Efficient sensory processing (sensory integration) is influenced by our ability for the brain to filter information from incoming all the sensory systems and decide if it is important or not (modulations) as well as our make sense of the information we receive and use that information to build individual skills (discrimination).

For eg. In a busy classroom environment, the student will need to filter out the noise of the air conditioning system, chatter of their peers, passing cars, etc in order to listen to what the teacher is presenting and thus learn a new skill.

Visual Sense (seeing)

The visual sense gives us the ability to see physical properties of objects, patterns as well as using the eye muscles to focus, track moving objects in our environment and interpret the information. The retina of the eye is the receptor which is stimulated by light to send input to the visual processing centres.

Auditory sense (hearing)

The auditory sense gives us the ability to respond to an interpret sound, vibration and movement. Being able to process sounds in our environment helps us determine their meaning and how we respond. Sound waves in the air stimulate the receptors in the inner ear and send these inpulses to the auditory processing centres.

Vestibular Sense (movement and balance)

The vestibular system is commonly referred to as the body’s GPS as it gives us information about where we are in space. It gives us information about the speed and direction we are going. It involves the inner ear which detects changes in position and movement..

Proprioceptive Sense

The proprioceptive sense is commonly referred to as our ‘body sense’. Receptors in our joints, muscles and tendons send sensory information about the type of movement, pressure and position of our bodies. Sensory information caused by bending, straightening, pulling, pushing and compression of joints is processed through this system. It is also activated when we stand still as the muscles and joints are sending information to our brain, telling us about our position.

Introception

This is the awareness of the inside of your body, including heart tare and breathing. There are receptors in the internal organs and major blood vessels. This input (visceral) helps regulate blood pressure, digestion and breathing, etc.

Smell (Olfactory)

The nose contains sensor receptors that us detect the chemical make-up of particles in the air. Interestingly enough, smell has a direct ‘hotline’ to the part of the brain responsible for emotion and memory. Smell creates memories and emotions which influences some of our choices. Some of the categories of small could be fragrant, woody/resinous, fruity (non-citrus), chemical, minty/peppermint, sweet, popcorn, lemon, pungent and decayed.

Taste (Gustatory)

The tongue has receptors called tastebuds that provide information about the chemical make up of the . The 4different kinds of taste are: sweet, sour, bitter and salty.