December 19, 2008, Newsletter Issue #122: Sensory Systems
Tip of the Week
There are five senses. However, there are seven sensory systems in the human body. Each system is a complex interaction of perception and experience that can be dysfunctional in some cases of autism. Specific behaviors can help us identify which system is lacking or over stimulated.
The five senses are taste, touch, sight, hearing and smell. The sixth sensory system is the vestibular system and the seventh is the proprioceptive system. The vestibular system involves how our bodies process movement.
Sight is closely tied to this system. For example, hand flapping is a self stimulatory behavior that involves motion as well as sight.
The proprioceptive system involves the body's natural way of adjusting to its environment. This system involves fine motor activities like buttoning a shirt and coordinated activities like walking down steps.
Sensory integration activities are designed around the individual's self stimulatory behaviors and they are designed to replace those behaviors with ones that are socially appropriate.
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