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Breaking down the sensory system

We have eight senses, not five. Sensory integration is how the brain organises all of this information so we can respond calmly and move with purpose.

The Tree of Sensory Development

From roots to fruit: safety and sensory experiences support a child's body awareness, understanding, relationships and everyday skills. Like a growing tree, these areas stay connected.

The tree of sensory development, from roots to fruitNumbers match the seven explanations: 1 safety at the roots, 2 body senses in the trunk core, 3 outward senses around the tree, 4 body awareness in the rising trunk, 5 language in the branches, 6 interaction in the blossom, 7 everyday skills in the fruit.1234567

  1. Felt safety and connection · Roots & soil

    Supportive relationships and surroundings help a child feel safe to explore.

  2. Body-based sensory systems · Trunk core

    Balance, body position and touch support movement and physical stability.

  3. Outer sensory systems · Light & air

    Sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch connect a child with the world.

  4. Embodiment · Growing trunk

    Knowing their body, noticing sensations and discovering what it can do.

  5. Concepts, language and meaning · Branches & leaves

    Making sense of experiences and sharing ideas through language.

  6. Action and interaction · Blossom

    Planning, regulating, acting purposefully and connecting with others.

  7. Skills · Fruit

    Everyday abilities such as dressing, eating, writing and playing.

Short version of the supplied Tree of Sensory Development model, adapted from a colleague's model. An educational illustration, not a diagnostic test or a fixed developmental sequence. Each child develops differently; areas influence one another and may be revisited with learning or stress.

The eight senses

Tactile (touch)

What it does: Light touch, pressure, texture, temperature, pain.

May look like: Dislikes clothing tags or messy play, or constantly touches everything.

Vestibular (movement & balance)

What it does: Head position, speed and direction of movement, gravity.

May look like: Fearful on swings, or spins and jumps constantly; clumsy or fatigues easily.

Proprioceptive (body position)

What it does: Muscle and joint feedback about where the body is and how hard to push.

May look like: Crashes, bumps, pushes too hard, chews on things.

Visual

What it does: Colour, light, movement, shapes and spatial information.

May look like: Overwhelmed by busy rooms, or loses their place when reading.

Auditory

What it does: Sounds, pitch, volume and where they come from.

May look like: Covers ears, startles easily, or doesn't respond to their name.

Gustatory (taste)

What it does: Flavours and textures in the mouth.

May look like: Very limited diet or mouths objects.

Olfactory (smell)

What it does: Smells, linked closely to emotion and memory.

May look like: Gags at smells others barely notice.

Interoception (inner body)

What it does: Hunger, thirst, toileting needs, heartbeat, emotions.

May look like: Misses toilet cues, or doesn't notice being hungry or upset until it is big.

Sensory patterns

Over-responsive

Reacts strongly or quickly; avoids or is overwhelmed by input.

Under-responsive

Reacts slowly or not at all; may seem withdrawn or hard to engage.

Sensory seeking

Craves more input and is always on the go, touching or crashing.

Not sure where to start?

Request a time and we will talk through what you are noticing.

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