Understanding the Sensory System.

Did you know that 1 in every 6 children has sensory processing issues, which may impact how they experience and respond to the world around them? Or that 66% of children with Autism have differences around sensory behaviour, highlighting the significance of sensory processing in neurodevelopment conditions? 

The world around us is a vibrant tapestry of sensory experiences that shape our understanding of the environment. From the captivating hues we see to the harmonious sounds we hear and the comforting scents we smell, our senses play a pivotal role in enriching our daily lives. In this blog post, we embark on an exploration of the sensory system, an intricate network of receptors and processing centres that allows us to perceive and interact with the world in unique and fascinating ways. Let's delve into the components of the sensory system and uncover the remarkable journey of sensory processing.

The Sensory System Components:

Visual System - Sight: Our eyes are wondrous instruments, capturing light and translating it into visual images that guide us through our surroundings. From admiring stunning landscapes to deciphering written words, our visual system plays a crucial role in our perception of the world.

Auditory System - Hearing: Our ears serve as the gateway to a symphony of sounds, from the gentle rustling of leaves to the joyous laughter of children. Our auditory system enables us to interpret and enjoy the auditory delights that surround us.

Olfactory System - Smell: The olfactory system the ability to detect and distinguish a myriad of scents, evoking memories and emotions with every whiff.

Gustatory System - Taste: Our taste buds are the epicentre of culinary exploration, enabling us to savour the delightful flavours of the foods we eat, enriching our dining experiences.

Tactile System - Touch: The sense of touch is fundamental in understanding textures, temperatures, and pressure. Through physical contact, we feel comfort, safety, and the warmth of human connection.

Vestibular System - Movement: The vestibular system contributes to our sense of balance and spatial orientation, playing a pivotal role in helping us navigate movement and maintain equilibrium.

Proprioceptive System - Body Position: The proprioceptive system grants us a keen awareness of our body's position and movements, empowering us to coordinate actions and interact seamlessly with the world around us.

The Sensory Processing Journey:

The journey of sensory processing involves a remarkable sequence of events:

Receive: Our senses act as receptors, gathering stimuli from the external world. Whether it's the play of light, the resonance of sounds, delightful aromas, or the gentle caress of touch, our senses are ever-receptive.

Perceive: Sensory receptors transmit the received stimuli as nerve impulses to our brain. This relay of sensory information sets the stage for further interpretation.

Interpret: Within our brain, a magnificent process of deciphering and interpreting takes place, giving meaning to the sensory inputs we receive.

Plan/Adjust: Based on the interpreted sensory information, our brain orchestrates appropriate responses or adjustments, allowing us to navigate and interact effectively with our environment.

Understanding the intricacies of the sensory system opens up a world of possibilities for promoting sensory development through exercise. In our next blog post, we will delve deeper into the relationship between sensory processing and exercise, uncovering the power of physical activity in stimulating and engaging the sensory system. Stay tuned to learn how exercise can play a pivotal role in supporting individuals with unique sensory needs, promoting overall well-being and enriching their experience of the world.

Download our Free Resource: Our basic Paediatric Checklist to manage stimulation and boost engagement.