sensory systems - key to regulation.pptx

• newEditor

sensory

systems

visual

what we see

olfactory

what we smell

proprioceptive

body’s position

interoceptive

internal signals

vestibular

balance + movement

auditory

what we hear

gustatory

what we taste

tactile

what we feel

What is it?

It’s how our body takes in information from the world and decides what to do with it

we have eight big sensory systems

What is

sensory

processing?

Help you react properly (like stepping back when you feel heat)

It’s your brain acting like a security guard

Ignore the stuff that’s not urgent (like your shirt tag)

Let in the important stuff (like a fire alarm)

what is

sensory

dysregulation?

overload

When the gets it wrong:

lets in too much

misses important signals

under-responsive

crashes into walls, never feels full

escalated, or shut down

why it matters

Sensory processing affects:

Relationships (can’t handle hugs or needs them constantly)

Toileting (can't feel body cues = accidents)

Sleep (under or over-sensitive to sound/touch)

Behavior (aggression? could be overload)

Focus (can't sit still? might be needing input)

sensitive

Feels things intensely Shirt tags hurt, picky eater, smells everything

types of sensory needs

seeker

Craves input Spinning, chewing, jumping

under-responsive

Doesn’t notice input Doesn’t feel pain, messy eater

avoider

Easily overwhelmed Hates lights, sounds, textures

same sensation, different story

sometimes, the brain gets it wrong

the brain uses the past to decide what things mean

the same body signal can feel exciting or terrifying

sad

tired

guilt

fear

lonely

bored

anxious

excited

excited

fear

guilt

fear

help their brain check the facts

it might feel big - but its not aways bad

they’re accidents!

internal confusion

doesn’t notice/know what it means

mislabeling

notices but thinks it’s an emotion (like anxious)

trauma

shutdown in fear of pain from the size

signal comes late

developmental or system delayed/overwhelmed

it’s not defiance

it’s dysregulation

he needs to climb a tree

without movement his brain doesn’t feel safe

no movement means

racing thoughts +

panic or rage =

full escalation

give heavy work breaks often especially when he’s excited

he’s not just picky

it’s tactile sensory

he is sensory sensitive - every thing feels 10x more intense

stick to what he likes even if it’s only the same few foods

offer control by letting him touch, smell or prep food before tasting

small steps are big wins

when he is having any big feeling he’s even more sensitive

his brain is panicking, disgusted, & stressed

it’s not about getting him to eat - it’s about helping him feel safe

regulation starts with us!

key takeaways

sensory systems = the key to regulation