The sensory processing

Processing of sensory systems

1. BS.ZOOLOGY
6
th
SEMESTER(MORNING)
DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
UNIVERSITY OF SARGODHA
SARGODHA

2. SENSORY PROCESSING

The Sensory Systems work together and give us accurate picture of the world and our place in
it. The brain uses sensory
info in an organized way
Sensory Processing Is the
receiving and perceiving of
sensory information.Usually
integration of sensory info is
done without effort.
Function of sensation is to aid
in perception, the control of
movement, and maintenance
of arousal
Sensory Processing
Processes
1. Stimulus
2. Detection
3. Transmission
4. Perception
5. Conciousness

3. The Sensory Systems
1. Tactile System

 Largest and first system to develop
 Tactile receptors throughout the body
 Touch is important as an embryo and after birth
Types of Touch:
 Light touch
 Pressure touch
 Vibration
 Temperature
 Pain Sensations
Primary function of the tactile system is to help one feel comfortable with self and environment
 Discriminative
 Protective

4. 2. Auditory System

 Receptors are located in the ear and give us info about sound
 Has close connections with the vestibular system
 Auditory processing : how the brain and central nervous system recognize and make
sense of sounds
3. Visual System

 Sensory receptors located in the eye with info sent to the brain to be perceived, sorted
and processed
 Visual and vestibular connection
 Visual system is important to the learning of new motor skills until it becomes familiar.
4. Olfactory System

5.  Primitive system with receptors located in the nose and give us our sense of smell
 Smells travel directly to the limbic system, the center of our emotions, memory,
pleasure, and learning
 Smell and taste are intimately connected
5. Gustatory System

 Receptors located in the mouth and tongue are plentiful
 Tastes: sweet , salty , bitter, sour
A little about Neurotransmitters/ Neurochemicals:
 Dopamine: Activation chemical: makes us want to move, helps us feel focused, enables
us to concentrate
• is the pleasure chemical, is the chemical of the emotional brain center

6. • pressure touch with TLC enhances dopamine the fastest
 Serotonin: this is the master modulator, makes us feel that all is okay and we are safe/
content
• responsible for working memory and for ME in the picture
• gets depleted under stress, can go into shutdown
• proprioception/ joint input/ heavy work enhances Serotonin which can enhance
Dopamine
 Norepinephrine: chemical for selective attention
• novelty triggers Norepinephrine
• contributes to the activation of fight/ flight/ fright response
• use proprioception/ joint compression/ heavy work to enhance activation of
Norepinephrine
Sensory processing disorder
Sensory processing disorder or SPD is a hypothesized neurological disorder. While SPD
is not yet recognized in standard medical manuals that refer to a range of difficulties with
taking in, processing, and responding to sensory information about the environment and from
within one's own body (visual, auditory, tactile, olfaction,gustatory, vestibular,
and proprioception).
For those identified as having SPD, sensory information may be sensed and perceived in
a way that is different from most other people. Unlike blindness or deafness, sensory
information can be received by people with SPD, the difference is that information is often
registered, interpreted and processed differently by the brain. The result can be unusual ways
of responding or behaving, finding things harder to do. Difficulties may typically present as
difficulties planning and organizing, problems with doing the activities of everyday life (self
care, work and leisure activities), and for some with extreme sensitivity, sensory input may
result in extreme avoidance of activities, agitation, distress, fear or confusion.
Some state that sensory processing disorder is a distinct diagnosis, while others argue
that differences in sensory responsiveness are features of other diagnoses. The American
Academy of Pediatrics, for example, advises against a diagnosis of SPD unless it is a symptom
due to autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, developmental
coordination disorder, or childhood anxiety disorder.

7. There is no known cure; however, several therapies have been developed to treat
SPD.Because the amount of research regarding the effectiveness of SPD therapy is limited and
inconclusive.

Sensory Behaviors and Sensory Strategies:
 Head banging/ ear flicking (vestibular /proprioception/deep tactile/ rhythm): provide
strong movement/ proprioception as swinging, swimming, biking, use ball/ mini-tramp,
chair/ wall pushups
 Excessive mouthing/ chewing on non-food items (proprioception/ tactile): chewy,
crunchy-chewy foods, strong flavors of food, battery toothbrush/ massager
 Smelling (gustatory/ olfactory): provide strong flavors as cinnamon/ lemon/ peppermint

8.  Complains about performing hygiene, clothing and food textures (tactile defensiveness):
provide deep touch input the whole body as wrapped in blanket/ sheet, heavy work
input, analyze clothing and food textures, social stories
 Rocking –standing (proprioception, vestibular, rhythm): appropriate rhythmical
activities, seat inserts/ ball, movement breaks
 Rocking in chair/ seat (vestibular/proprioception, rhythm): provide movement breaks,
sit on cushion/ ball, play/ sing rhythmical music
 Teeth grinding (proprioception, auditory, vibration): mini massagers, battery
toothbrush, blow toys, chewies, crunchy and chewy foods
 Physical strategies for those that are more active/ difficulty sitting: cushion/ ball, varied
positions as on stomach/ standing (with marked off space), rocking chair, sit in small
tent/ quiet area
 Decrease distractions for those who are sensitive/ easily distracted: minimize all objects
around, store unnecessary items, turn lights on low, put work in hallway
Calming Activities
 For those that are over active:
• Visual: dim lights, unchanging visual stimuli, quiet corner/space, preferential
seating looking away from doors/ windows
• Auditory: use soft voice/ slower speech, familiar, rhythm sounds, 60 beats per
minute, rain stick
• Tactile: items that are simple shapes, smooth, warm, familiar, soothing, wrap
snugly within blanket, neutral warmth is relaxing, being squished in a mat,
steamroller
• Olfactory: relaxing scents as lavender and vanilla
• Gustatory/ Tactile: sweet tastes and sucking are also relaxing