Proprioception refers to the unconscious awareness and perception of joint and body movements, as well as the body's position in space (Sherrington, 1906; cited in Fisher and al., 1991: 84). . This is “sensory information caused by the contraction and stretching of muscles and by the bending, straightening, traction and compression of joints between bones” (Ayres, 2005: 41). Muscles and joints constantly send information to the brain about the body's position in space. However, most proprioceptive information does not reach awareness except when awareness is deliberately focused on it (Ayres, 1974: 41). In previous literature, a distinction was made between kinesthesia (conscious joint proprioception) and unconscious proprioception. However, researchers have begun to use these terms synonymously (Fisher et al., 1991: 84). Proprioception is more specifically linked to the spatial orientation of the body and parts of the body in space, to the speed and timing of movement, to the force exerted by the muscle. , as well as the speed and intensity with which a muscle is stretched. It plays an important role, with the tactile and vestibular system, in the development of knowledge of one's own body and its movements in order to plan motor actions (Fisher et al., 1991: 84). It provides the motor system with a clear map of the external environment and the body (Matthews, 1988; cited in Fisher et al., 1991: 84) so ​​that, during movement, the brain can correctly plan the next movement and contract . the right muscle at the right time (Ayres, 2005: 41). It is important to note that active movement (internally generated) provides muscle-specific resistance and maximal proprioceptive input, while passive movement (externally generated) provides... .. middle of paper ..... . of these two sensory systems (Fisher et al., 1991: 109). Ayres (1989; cited in Fisher et al., 1991: 109) referred to the combination of tactile and proprioceptive input as somatosensory processing. These two systems are thought to play a primary role in early development and serve as foundations for later social, emotional, and academic learning (Fisher et al., 1991: 109). Sensory integration theory provides an understanding of the relationship between central processing of tactile input and behavior. It explains why some individuals react negatively to certain types of tactile stimuli. It also helps to understand the relationship between tactile discrimination problems such as haptic planning, perception and motor skills (Fisher et al., 1991: 108). Tactile stimulation and exploration through touch are essential for development (Ayres, 2005:40)