Throughout this series, we've explored each sensory system individually, but in real life, these systems never work alone. Your child's sensory experience is like a complex neural symphony, with each system contributing its unique "voice" while constantly communicating with all the others. Understanding this orchestration gives us powerful insights into supporting your child's unique sensory profile.
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Throughout this series, we’ve zoomed in on each sensory system — movement, touch, vision, sound, taste/smell, and interoception. But in daily life, they never work alone. Your child’s sensory world is more like a symphony, with each sense playing its part while constantly harmonizing with the others. Sometimes one instrument drowns out the rest; sometimes the orchestra plays beautifully in sync.
Why this matters: The brain blends signals across systems. That’s why a struggle with sound might show up as a meltdown over clothing, or why movement before homework makes focusing easier.
Handles the basics: filtering background noise, staying alert, reacting for survival. The reticular formation is the security guard deciding what gets “upstairs.”
The thalamus (receptionist) routes info to the right places, while the cerebellum coordinates movement and predicts what’s coming next.
The executive offices. Here the brain integrates information across senses. The prefrontal cortex helps focus on what matters.
Like hallways connecting every floor, large-scale brain networks link sensory, motor, attention, and emotional systems.
If these foundations are shaky, the rest of the orchestra struggles to stay in rhythm.
The brain is adaptable. One sense can rewire another (cross-modal plasticity). For example, when vision is reduced, touch or hearing often become more precise as the brain repurposes visual areas.
Strong, positive input in one area can support growth in another.
Craves more input to stay alert and regulated — spinning, crashing, touching, chewing, sniffing, bold flavors.
Support: Build a “sensory diet” of safe, rich input sprinkled through the day.
Overwhelmed by input that feels threatening — avoids movement, noise, textures, lights, or smells.
Support: Reduce overload, use predictable exposure, and offer choice and control.
Seeking in one sense, defensive in another (e.g., loves spinning but avoids messy play).
Support: Observe each system, then design supports that honor the whole profile.
All sensory roads pass through emotional circuits, which is why sensory experiences shift mood, stress, and connection.
These aren’t extras — they’re neurobiological shortcuts to regulation.
Parent Takeaway: Your child’s nervous system is a blend of channels, not isolated parts. Support one system and you often help the whole orchestra.
References: Ayres, 2005; Bavelier & Neville, 2002; Belmonte et al., 2004; Ghanizadeh, 2011; Porges, 2011; Stein & Stanford, 2008.
Educational Content Only
This framework is one way to understand your child's experiences. It complements—never replaces—professional clinical services, medical advice, or therapeutic interventions.
Trust Your Instincts
Every child's brain works differently. You know your child best, and what resonates for one family may not apply to another.
This content is developed with care, grounded in research, and offered with respect for your family's unique journey.