"Taste"- 4 major tastes: Taste input is perceived by our tongue but how we interpret or experience it is strongly influenced by our sense of smell. As an experiment, chew some gum until the flavor is gone, then hold a lemon under your nose; the gum will taste like lemon. Help your child with to broaden the tastes he tolerates or likes, and use strong tastes he enjoys to help arouse his sluggish system.
- Bitter- dark leafy greens, grapefruit, pure dark chocolate, herbs, spices
- Sweet- fruit, grains, natural sugars, milk
- Salty- nuts, chips, pickles
- Sour- citrus fruits (limes, lemons), sour milk products (yogart, cheese, sour cream), and substances (soy sauce, vinegar)
http://www.eattasteheal.com/ETH_6tastes.htm
"Smell"- "What does it smell like?" (GAME): Olfactory input (sense of smell) comes through the nose and goes straight to the most primitive, emotional part of the brain. So if your child is upset by something being stinky, it’s no wonder. Certain odors can stimulate, calm, or send him into sensory overload
- roses
- vinegar
- cinnamon
- vanilla
- peppermint
- lemon
- perfumes
- coffee
- ETC.
"Proprioception" : Proprioceptive input (sensations from joints, muscles and connective tissues that lead to body awareness) can be obtained by lifting, pushing, and pulling heavy objects, including one’s own weight. A child can also stimulate the proprioceptive sense by engaging in activities that push joints together like pushing something heavy or pull joints apart like hanging from monkey bars.
- Push/Pull
- Weights
- Jumping
- Pressure
"Vestibular": Vestibular input (the sense of movement, centered in the inner ear). Any type of movement will stimulate the vestibular receptors, but spinning, swinging, and hanging upside down provide the most intense, longest lasting input. If your child has vestibular (movement) sensitivities, please work closely with a sensory smart OT who can help you recognize and prevent signs of nervous system overload.
- Swing
- Spin
- Roll
- Turn Upside Down
"Tactile": The tactile sense detects light touch, deep pressure, texture, temperature, vibration, and pain. This includes both the skin covering your body and the skin lining the inside of your mouth. Oral tactile issues can contribute to picky eating and feeding difficulties.
- Dress up play
- Play with textures/mixing
- get in touch with nature! (barefoot on grass)
- Shaving Cream
- water play
- playdoh
"Auditory": Auditory input refers to both what we hear and how we listen, and is physiologically connected with the vestibular sense. In addition to various types of recorded and live music, here are some ways kids and adults can get calming and organizing auditory input.
- natural sounds
- listening games
- calming music
"Visual": Visual input can often be overstimulating for a child with sensory issues. Think about ways you can simplify the visual field at home or school for a calming, organizing effect. Alternately, if the child seems “tuned out” and doesn’t respond easily to visual stimulation, add brightly colored objects to encourage visual attention. For example, a child who has trouble getting aroused for play may be attracted by a brightly painted toy chest filled with toys in appealing colors. A child who seem unable to watch a ball as it rolls may be able to watch it if the ball lights up or makes noise as it moves.
- avoid clutter
- seating arrangements (front of class vs. back of class)
- avoid clothes, toys, colors that are distracting
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