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The 7 Sensory Systems:

  • Vestibular - our body's ability to move (up, down, fast, slow) and maintain an upright position. 

  • Proprioceptive - our body's ability to know where we are in space and how to coordinate movements to successfully complete tasks

  • Tactile - sense of touch

  • Visual - sense of sight

  • Auditory - sense of hearing

  • Olfactory - sense of smell

  • Gustatory - sense of taste

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)

SPD refers to the brain's ability to process sensory information and respond appropriately to the demands of the environment utilizing various sensations. Difficulties in SPD often have underlying problems in behavior, coordination, the carry out and completion of everyday tasks, and relate to one's level of arousal. SPD is categorized into two parts: Sensory Modulation and Sensory Discrimination

Using Sensory Strategies to Overcome Stress in Waiting Rooms

Sensory Modulation Disorder (SMD)

The filtering of incoming sensory information, being able to respond appropriately to sensory information and remain at an optimal level of arousal for daily function. The nervous system determines the importance of incoming sensory information and attempts to maintain and optimal level of arousal. Difficulties with SMD include over- or under-responsivity to stimuli and focusing one's energy concentrating on the interpretation and response to incoming stimuli. SMD can affect one's behavior, emotions and sleep patterns, which can fluctuate in different environments or situations. 

Sensory Discrimination Disorder (SDD)

SDD refers to the way we interpret and organize sensory information we receive and determine actions require for skill execution. SDD relates to coordination, motor planning and skill development. Difficulties with SDD include the brain's inability to recognize or interpret similarities or differences between stimuli.

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