The Sensory Systems, and why they are important to overall childhood development

THE SENSORY SYSTEMS And why they are important to overall childhood development

In elementary school you learned about your 5 sensory systems; taste, touch, smell, hearing and vision. Did you know we actually have 8 sensory systems? Many people have never heard of our vestibular, proprioceptive and interoceptive sensory systems. Our brain is constantly taking in information both from within our body and the environment and trying to make sense of it all.

As we grow, it is important to engage in sensory play to insure we are developing appropriately. Our sensory systems are pillars for all areas of development including language, cognitive, social and motor skills. Giving your child an opportunity to explore their sensory systems allows their brains to make neural connections complete more complex learning task and support cognitive growth.

It is important to note that everyone interprets sensory input differently and should never be forced to participate, but instead given the opportunity to explore. Sensory play should be fun and enjoyable.

ABOUT BRIGHTON CENTER: Brighton Center works with children of all abilities and can help ensure your child has the support they need to get developmentally and educationally on track.

Brighton’s team of Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Speech Therapists, and Early Intervention Specialists are specially trained to identify the earliest signs of developmental delays and will prepare a comprehensive plan to overcome those delays.

If your child needs support educationally, Brighton offers 2 Nationally Accredited Preschool Centers that will successfully prepare your child for Kindergarten and beyond. For children that are in elementary school and might be struggling, Brighton’s team of education advocates can meet with parents and help them understand the resources their child might be entitled to from the school to get their education on track. All of Brighton’s services and staff work together to ensure that every child has the opportunity to have a successful future!

THE 8 SENSES & ACTIVITIES TACTILE or “touch” sensory system helps us interpret light touch, pressure, temperature and pain. Your child might have a sensitive tactile system and prefer to explore it with a tool such as a shovel or stick.

ACTIVITIES FOR HOME: • • • • • •

Create sensory bins using dry rice, dry beans, dry/wet noodles; then hide some toys in the bin for them to find Explore the outdoors; gather different leaves, grass, dirt, or feel the bark Use chalk to draw outside Use bubbles at bath time Give bear hugs or wrap them tight in a blanket Change the temperature of the toys by putting them in fridge

AUDITORY sensory system is in our inner ear and allows us

to interpret sounds including pitches, distance of sound and level of sound. If your child is easily overwhelmed with noises, you might consider letting them wear a head wrap or ear muffs over their ears to decrease the sound. You can also give them a warning that the sound is about to occur.

ACTIVITIES FOR HOME: • • • •

Let them play with pots, pans, wooden spoons to create a drum set Show them how they can use a stick to drag over different surfaces to create different sounds If you have any instruments at home like piano, keyboard, guitar, let them explore as you play Read to your child; sing familiar songs

VISION allows us to take in light rays and depict movement, objects, color and light levels.

ACTIVITIES FOR HOME: • • • •

If your child is easily distracted, try playing in a smaller space with little clutter. Create a fort out of blankets or a large box Use lights in play; place flash cards on wall and have them locate the card with a flashlight With supervision let them play with activated glow necklaces in the bath Use contrasting colored toys (black and white)

INTEROCEPTION is the sensory system that provides us

with information about the internal condition of our body. It alerts us when we are hungry, when we need to use the restroom, if we have a stomach ache, etc.

YOU CAN DO AT HOME PROPRIOCEPTION is a sensory system not many people

are familiar with. It is located in our joints and tendons. It allows our body to know where it is in space and how much muscle it takes to complete a task. Stimulation to this sensory system is good for everyone and helps us organize and focus our minds. Proprioception can be stimulated using heavy work.

ACTIVITIES FOR HOME: • • • • •

Create obstacle courses using pieces of furniture or chalk outside Squeezing play dough or clay Have them “help” with cooking by stirring firm doughs in the kitchen Lay on their tummy when playing on the floor Climbing on and off furniture or up and down steps

VESTIBULAR sensory system is located in our inner ear

and provides our body with the ability to know how it is moving in space. Even with our eyes closed we can feel if we are spinning, going forward/backwards or sitting still.

ACTIVITIES FOR HOME: • • • • •

Ring around the rosie Swing or slide at park Tumbling Lift up high in the air like they are planes Rocking gently in a chair

GUSTATORY or “taste” sensory system consists of our tongue and taste buds. It allows us to recognize salty, sweet, bitter, sour and umami (savory) flavors.

ACTIVITIES FOR HOME: • •

Let them explore new flavors by presenting new foods at meals Allow them to only lick the food and not force them to eat it

OLFACTORY or “smell” sensory system is made up of our nose and nasal passages. This system helps us detect odors and airborne substances.

ACTIVITIES FOR HOME: • • •

Encourage them to smell things in their environment like flowers & foods Use scented markers when coloring Use scented oils in room diffusers

ORY C SIGNS YOUR CHILD MAY HAVE A SENS

ONCERN

Sensory issues occur when a child has a difficult time receiving and responding to information from their senses. Children who have sensory issues may have an aversion to anything that triggers their senses, such as light, sound, touch, taste, or smell. A delay in the sensory system may delay all other forms of development.

Signs your child might have a sensory concern: • Your child is an extremely picky eater • Your child never seems to feel pain • Your child is very clumsy and falls frequently • Your child fights/cries at all dressing or diaper changes • Your child eats inappropriate items like dirt, paper or rocks • Your child tends to climb or jump off of high heights frequently • Your child tends to stay on the perimeter of a park or play place • Your child hates to get dirty and avoids activities, such as playing or eating, that might get their hands dirty • Your child has trouble attending in sit down activities (1 min attention per yr of age) IF YOUR CHILD IS EXHIBITING ANY OF THE CONCERNS ABOVE, CONTACT BRIGHTON FOR AN EVALUATION BY AN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST AT NO COST TO YOUR FAMILY.

14207 Higgins Road, San Antonio, TX 78217 (210) 826-4492 www.BrightonSA.org