Gustatory (Definition and Symptoms)

Definition: This sense allows a child to discriminate between food flavors and tastes such as sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and savory. Taste is received through taste buds and receptor cells on the tongue.

Symptoms of Over-Responsiveness:

• talks about smell a lot, notices odors others don't notice

• plugs nose, avoids places with strong smells (some restaurants)

• dislikes new foods, may have very limited food preferences

Symptoms of Under-Responsiveness:

• smells and licks inedible objects such as toys and play doh

• likes strong odors such as perfume, cleaning products, and gasoline

• prefers strongly flavored foods...spicy, salty, bitter, sour, sweet