Sensory Processing

Sensory processing describes the way the body receives and interprets incoming stimuli through our senses. Our sensory systems play an important role in our ability to engage in the world around us. Each sensory system has its own unique role and together they inform our brain how to react and interact with our environment.

There are 8 senses: 

• Auditory system - the sense of hearing
• Olfactory system - the sense of smell
• Gustatory system - the sense of taste
• Tactile system - the sense of touch
• Vestibular system - the feeling of our head in space (movement and balance)
• Proprioceptive system - the feeling of our muscles and joints (body awareness)
• Interoception - what's going on inside your body

Each of the 8 senses may become over-sensitive (hyper-) or under-sensitive (hypo-) to stimulus, e.g. a student who is hyper-sensitive to light may turn the lights off in class; conversely a student who is hypo-sensitive to light may turn all the lights on.

At Marlborough we develop Sensory Lifestyles for our pupils to support their sensory processing. Sensory Lifestyles are based on the pupils’ individual sensory needs and how they respond and react to sensory input. Marlborough School commission a Sensory Integration Occupational Therapist to provide advice and, where the need is identified, a sensory programme which will help and support their Sensory Lifestyle.

Resources and equipment that students may use as part of their sensory lifestyle include; a bird nest swing, a spinner, a rocker, chewy tubes, sensory chew toys, Ark Z-Vibes vibratory oral motor tool, crunchy and chewy snacks, protac vests, weighted blankets, weighted wrist straps or ankle weights, bear hugs, Hokki stools, ball chairs, sit and move cushions, wedge cushions and therapy balls, deep pressure and massage, fidget toys, therapeutic brushing and ear defenders. 

 

Sensory Circuit 

Children with sensory processing difficulties often struggle to engage effectively with the physical, social, emotional and curricular challenges of the school day. A sensory circuit is sensory–motor activity programme which helps students achieve the ‘ready to learn’ state. Sensory Circuits are a fantastic programme of physical activities that provide regular and controlled input to our sensory-motor systems enabling us to be energised or calmed so that we can get the most out our day. Sensory circuits have a specific structure which includes ‘Alerting’ ‘Organising’ and ‘Calming’ activities, which the students complete in a structured order.

At Marlborough our students access sensory circuits in different ways. Students can access circuits as whole class activities, 1:1 interventions and across the school building.