Sense Descriptions
Contrary to popular belief, we have eight (not five) senses. Read the descriptions below. Sensory interventions are typically categorized into calming or alerting activities, except in the case of Proprioception, which generally has an organizing effect. Follow the links below for more information about which activities are calming and which are alerting for most children. But remember, always pay attention to your child's cues. Not all children experience the same sensations the same way.
Proprioception
The proprioceptive sense is the sense of body awareness or the position of the body and body parts in space. Receptors for the proprioceptive sense are in the muscles and joints and are activated by weight and stretch
Interoception
The interoceptive sense is the sense of the internal body. Internal sensors in organs, blood vessels, and muscles help us to sense blood flow, pressure in the blood vessels and body, hunger, thirst, the need for air, and the need to eliminate waste. There is no direct access to interoception, but some clinicians believe it can be treated using the proprioceptive or vestibular senses.