Our Senses

Our Senses

When we talk about sensory integration challenges, we look at eight sensory systems. 

The first five—sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell—are familiar to most people. The other three are less known. They help us move and understand where our bodies are in space. These are: 

• Proprioception (body awareness) 

• Interoception (internal body signals like hunger or pain) 

• Vestibular system (balance and movement) 

All our senses work together. They help us understand who we are, where we are, and what is happening around us. 

📄 Source: STAR Institute – What is Sensory Health? 

The Foundational Sensory Systems

The foundational (also called proximal) sensory systems give us information about our bodies. These systems start developing early in the womb. 

The Functional Sensory Systems

The functional (also called distal) sensory systems help us understand the world around us.