PERCEPTION: The meaning the brain gives to sensory input. Sensations are objective; perception is subjective. Perception is reality to the person.

POSTURAL DYSFUNCTION: The lack of balance between flexion and extension muscle groups. The lack of ability to stand on one foot with eyes closed for a few seconds. The inability to remain seated in a chair for table work. Reflexes that should have disappeared in infancy are often present. Clumsiness is often the end result.

PRAXIS: (Motor Planning) The ability of the brain to conceive of, organize, and carry out a sequence of unfamiliar actions. There is an element of ‘sensory’ memory involved based on successful past experiences. An example: successful skiing down a hill for the first time because the brain integrated all the necessary elements of movement, pressure, and touch. It is different from PRACTICE in that it represents the moment just before execution. Practice can occur after the praxis element was successful.

PROPRIOCEPTION: Latin; meaning "one's own." It is the perception of pressure sense from the muscles and joints. Proprioceptive tells the brain when and how muscles are contracting or stretching, and when and how the joints are bending, extending or being pulled or compressed. This information enables the brain to know where each body part is and how it moved. It also gives feedback to the brain so the person can adjust the motor action (thus learning and refining motor skills).