Sensory Systems
The ability to see and interpret shapes, colors, and light through our eyes.
What is the visual system
Using a weighted vest during circle time is an example of providing this type of sensory intervention.
What is proprioceptive input
A child is swinging back and forth on a platform swing.
What is the vestibular system
Preschool OT focuses on only fine motor and handwriting skills.
False
Name two ways an adult can change their own delivery when a child is upset.
- lower voice
- slow body
- reduce language
- get on the child's level
The ability to detect and process sounds through our ears.
What is the Auditory system
This flexible classroom seating option provides subtle movement to help under-responsive or hyperactive children stay focused.
What is a wiggle cushion (wobble stool, or therapy ball)?
A child is having messy play with paint, floam, and slime.
What is the tactile system
The same sensory strategy should work for every child.
False - sensory strategies are individualized; watch the child's cues
A child is overwhelmed during a busy transition. Name two environmental adjustments that could help.
- preferred auditory input
- fewer demands
- quieter space
- movement breaks
- predictable visual routine
The ability to feel texture, temperature, pressure, and pain through receptors in the skin.
What is the Tactile system
This internal sensory system detects body signals like hunger, heart rate, and pain.
What is the Interoceptive system
A child crashes into cushions and seeks pushing games. Their body might be seeking this sensory system input.
What is the proprioceptive system?
A calm adult helps a child feel safe, organized and connected. This is called co-regulation.
True
This two-part visual support pairs a required task with a highly preferred reward.
What is a First-Then board
The ability to detect and recognize different scents and odors in the air.
What is the Olfactory system
This sense gives us awareness of body position in space through receptors in muscles and joints.
What is the Proprioceptive system
A child covers their ears during a loud song. This sensory system is giving you an important cue.
What is the auditory system
Process over product.
True
An OT says, "It makes total sense that you are frustrated that this zipper is stuck." This phrase is a textbook example of this therapeutic communication tool.
What is validation
The ability to process flavors (sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and savory) through receptors on the tongue.
What is the Gustatory (Taste) system
This sensory system detects head position, movement, and gravity using the inner ear.
What is the Vestibular system?
A child eats seven bags of pretzels and reaches for another bag. You realize they may not be aware of their internal body signals. This sensory system is giving you an important cue.
What is the interoceptive system
Core strength directly impacts a child's handwriting legibility.
True - Proximal stability is required for distal mobility
When an OT sits next to a panicked patient and simply begins taking loud, exaggerated, slow breaths without giving any verbal commands, they are using this therapeutic technique.
What is modeled deep breathing