HEARING – AUDITORY SYSTEM Allows us to map out the environment, space, time. Signs of a Possible Problem: • Physical response to noise • Doesn’t always respond to name (common: nails on a chalkboard) • Difficulty locating sounds • Sensitive to loud or sudden noises • Constantly making noises, humming • Easily distracted by noises in environment • Requesting repeated directions • Difficulty focusing on tasks when (Responding “Huh?” or “What?”) background noise is present (classroom)

OT May Recommend: • Noise-reducing headphones • Preferential seating in a classroom or in home • Preferred music during tasks during specific tasks • White noise machines

SIGHT – VISUAL SYSTEM Eye movements, visual perception. Information obtained is sent to 80% of the brain. Signs of a Possible Problem: • Easily distracted by things in the • Difficulty with puzzles, handwriting, moving environment. spaces on a game board. • Turns head to side or gets too close when • Difficulty tracking objects (catching a ball). looking at things. • Seeks intense visual input (holding lights close • Frequently rubbing eyes. to the face). • Poor eye contact (with or without • Loses place frequently when reading emotional distress). • Difficulty copying from the board.

OT May Recommend: • Light-up toys, light-changing toys • Compression

SMELL & TASTE – OLFACTORY & GUSTATORY SYSTEMS Signs of a Possible Problem: • Strong behavioral/emotional response to • Likes to smell people or objects. smells or tastes (could be a positive or • Eats inappropriate non-food items. negative response). • Prefers extra spicy foods. • Picky eating with certain textures. • Prefers bland foods, all one color/texture. OT May Recommend: • Spicy or sour foods, sour candy spray • Chewing items • Chewing gum • Blowing or sucking through a straw • Scented items or oils

TOUCH – TACTILE SYSTEM How we interpret the information we get from our skin… Pain, temperature, texture, itchiness. Signs of a Possible Problem: • No awareness of personal space. • Constantly touching things or others. • Aversion to messy play. • Picky eating. • Frequent mouthing/chewing on objects. • Specific about clothing textures and tags, • Avoid hygiene. preference for tight clothing. • Feel pain more easily but refuse band-aids. • Reduced or exaggerated reactions to bumps • Difficulty transitioning from summer clothing and falls. to winter clothing. • Mouthing non-food objects.

OT May Recommend: • Brushing program • Compression clothing. • Letting child hold a vibrating toy • Incorporating weighted blankets, etc. • Introduce sensory bins or messy play before • Fidget items as jewelry, in pockets, etc. structured tasks. • Playdoh, slime, kinetic sand, rice, seeds

INTERNAL ORGAN SENSATION – INTEROCEPTION Internal sensations: hunger/satiation, bowel and bladder awareness, internal pain, temperature, awake/asleep. Signs of a Possible Problem: • Decreased awareness of bladder fullness, • Not feeling gradual hunger, suddenly feeling frequent accidents. “starving.” • Altered sleep patterns, difficulty falling • Decreased pain awareness or overly sensitive asleep, frequently waking up. to pain. • Over-eating, never gets full. • Difficulty with temperature regulation.

OT May Recommend: • Yoga and mindfulness training • PTs can also help with potty training • Keeping consistent mealtime and sleep • Brushing program can help with temperature schedules and pain • Hot and cold play activities

GRAVITY & BALANCE – VESTIBULAR SYSTEM Signs of a Possible Problem: • Difficulty staying still during seated tasks. • Fears or avoids movement, swings, rides, • Frequent movement in general. roller coasters, playground equipment. • Rocking while seated or standing. • Dislikes head tilted backward for any reason • Craves spinning or swinging, never gets dizzy. (hair washing). • Likes being upside-down • Dislikes elevators or escalators. OT May Recommend: • Swinging in a back-and-forth motion • Log rolling across the floor • Jumping on a trampoline • Spinning in an office chair

MOVEMENT & POSITION – PROPRIOCEPTIVE SYSTEM Input from muscles and joints about your body’s position and the movement of body parts. Deep pressure input that tells us where our body is in space. Our muscles use graded movements and allow us to use our bodies in different ways. *MOST IMPORTANT in keeping the body regulated! Signs of a Possible Problem: • Clumsy, bumps into objects, spills things • Deliberately falls, seeks out hugs or deep often. pressure. • Stomps feet, bangs hands, slams doors. • Mouthing/chewing objects. • Writes too hard or too light, breaks pencil • Fidgeting frequently. tips when writing. • Poor motor planning (riding bike, using • Plays too rough or aggressive. scissors) OT May Recommend: • Doing exercise or yoga before/after • Body sock structured tasks • Log rolling across the floor (vestibular also!) • Tight hugs, squeezes, deep pressure • Burrito blanket • Animal walks • Jumping on a trampoline • Running, walking, scooter rides • Rough and tumble playing • Weighted items, carrying heavy backpack