Sensory Integration - Do we have more than 5 senses?!

Ah! Look at the white puffy clouds!

Can you smell the sea,

And hear the waves?

This is the human kind every single day. We are constantly bombarded with information and signals coming in through our senses. Most people are familiar with the five senses - vision, smell, hearing, taste & touch.

However, there are two additional senses that our bodies are equipped with - vestibular and proprioception.

• The vestibular sense, used for movement and balance, helps us be aware of where our head and body are in the space around us. It helps us to be in control when we sit, stand or walk.

• Proprioception is the sense of body awareness and position. It tells us where different body parts are relative to each other. It is through this sense that you are able to tell, for example, where your feet are relative to your hands when you stand.

Sensory integration is the way in which our nervous system takes in all of this sensory input through our seven senses, and uses this information to produce an appropriate motor or behavioral response. An example of sensory integration is when a person sees the food, brings it near the mouth, smells it, chews it, feels its texture in the mouth and then determines whether they want more. They are then able to choose and perhaps avoid certain types and textures of food if they aren't comfortable or if they don't find it safe enough.

Can something go wrong though?

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a condition in which the sensory information that is received by our nervous system does not get organized to generate an appropriate response, which causes sensory processing issues. For example, when we touch something hot, our hand immediately goes back as an unconscious response. For someone with sensory processing difficulties, this may not happen and things can get extremely confusing. Additionally, sounds, tastes and textures can get overwhelming as well. SPD can affect one sense or many senses at once. Each person with SPD reacts differently and may have a different intensity of response to stimuli.

Sensory Processing Disorder includes behaviors like:

• Inability to control the intensity of response to sensory stimuli which may not be hurtful to other people. People may hate textures of certain foods or do not like having their hair/teeth brushed. They will find it extremely difficult to touch and feel different textures.

• Difficulty in identifying features of a stimuli. People may use too much or too little force while moving or picking an object.

• Difficulty in regulating visual and body movements. People may have a hard time balancing or tracking objects with eyes. There can be poor eye contact and eye hand coordination.

• Difficulty in completing tasks in a sequence, following routines or moving from one task to another.

As for children, while they may seem quirky and particular about what they like and dislike, those with Sensory Processing Disorder are severely affected by sensory preferences to the point where it interferes with their everyday lives. Kids may be hyper-sensitive (over-responsive to stimuli) to sensory input, hypo-sensitive (under-responsive to stimuli/ seeking sensory stimulation) or both which can lead to meltdowns or tantrums as well as behaviors like picky eating or hitting.

Hyper-sensitivity to sensory input may be identified by:

• Extreme responses or fear of sudden, loud or high-pitched sounds

• Distraction by background noises that are easily tuned out by others

• Avoids hugs or cuddling with familiar individuals

• Fear of crowds or standing very close to others

• Poor balance

• Fear of climbing or falling; does not like when feet do not touch the ground

Hypo-sensitivity to sensory input may be identified by:

• Constant need to touch others or different textures

• Extremely high tolerance or indifference to pain

• No reaction to loud or uncomfortable sounds

• No response to physical touch

• Enjoys games that involve movements like spinning or jumping etc.

• Not able to recognize and produce appropriate reaction to taste (ex. spit out gross food)

Importance of Intervention

Sensory Integration Therapy is conducted in a sensory gym which has specialized equipment that helps regulate sensory input in kids with SPD.

A sensory diet may also be provided, which is a detailed schedule of therapies that are specific to the sensory needs of each child. This can include provision or removal of certain objects that make the home environment optimal for the kid (ex. making quiet spaces, reducing visual distractions). Early identification and intervention is crucial as it can help the child to succeed both emotionally and behaviorally. And finally, it equips the child to optimally perform meaningful activities of everyday life.

Reach out to us at +91 9426252627 if you observe any of these behaviors being exhibited by your child or if you have questions about your child's development and want some guidance!