Visual Processing not only encompasses stimuli we interpret through the retina, by light waves in our environment, but also to interpret fine visual details, such as reading and driving. Light sensitivity, such as bright lights or the sun may be increasingly noticeable with visual processing challenges. Additionally, visual perception issues falls under the umbrella of visual processing. Depth perception, difficulty with seeing a “whole picture”, finding landmarks in competing environments or picking out a particular item in a drawer full of objects are a few examples. Writing, drawing, going up curbs or stairs can also present as challenges when visual processing or integration, is not fully functioning.

Taste or Gustatory Sensory System provides information about the chemical makeup of particles that touch it. The four different categories of taste are sweet, sour, bitter and salty. Each are processed on different parts of the mouth and tongue. An individual can be aversive to one particular category, while craving another, such as finding bitter repulsive and craving salty or sweet foods.

The Tactile System allows us to receive information of touch, pressure, texture, heat, cold, pain and the movement of hairs on skin. The tactile system plays a vital role in both physical and mental behavior. Individuals can be aversive to unexpected touch such as another person unexpectedly touching them, or particular sensations, (i.e.as stickiness on the hands). However, on the flip side, a person can seek out touching as a way to gain perspective of one’s own body in space with putting feet in the sand, walking on the grass, deep hugs / squeezes or feeling clothing on the racks at a department store.

The Auditory system works closely with the vestibular system and is the ability to interpret sound (i.e. voice, music, filtering, etc.) The auditory input helps with planning speech. Challenges with the auditory processing can be witnessed as responding inconsistently when spoken to, misunderstanding of spoken language, difficulty localizing the direction of sounds, speaking in monotone or exceptionally loud voice (voice modulation), highly sensitive to noise, inconsistent or unexpected sounds / noise and may be overwhelmed by crowded environments where noise is exceptionally high (fairs, concerts, restaurants/bars).

Proprioception refers to sensory information gained by the contraction or stretching of muscles and by bending, straightening, pulling and compression of joints between the bones. The term comes from the Latin word “proprius”, meaning “one’s own.” Sensations from one’s own body occur during movement, however, they can also occur while standing still, due to the fact that muscles and joints constantly send information to the brain to tell us about our position (Ayres, 2005). Pushing and pulling objects, engaging in weights, yoga, walking, any type of exercise are all examples of proprioceptive input and are generally very calming for the body.

The Vestibular System is an extremely important sensory system, which often does not get the recognition it deserves. The pull of gravity generates a constant sensory flow from early fetal life until death. This helps to form a basic reference for all other sensory experiences. Movement and head position stimulates the vestibular receptors. Vestibular dysfunction may present in a variety of ways and can be under stimulated or overstimulated. Falling without an attempt to catch oneself, becoming excessively dizzy with movement or seeking excessive movement or “thrill-seeking”, difficulty with movement or smoothness of rhythm or movement, the body seems “lost in space”, and or motion sickness, including riding in a car. Rocking is a form of linear movement, such as a rocking chair and with prolonged time, will have a calming and organizing effect on the central nervous system. With gravitational insecurity, the fear of falling or feet leaving the ground poses as a real threat to the individual. Elevators and escalators can promote increased fear. Feeling insecure in wide, open places may challenge the individual to feel highly distressed or vulnerable.