Sensory Processing
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We are all aware of the senses of sight, taste, smell, and hearing but sensory processing involves 3 additional specialized sensory systems which are very powerful and influence how effectively we detect and make sense of information. These enable us to feel safe and secure, to direct and sustain our attention, to move without fear, and to use our bodies automatically to perform the myriad of motor tasks we take for granted throughout a normal daily routine. When there is a problem in one or all of these systems the individual gets distracted by information that should be taken for granted.The TACTILE system contains touch receptors located in and just under the skin. This system defines our body boundaries and differentiates light from pressure touch sensations. Pressure touch calms the nervous system and also stimulates a substance in the brain called nerve growth factor. The tactile system and pressure touch input has a profound influence on our ability to learn.The PROPRIOCEPTIVE system has its receptors in muscles, tendons, and joints. Sensory information from this system is created by the contraction and stretching of muscles and by bending and straightening, pulling and compression of joints between bones. This information is being constantly sent to the brain so it can keep track of where all of our body parts are and what they are doing without our having to look at them. This system helps to define our body contents. Adequate integration of proprioceptive information is crucial to our having a physical sense of self upon which we can base a psychological sense of self-awareness.The VESTIBULAR system has its receptors in the inner ear and sense movement of the head in all planes. The sensory input we get through the vestibular system tells us exactly where we are in relation to the downward pull of gravity, whether we are still or moving, how fast we are going, and in which direction. Through its influence on muscle tone, the vestibular system affects posture and movement. When the vestibular nuclei fires, it turns on the brain stem which acts like a beaker filling and spilling over. This beaker acts like an engine which shoots off chemistry to make the neurochemicals work. Vestibular input is like "turning the lights on in the brain". Because of the connections between the vestibular system and our auditory system, it plays an integral role in language processing and production.The 3 sensory systems play a major role in the development of muscle tone, motor skills, self-awareness, and the ability to meaningfully interact with others. Deficits can have an effect on arousal, alertness, learning, and self-regulated behavior.These sensory systems work together to put "me" in the picture. They give us our physical sense of self. This sense grounds us and makes us an entity that is all together. When processing is intact, the body is connected to the brain.
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