In our everyday lives, we often take for granted the sensory experiences that shape our interactions with the world. However, for many individuals, these sensory experiences can be overwhelming or challenging to navigate. Understanding the intricacies of the eight sensory systems is crucial for providing effective support and accommodations. In this blog, we'll explore each sensory system, discuss modulation and discrimination issues, delve into the importance of sensory tools and diets, and highlight the significance of recognising triggers and advocating for individual needs.
Identifying Triggers:
Are there specific environments or situations that tend to trigger sensory overload for you?
What physical sensations or emotional responses do you notice when you encounter sensory triggers?
Have you identified any patterns or common themes among your sensory triggers?
The Eight Sensory Systems:
Visual System: This system enables us to perceive and interpret visual information. Individuals with hypersensitivity may struggle with bright lights or crowded visual stimuli, while those with hyposensitivity may seek out intense visual experiences. Adaptations might look like dimming lights, providing sunglasses or visors, using visual schedules, and using bright colours.
Auditory System: Responsible for processing sound, individuals may experience hypersensitivity to loud noises or find they struggle to filter out background noise. Hyposensitivity might look like seeking auditory stimulation, constantly making noise or playing loud music to help you focus on a task. Adaptations might look like; using noise-cancelling headphones, quiet zones, providing visual cues along with verbal instructions.
Tactile System: Involves touch and texture perception. Hypersensitivity may lead to discomfort with certain fabrics, or textures or dislike being in a crowded space, while hyposensitivity may result in seeking out deep pressure or touch. Adaptations include weighted blankets, fidget toys, providing varied tactile experiences, sitting in chairs with arms, and sitting with your back to the wall.
Olfactory System: Governs our sense of smell. Hypersensitivity may result in an aversion to strong odours, while hyposensitivity may lead to seeking out intense smells. Adaptations include; use of air purifiers, use of neutral or familiar scents, allowing scent-free zones, asking that colleagues not to wear perfume in the office or wearing a mask.
Gustatory System: Involves taste perception. Hypersensitivity may lead to aversion to certain tastes or textures, while hyposensitivity may result in seeking out intense flavours. Adaptations include; offering a variety of food textures, allowing for food preferences, using flavoured lip balm for individuals who seek intense tastes, having spices on the table so people can choose to enhance the flavour.
Proprioceptive System: Provides awareness of body position and movement. Hypersensitivity may lead to discomfort with certain movements, feeling disconnected to their own body, clumsy, heavy footed and struggling to settle to sleep at night while hyposensitivity may result in seeking out intense proprioceptive input. Adaptations include; weighted vests, compression clothing, deep pressure activities like pushing or pulling heavy objects.
Vestibular System: Governs balance and spatial orientation. Hypersensitivity may lead to discomfort with movement or changes in position, for example motion sickness in the car or avoiding swings. Hyposensitivity may result in seeking out intense vestibular experiences. Adaptations might include slow, rhythmic movements, providing stable seating options with two feet on the floor, and offering vestibular input through swings or rocking chairs.
Interoception: Provides awareness of internal sensations like hunger, thirst, and temperature regulation. Dysregulation in this system can impact emotional and physiological well-being. You can be hypersensitive to these internal sensations or hypersensitive, which might mean your basic needs go unmet. Adaptations include: establishing regular meal times, providing access to water, and incorporating sensory breaks to regulate emotions.
Understanding Your Sensory Experiences:
What specific sensory experiences do you find most challenging in your daily life?
Can you describe a recent situation where you felt overwhelmed by sensory input?
How do you typically cope with sensory overload or discomfort?
Modulation, Discrimination, and Motor Planning Issues:
Sensory modulation refers to the brain's ability to regulate and adapt to incoming sensory information from the environment. It involves processes that allow individuals to filter, integrate, and prioritise sensory stimuli, ultimately influencing their arousal levels and emotional responses. Effective sensory modulation enables individuals to maintain an optimal level of alertness and engagement, facilitating participation in daily activities and interactions. However, challenges in sensory modulation can manifest in hypersensitivity (over-responsiveness) or hyposensitivity (under-responsiveness) to sensory input, leading to difficulties in regulating emotions, attention, and behaviour. By understanding the mechanisms of sensory modulation and implementing tailored strategies, individuals can enhance their ability to manage sensory experiences and promote overall well-being.
Sensory discrimination refers to the brain's ability to accurately interpret and differentiate between various sensory stimuli. It involves the capacity to detect subtle differences in sensory input, such as distinguishing between similar textures, pitches, or tastes. Effective sensory discrimination enables individuals to make sense of their surroundings, recognise patterns, and respond appropriately to sensory information. Challenges in sensory discrimination can manifest in difficulties processing and interpreting sensory input accurately, leading to confusion, frustration, or sensory overload. By honing sensory discrimination skills through targeted interventions and practice, individuals can enhance their ability to navigate the complexities of the sensory world with greater precision and confidence.
Sensory motor or praxis difficulties refer to challenges in planning, coordinating, and executing purposeful movements in response to sensory input. Praxis encompasses the ability to conceptualise, plan, and execute motor actions effectively, relying heavily on sensory feedback to guide movement. Individuals with sensory motor difficulties may struggle with tasks requiring motor planning and coordination, such as dressing, writing, or participating in sports. These challenges can stem from difficulties in processing and integrating sensory information, resulting in deficits in motor planning and execution. Such difficulties can significantly impact daily functioning and participation in activities, leading to frustration. Through targeted interventions focusing on sensory integration, motor skill development, and environmental adaptations, individuals can improve their ability to navigate sensory motor challenges and engage more confidently in daily life activities.
Importance of Recognising Triggers and Acting Proactively:
Identifying individual sensory triggers is essential for creating supportive environments and implementing proactive strategies. By recognising signs of sensory overload or dysregulation, caregivers, educators and employers can intervene early and partner with you to provide appropriate accommodations.
Advocating for Needs:
Have you ever faced challenges in advocating for your sensory needs in social or professional settings?
What strategies can you employ to effectively communicate your sensory preferences and accommodations to others?
How can you enlist support from friends, family members, or colleagues in advocating for a sensory-friendly environment?
Understanding unique sensory profiles empowers individuals to advocate for their needs and preferences effectively. By fostering a collaborative approach between caregivers, educators, employers and individuals, it ensures that environments are tailored to support sensory diversity and promote inclusion.
What sensory experiences do you find calming or enjoyable?
Are there certain sensory inputs that you actively seek out for comfort or stimulation?
How do you incorporate sensory activities into your daily routine to support regulation?
The Role of Coaching in Supporting the Sensory Systems:
Coaching can play a crucial role in supporting individuals with sensory sensitivities.
How would you describe your current level of self-awareness regarding your sensory processing challenges?
What insights have you gained about your sensory preferences and sensitivities through past experiences?
In what ways do you believe increased self-awareness can benefit your overall well-being?
Check out my testimonials which highlight the positive impact of coaching in understanding sensory needs, implementing effective strategies, and building confidence in advocating for individual needs.
Journey to Self-Understanding and Advocacy:
Choose to embark on a six-month coaching journey from June to December, where I tailor my approach to ensure you gain a deeper understanding of your sensory needs, explore adaptations that work best, and build confidence in advocating for individual needs.
Through personalised support and guidance, you can navigate your sensory experiences with greater self-awareness and empowerment.
"Right now, our son has gone from not being able to cope with school and having to be withdrawn for certain lessons, to being back in school on a full timetable. The difference between then and now, is that he has support and we've been able to help school see things in a different light, while staying on the same team! Jo's coaching and perspective helped us get ready for meetings with the teaching team and the EHCP team from the council, and helped give us clarity about how to best advocate on our son's behalf. Because he feels more supported, our son is better able to trust the team around him and start pro-actively asking for time to regulate, alerting teachers to when he needs help, and even trying some calming strategies himself. His learning support worker (who used to be the TA in his classroom) has noticed a marked decrease in signs of stress and anxiety in him when he's at school. Jo has been a huge part of that transformation from anxious child only one step away from not coping, to a child who is much more regulated and has significantly more emotional resilience." EC, Parent
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