Sensory integration refers to the process by which the brain receives, organizes, and interprets sensory information from the environment and the body. This is the brain’s way of organizing and making sense of all the information it gets from our senses. Think of it as the brain’s “traffic controller” that helps us understand and respond to the world around us. The human body has more than the traditional five senses, in fact it has eight sensory systems.
1. Visual System
This system allows us to interpret and process visual information from our surroundings, such as colors, shapes, and movements.
2. Auditory System
It enables us to hear and interpret sounds, including speech, music, and environmental noises.
3. Tactile System
This system processes information related to touch and pressure, allowing us to perceive sensations like texture, temperature, and pain.
4. Gustatory System
It involves our sense of taste, allowing us to detect different flavors like sweet, sour, salty, and bitter.
5. Olfactory System
This system is responsible for our sense of smell, enabling us to detect and interpret various odors.
6. Vestibular System
This system helps us maintain balance and spatial orientation by sensing motion, acceleration, and gravity. It includes structures in the inner ear.
7. Proprioceptive System
This system provides information about the position, movement, and orientation of our body parts in relation to each other an the environment. It helps us understand where our body is in space.
8. Interoceptive System
This system involves the perception of internal bodily sensations, such as hunger, thirst, pain, and temperature regulation. It helps us maintain homeostasis and respond to our body’s needs.
These sensory systems work together to provide us with a comprehensive understanding of our environment and our bodies, influencing our perceptions, behaviors, and interactions.
Sensory Integration allows us to make sense of our surroundings, interact with the world, and respond appropriately to stimuli.
When sensory integration functions smoothly, we can effectively process and adapt to various sensory experiences. However, difficulties with sensory integration can lead to challenges in regulating emotions, behavior, attention, and motor skills, as seen in conditions like sensory processing disorder. The Occupational Therapists at Monkey Mouths work with individuals who have sensory integration difficulties to help them better manage sensory input and participate in daily activities.
At Monkey Mouths, all of our Occupational Therapists use our “Stop and Wait” program to a assist children with self-regulation. Our gyms and clinics are designed with stop-and-go signs so that children know what equipment is closed, what equipment is available, and where they can ‘wait’ for their turn.
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2024. All Rights Reserved.
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© Copyright Monkey Mouths 2024. All Rights Reserved.
Site Design By HarvestMedia