Is Your Child Bumping Into People? 

We all know that raising kids is a journey filled with discovery, and sometimes, a little bit of “oops” along the way. If you’ve noticed your child seems to have a unique sense of personal space, bumping into things, or perhaps getting a bit too close for comfort in conversations, you’re not alone.

Let’s explore the world of body space awareness in childhood together, with a gentle touch and a spirit of understanding.

What is Body Space Awareness in Childhood?

Body space awareness in childhood, also known as spatial awareness, is the ability to know where your body is in space.

It’s like having an internal GPS for your body. It’s the ability to know where your body is in relation to other people and objects, and to navigate your surroundings with grace and ease. It also involves understanding social and cultural norms related to personal space.

Recognizing the Signs

Body space awareness challenges can manifest in various ways.

Here are a few signs to look out for in your child to indicate that body space awareness is an issue.

• Close proximity: Standing too close to others in conversations or lines.
• Missing social cues: Not noticing when others back away or seem uncomfortable.
• Rough play: Playing with a bit too much intensity, sometimes leading to accidental bumps or injuries.
• Close talking: Getting up close and personal in conversations, even when it makes others uncomfortable.
• Overly affectionate: Giving hugs or physical touch that might be a bit too enthusiastic for the situation.
• Seeming unaware: Not quite grasping the impact of their actions on others’ personal space.
• Loud and boisterous: Being a bit like a “bull in a china shop,” bumping into things and making a grand entrance.
• Accidentally breaking things: Frequent mishaps with toys, school supplies, or other objects due to a lack of spatial precision.
• Pressure challenges: Using too much or too little pressure when writing, drawing, or interacting with objects.
• Clumsiness: Appearing a bit clumsy or awkward in movements and coordination.

Understanding the Why

Several factors can contribute to challenges with body space awareness.

Let’s explore a few of the common ones.

• ADHD: Difficulties with sustained attention can make it challenging to fully process spatial information and social cues.
• Autism spectrum disorder: Social communication challenges, including difficulty reading body language and nonverbal cues, can impact body space awareness.
• Sensory processing issues: Challenges with proprioception (awareness of body position) and motor planning can affect spatial awareness and coordination.

Pitfalls to Avoid

• Scolding or shaming: Negative reactions can make your child feel self-conscious and less likely to seek help.
• Ignoring the issue: Untreated body space awareness challenges can lead to social difficulties, accidents, and frustration.
• Overlooking sensory sensitivities: Some children might be oversensitive to touch or have difficulty processing sensory input, which can impact their spatial awareness.

Pearls of Wisdom for Parents

• Educate and explain: Help your child understand the concept of personal space and social norms in a clear and supportive way.
• Visual aids and practice: Use visual cues like hula hoops or targets to illustrate personal space boundaries.
• Social stories and role-playing: Create social stories or engage in role-playing to practice different social situations and body language.
• Occupational therapy: An occupational therapist can assess your child’s sensory processing and motor skills, providing targeted interventions to improve body space awareness.
• Mindfulness and body awareness activities: Engage in activities like yoga or mindfulness exercises to promote body awareness and coordination.

When to Seek Professional Guidance

If your child’s body space awareness challenges are causing significant difficulties in their social interactions, daily activities, or learning, it’s a good idea to seek professional guidance.

An occupational therapist, physical therapist, or psychologist can assess their needs and provide appropriate support and interventions.

Final Thoughts on Body Space Awareness

Remember, parents, you are your child’s greatest advocate and support system.

With patience, understanding, and a sprinkle of those pearls of wisdom, you can help your child navigate the world with greater confidence, grace, and social awareness.

Resources for body space awareness

Baker, Jed. (2001). The social skills picture book: Teaching play, emotion, and communication to children with autism.

Giler, Janet Z. (2000). Socially ADDept: A manual for parents of children with ADHD and / or learning disabilities.

Gray, Carol & Attwood, Tony (2010). The New Social Story Book, Revised and Expanded 10th Anniversary Edition: Over 150 Social Stories that Teach Everyday Social Skills to Children with Autism or Asperger’s Syndrome, and their Peers.

Growing hands-on kids (2017): Activities to help your child understand where is body is in space.  

Kroncke, Anna P., & Willard, Marcy, & Huckabee, Helena (2016). Assessment of autism spectrum disorder: Critical issues in clinical forensic and school settings. Springer, San Francisco.

Smith, Bryan & Griffen, Lisa M. (2016). What were you thinking? Learning to control your impulses (Executive function).