Sensory SmartsSensory SmartsOccupational Therapy Department

The Seven SensesThe Seven Senses

VisualOlfactoryGustatoryAuditoryTactilePropriopectionVestibular

Visual SystemVisual SystemMay affect:

◦ Understanding of spatial concepts (large, small, and numerical)

◦ Identifying objects from background◦ Eye tracking◦ Focusing◦ Eye contact

Auditory SystemAuditory SystemMay affect:

◦Sensitivity to noise◦Ability to work with background

noise

Tactile SystemTactile SystemMay affect:

◦Activity Level◦Social skills development◦Behavior◦Body Awareness/ personal space◦Motor Planning◦Oral-motor Skills

**Good, organized touch information stays in the central nervous system for 10-20 minutes.

Proprioceptive SystemProprioceptive SystemMay affect:CoordinationAwareness of body in spaceMotor planningGradation of movementActivities of daily living**Lasts in Nervous system 1 ½- 2 hours. Perfect for transition times or before writing

or reading tabletop tasks. Provide it to students throughout the day so they don’t have to seek it out in a less appropriate way.

Vestibular SystemVestibular SystemMay affect: Balance Coordination Speech and language Muscle tone Level of alertness Bilateral integration Auditory processing Visual processing Comfort in movement

**Vestibular information stays in the nervous system for approximately 8 hours.

Sensory IntegrationSensory Integration

““Sensory integration is the Sensory integration is the neurological process that organizes neurological process that organizes sensation from one’s body and from sensation from one’s body and from the environment and makes it possible the environment and makes it possible to use the body effectively within the to use the body effectively within the environment.”environment.”

Sensory IntegrationSensory Integration

Sensory IntegrationSensory Integration

Signs of Sensory Processing Signs of Sensory Processing DifficultiesDifficultiesDelays in speech, language, and

motor skillsDifficulty making transitions from

one situation to anotherUnable to unwindOver or under- sensitivity to touch

movements, sights, or soundSocial/emotional problemsUnusually high or low activity level

Personal PerspectivePersonal PerspectiveHead-banging—To fight tension and to provide a

thudding rhythm in my head when my mind was screaming too loud for me to be able to hum or to repeat a hypnotic tune in order to calm down. Williams, 1994

Rocking, hand-shaking, flicking objects, chin-tapping—Provide security and release, and thereby decrease built-up inner anxiety and tension, thereby decreasing fear. Williams, 1994

I was one of these pressure seekers. When I was six,I would wrap myself up in blankets and get under sofa

cushions, because the pressure was relaxing. Grandin, 2006

Ways to change our statesWays to change our statesPut something in

your mouthMoveTouchLookListen

Sensory Diet/BuffetSensory Diet/Buffet

The term “sensory diet” describes how our brains need input (sensorimotor input) to function properly.

Everyone has a unique “formula” to help their brains maintain a balance.

Before designing a sensory diet, consult an occupational therapist (OT) to help assess and design a diet that meets the needs of the individual.

The BIG PictureThe BIG PictureSensory Strategies may HELP but

are not a quick fix.Use a Multidisciplinary Approach Sensory needs are constantly

changing