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Sensory Systems/Senses:

Proprioceptive System:

Gives the nervous system input on the position of muscles, joints, and tendons. It provides the person with information on how far to reach, how much pressure, where we are in space, and what our body scheme is.

Vestibular System:

Affects balance, muscle tone, equilibrium responses, the ability to use both sides of the body together, coordination of the head, neck, and eye movements, auditory language, and plays a role in arousal.

Gustatory System:

Our sense of taste, allows us to recognize the five basic taste sensations of sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami.

Auditory System:

Responsible for hearing and it works closely with the vestibular system which helps regulate movement, balance, and coordination.

Olfactory:

Responsible for processing smells. Smell and taste can affect our memories, emotions, and behaviors.

Tactile System:

Responsible for processing touch information from the body, including touch light, deep pressure, texture, temperature, vibration, and pain.

Visual:

Related to the sense of sight. Types of visual information include color, shape, orientation, and motion.

What is a sensory diet?

A program of scheduled activities designed for the child's specific sensory needs.

Signs of under-stimulation:

• Appear listless and fatigued

• Slow or delayed responses to sounds, sight, or touch

• Appear to be daydreaming

• A constant need to touch people or textures

• Extremely high tolerance for or indifference to pain

• Clumsy and uncoordinated movements

• Have a low tone

• Doesn’t understand personal space

• Doesn't understand his or her own strength

• May be very fidgety and unable to sit still

Signs of Overstimulation:

• Decreased attention and difficulty focusing

• Unable to follow simple and familiar directions

• Extreme irritability

• Self-stimulating behavior

• Self-abusive behaviors

• Restlessness and discomfort

• Urge to cover their ears or shield their eyes

• Feeling overly excited or “wound up”

• Stress, fear, or anxiety about your surroundings

• Higher levels than usual of sensitivity to textures, fabrics, clothing tags, or other things that may rub against their skin

Vision

A happy and healthy inclusive community that learns and grows together!

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