) is generally driven by differences in impulse control, arousal levels, and executive functioning. Sensory seeking, on the other hand, is rooted in nervous system regulation. Of course, the two can co-occur — many (too many) autistic and ADHD individuals experience sensory differences.

But teasing them apart can change the game.

If a child is crashing into things because they're seeking proprioceptive input, giving them a worksheet or behavioural reward won't meet the need. Instead, they may benefit from what's often referred to as "heavy work" activities — physical input that helps the nervous system feel grounded.

Examples include:

• Wall push-ups

• Animal walks (e.g. crab, bear, frog jumps)

• Carrying a weighted backpack, or using a weighted blanket

• Using a therapy ball to roll over

• Engaging in resistance-based games or play

A neuroaffirming occupational therapist (OT) can help identify these needs and support the development of a tailored sensory diet.

Reframing the Behaviour

When a child is climbing the furniture, pacing the classroom, or chewing on their shirt collar, it can be easy to jump to conclusions. But when we take a step back and ask, "What might their body be trying to tell us?", we open the door to more supportive, affirming responses.

By understanding proprioceptive sensory seeking, we avoid the trap of mislabelling children as simply "naughty" or "too active." We learn to see movement not as a problem to be fixed, but as a clue to what the body might be needing.

And from there, we can begin to meet that need with curiosity, compassion and creativity.

If you're a parent or professional unsure whether a child’s movement is sensory-based, consider consulting with a neuroaffirming Occupational Therapist (OT). A thorough sensory profile can offer insights that behavioural checklists often miss. You can check out NAPAA's Directory for OTs dedicated to neuroaffirming practice.