ICAN home about ICAN Tour Modules Glossary Search  
Your Path: ICAN Home > Modules > Sensory Interventions: Lecture Page 3
Characteristics assessment Academic Interventions Behavioral Interventions Communication Interventions Environmental Interventions Sensory Interventions Social Interventions

 

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Forum References FAQ's Quiz Lecture Introduction How Does It Work?

Sensory Integration/Sensory Processing is defined as “a process that involves organizing sensation from the body and the environment for use” (Ayres, 1979). Our bodies and events in the environment send our brains information through our senses. The sensory information is processed and organized by our brains so that we feel comfortable and secure.

Williamson and Anzalone (2001), indicate that this process can be broken down into five components. Keep in mind; this is a very simplified example of a truly amazing and complicated neurological process. Using the sense of touch as the sensory system involved in this example, the five steps include: registration, orientation/attention, interpretation, organization of a response, and execution of a response.

Registration Registration of the sensory event (stimulus) is the initial awareness of a sensation. It is dependent upon recognizing the novelty of the sensation. ÒSomething new has happened; I have been touched.Ó
Orientation/Attention This new sensation alerts our brain so we pay selective attention to it. ÒI have been touched here, on the arm.Ó
Interpretation We give meaning to the stimulus. This component is to some extent cognitive, since we interpret this new sensation in the light of previous experiences and learning. We also appraise sensation emotionally, in terms of threat, challenge or pleasure. ÒUh-oh, something is stinging me, it hurts. It is a horsefly!Ó
Organization of a Response We determine a cognitive, affective and/or motor response: ÒI may not be able to stay very long at the picnic.Ó
Execution of a Response A response is made based on the interpretation of the sensory information. This final step of sensory processing is the only one that can be directly observed.
  1. Our motor response may be reflexive, a quick shake of the arm to shoo the fly off. It may be more purposeful, hitting the bug directly with your hand.
  2. A response could be a comment that reflects a cognitive response: ÒI should have brought the insect repellent.Ó
  3. The response might be emotional, making a face while yelling: ÒHorseflies really scare me, they are so big!Ó

Adapted from: Williamson, G. G. & Anzalone, M.E. (2001). Sensory integration and self-regulation in infants and toddlers: Helping young children interact with their environment. Washington, D. C.: Zero to Three.

As you read through this example and some of the other examples presented here, it is easy to assume that each sensory system is discrete from the other. However, in reality, there is much overlapping and collaboration among the sensory systems and the integration that takes place in the brain. When we enjoy a favorite meal, we see the food, smell the food and taste the food, but it doesn’t stop there. The different foods we are eating have different textures that we feel in our mouths and the foods may require chewing before we swallow them. As we eat the meal, we usually sit in an upright position, balancing ourselves on a chair within reach of the table. It is through the collaboration and integration of all the senses that we lead to the successful completion and enjoyment of a meal.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12