All kinds of stimuli can temporarily disrupt normal functioning of the brain, either by overloading it with, or by depriving it of, sensory stimulation. The nervous system of a child On the Autism Spectrum/SPD may be wired so that they do not efficiently process sensory input. This can contribute to behavioral and emotional problems. Sensory play provides the necessary combination of sensory input to ‘feed and nourish’ a child’s nervous system. When a child’s nervous system feels properly organized it is better able to achieve optimum attention to tasks and performance of activities.
Sensory input is a natural calming drug for the brain, we all need it to stay calm, focused, and feel "put together." Children On the Autism Spectrum or S.P.D children need more of it, more often. Sensory play and activities helps ground and regulate these children.
Sensory input is a natural calming drug for the brain, we all need it to stay calm, focused, and feel "put together." Children On the Autism Spectrum or S.P.D children need more of it, more often. Sensory play and activities helps ground and regulate these children.
All this takes time and cannot be done in isolation by an Occupational Therapist. It must be a combined effort between home, school, therapy, and all involved in supporting the child.
Breaking down the senses... click on a sense to learn more
Tactile - touchInput from the skin receptors about touch, pressure, temperature, pain and movement of the hairs on the skin (touch, pull, stretch)
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Vestibular - movementInput from the inner ear about equilibrium, gravitational changes, movement experiences, and position in space. (rocking, swinging, spinning, bouncing, jumping)
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Proprioceptive - positionInput from the muscles and joints about body position, weight, pressure, stretch, movement. Knowing where your feet end and the floor begins.
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Oral - mouthOne's ability to correctly perceive, discriminate, process and respond to input within the mouth (chewing, licking, biting)
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Auditory - soundOne's ability to correctly perceive, discriminate, process and respond to sounds
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Visual - siteOne's ability to correctly perceive, discriminate, process and respond to what one sees (lights and colors)
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