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Sensory Integration Basics- Everything You Need to Know About Each Sensory System!
This episode is all about sensory integration and sensory processing - what it is, what it looks like, and what happens when there is dysfunction in one or more of the sensory systems.
This is a re-vamp of Episode 2 - What is Sensory Integration
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Find Previous Podcast Episodes
Ep 181 - 8 Myths About Sensory Processing Disorder
Ep 205 - Sensory Based Motor Disorder
Research Article - Risk Variables of SPD (2018)
Check out our video on activities for all 8 sensory systems
Sensory Integration Basics: Everything You Need to Know About Each Sensory System!
As a parent, you might wonder why your child struggles with daily tasks like getting dressed, eating, or playing with peers. It could be related to how they process sensory information. Sensory integration plays a huge role in how children interact with the world around them. If you’re just beginning your journey into the sensory world, this guide is for you.
What Is Sensory Integration?
Sensory integration is the process by which our brains receive, organize, and respond to sensory input from our environment. This includes the five well-known senses—sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch—as well as three "hidden" senses: vestibular (movement), proprioceptive (body awareness), and interoceptive (internal body regulation).
For most children, sensory integration happens naturally. But for others, sensory input can feel too much, too little, or disorganized, leading to challenges in everyday activities like playing, focusing, or even sleeping.
Understanding Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) refers to difficulties processing and responding to sensory input. While not officially recognized as a medical diagnosis in the DSM-5, SPD is a real and impactful challenge for many families.
Children with SPD may either crave or avoid sensory input, leading to behaviors that can sometimes seem puzzling or frustrating. For example:
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A child who avoids movement may fear playground swings or car rides (over-responsive vestibular input).
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A child who craves deep pressure might love bear hugs or crash into furniture intentionally (under-responsive proprioceptive input).
The Eight Sensory Systems
1. Tactile System
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Governs the sense of touch.
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Challenges here may lead to sensitivity to clothing textures or refusal to get messy during play.
2. Auditory System
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Manages sound processing.
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Children might struggle with loud noises or be unable to focus in noisy environments.
3. Visual System
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Deals with processing what we see.
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Difficulties may include challenges with tracking objects or avoiding brightly lit environments.
4. Vestibular System
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Our sense of balance and movement.
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Over-responsiveness can make a child fearful of swings.
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Under-responsiveness might drive a need for constant motion.
5. Proprioceptive System
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Provides body awareness.
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Children might seek heavy work (like squeezing) or struggle with controlling the force of their movements.
6. Interoceptive System
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Relates to internal body cues like hunger, thirst, or the need to use the bathroom.
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Challenges may appear as difficulty toilet training or regulating emotions.
7. Olfactory System
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Handles the sense of smell, strongly tied to emotions.
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Avoidance or seeking of specific scents is common.
8. Gustatory System
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Oversees taste, often tied to food preferences and sensitivities.
When Should You Seek Help?
If your child’s sensory challenges are interfering with their ability to navigate daily routines, seeking professional support can make a world of difference. A pediatric occupational therapist (OT) specializes in evaluating your child’s unique sensory needs and identifying strategies to help them thrive in everyday activities.
One powerful tool an OT may recommend is a sensory diet—an individualized plan of activities designed to regulate your child’s sensory system. These activities, such as deep pressure exercises or movement-based tasks, can enhance your child’s ability to stay calm, focused, and engaged throughout the day.
How Can Parents Support Sensory Needs?
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Understand Your Child’s Unique Sensory Profile: Observe what types of input your child seeks or avoids.
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Create a Sensory-Friendly Environment: Add tools like weighted blankets, swings, or sensory bins to your home.
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Practice Heavy Work Activities: Jumping, pushing, pulling, or squeezing can help regulate over- or under-responsiveness.
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Use Therapeutic Listening Tools: Programs like the Safe and Sound Protocol or The Listening Program can improve sensory processing.
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Consult with Professionals: Partner with your child’s OT to explore strategies like primitive reflex integration and sensory modulation.
Final Thoughts
Understanding your child’s sensory needs is the first step in helping them thrive. With the right tools, strategies, and support from a pediatric occupational therapist, you can create an environment where your child feels confident and capable.
Every child’s sensory journey is unique, but with patience and the right resources, you can empower them to navigate daily life and reach their full potential.
BORING, BUT NECESSARY LEGAL DISCLAIMERS
While we make every effort to share correct information, we are still learning. We will double check all of our facts but realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor / therapist may have a different way of doing things from another. We are simply presenting our views and opinions on how to address common sensory challenges, health related difficulties and what we have found to be beneficial that will be as evidenced based as possible. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or your children. Consult your child’s pediatrician/ therapist for any medical issues that he or she may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Rachel Harrington, Harkla, Jessica Hill, or any guests or contributors to the podcast, as well as any employees, associates, or affiliates of Harkla, be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast.
Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.
This podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast.
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