Sensory Systems
How many sensory systems are there?
Eight
A student reacts strongly to bright, strobing or fluorescent light.
Provide dimmable light options. (Auditory)
A student constantly touches or fiddles with clothing, surfaces, or other objects.
Provide opportunities to use a fidget.
What sensory system is responsible for hearing?
Auditory
A student chews on their clothes, pen caps and pencils.
Provide gum and/or sour candy. (Gustatory)
Provide a movement break at the beginning of instruction and at the end of the instruction. (vestibular)
What sensory system is responsible for determining the amount of pressure?
Proprioceptive
A student appears disinterested in a pumpkin carving activity.
Offer gloves (tactile)
A student takes longer to respond to and/or misses process verbal directions.
Break complicated instructions down into small, simple steps and or provide visual instructions.
What sensory system may be challenged by the use of public restrooms?
Olfactory Sensory Sytem
A student avoids swings, slides, and other playground equipment.
Provide them with handheld assist to climb and find railings initially. (vestibular)
A student will not eat school lunch.
Introduce new foods slowly. (Gustatory)
What sensory system would assist with a student who is having difficulty with blinking lights?
Visual Sensory System
A student always wants to go to the bathroom when they enter your class.
Provide a stuctured schedule that inclues bathroom breaks. (Interoception).
A student is having a challenges with packets of worksheets?
Provide one worksheet at a time and decrease the number of items on the workshet. (Visual)