When we think of senses, we often focus on the traditional five: sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell. However, there are three additional senses that play a crucial role in how we experience the world and regulate ourselves. Understanding these eight senses can transform how we support children with sensory processing differences.
- Vestibular Sense – This is the sense of balance and movement, controlled by the inner ear. It helps us understand where our body is in space, maintain posture, and coordinate movements. Activities like swinging, spinning, or jumping stimulate the vestibular system. When the vestibular sense is not well integrated, a child may either seek constant movement (spinning, rocking) or avoid it, feeling dizzy or unbalanced easily. As outlined in The Traffic Jam in My Brain, vestibular input can be both calming and alerting, depending on how it’s provided—slow, rhythmic movement tends to soothe, while fast, unpredictable movement can increase arousal.
- Proprioception – Known as the ‘body awareness’ sense, proprioception involves feedback from muscles and joints. It helps us know where our limbs are without looking and allows us to apply the right amount of force when doing tasks, like holding a pencil, climbing stairs, or hugging someone. Children with proprioceptive processing difficulties might appear clumsy, seek deep pressure (like tight hugs), or have trouble judging how much force to use in activities. Proprioceptive activities, such as pushing heavy objects, squeezing stress balls, or engaging in rough-and-tumble play, can be incredibly regulating.
- Interoception – This sense helps us understand internal body signals, like hunger, thirst, temperature, and the need to use the bathroom. It also influences emotional awareness and regulation. A child with interoceptive challenges might struggle to recognise when they are hungry, tired, or need to use the toilet. They may also have difficulty identifying and managing emotions because they can’t easily connect physical sensations with feelings. Recognising interoceptive needs can be life-changing for children who struggle with emotional outbursts or anxiety, as it helps them connect body cues with emotional states.
Recognising these eight senses can deepen our understanding of children’s behaviours. For example, a child who constantly bumps into things might not be ‘careless’ but may have difficulties with proprioception. A child who seems ‘lazy’ during physical activities might be experiencing vestibular processing challenges, making movement feel overwhelming or disorienting.
Supporting sensory processing isn’t about eliminating behaviours but understanding what drives them. By addressing all eight senses, we can create strategies that truly meet a child’s needs, whether through sensory-friendly classrooms, tailored therapy activities, or simple adjustments in daily routines. As noted in The Traffic Jam in My Brain, “When we decode the sensory signals, we unlock the door to understanding behaviour.”