For most of us, meaning us stuffed weighted bears, not sure about you people folk. We learned in school that there were 5 senses right?
Let's take out our notebooks class...
and re-learn what we thought we knew. The 5 senses plus 3 more.
Your star will be testing you for this knowledge and the test could be in the next 5 minutes.
The explanations of the senses were provided by https://chlss.org . I found that they had really understandable definitions.
1. Sight/Visual
This sense helps interpret what we see through colors, shapes, letters, words, numbers, and lighting. This sense is also important for us to make sense of nonverbal cues and track movement with our eyes to ensure we move safely. People that have a hard time processing visual stimuli have difficulty with organizing visual information. They have difficulty filtering out and distinguishing between necessary information and unnecessary information.
2. Sound/Auditory
This sense functions to help us interpret what we hear and the frequency of a particular noise or noises. We not only hear sound but the brain aims to make sense of sound and understand speech. A person that has difficulty processing these stimuli has difficulty filtering out important auditory input, and background noise. This person will also have difficulty with attention, become easily startled, and need to be told directions repeatedly.
3. Touch/Tactile
The sense of touch aids in how we respond to physical stimuli through the receptors of our skin. It helps us locate where we are feeling physical sensation within our body and to determine between “safe” and “dangerous” touch, as in the common example of the child touching the stove. A person who is struggling with tactile processing may misinterpret light touch as negative and dangerous, when in fact there is no threat of safety. A person may become more anxious to this sense, and may respond with fight or flight response, and pull away when lightly touched on the shoulder.
4. Taste/Gustatory
The purpose of taste is to identify what kinds of foods a person likes, and what foods are dangerous or foods to stay away from. A person that has difficulty managing this sensation, will likely be a “picky eater,” and may have preferences not just to the taste but to the texture of the food.
5. Smell/Olfactory
The sense of smell is considered the oldest system in the brain as it is connected to our memories and emotions. An input of smell could cause one to feel comfort or alarm, depending on the smell.
6. Body Movements/Vestibular System
The vestibular system functions to help the body maintain balance and be aware of where we are in space. This system works with auditory and visual processing in relation to balance, attention, eye control, and coordination. People that have difficulty interpreting this information may bump into things more and can be labeled “clumsy.” They may enjoy swinging activities, dancing, and jumping.
7. Body Awareness/Proprioception
Proprioception is very similar to the vestibular system. However, vestibular refers to how we determine where our whole body is in space, while the proprioception refers to how we interpret the relationship and energy between each individual body part. Children with SPD have difficulty navigating where their muscles and joints are located, whether their body parts are relaxed or in tension, and how different body parts respond to external stimuli. They may seek out activities like jumping on furniture or grasping things tightly. They may have difficulty getting dressed, tying shoelaces, or knowing how hard/softly to open and close doors around the house.
8. Introception
This is the newest and most recently discovered sensation as it comprises being aware of the basic primary functions such as hunger, toileting, and breathing. When a person has introception difficulties they may not be aware of when they are hungry, thirsty, or need to go the bathroom.
Well, that's a lot. Now you might have a deeper understanding of why (SPD)Sensory Processing Disorder could be wreaking havoc on your star causing them to go all Super Nova. It's not fun for them or you. It's a good idea to talk with your OT and doctor if you suspect SPD. There are lots of books that I have watched the adults in my house ready.
Click here to visit our Cosmic Calmers store and find great sensory toys to help your star shine.
**Always make sure your child is safe. At no time leave them unattended. Never medicate your child without a doctor. Always seek professional help when you and your star need further instruction. Each Star is different and needs one on one attention and planning.
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