March 2, 2011
March 1, 2011
Living Sensationally
So as you may know, I am in school for occupational therapy. One of my professors is Winnie Dunn who wrote the above book called Living Sensationally. Today in class we discussed four different types of sensory profiles. As she describes them, individuals can be either sensory seekers, avoiders, bystanders, or senors (or a balance of these).
After completing a form called the Sensory Profile, I have discovered that I am a sensory seeker when it comes to activity. I love to be doing things or trying new things. For example, I love changing the furniture in the house, going to new restaurants, and I like music when I'm studying. All these things describe a sensory seeker. But on the flip side, I can be a sensory avoider when it comes to certain textures of food or loud sounds. For example, I do not like apples or water chestnuts because of the grainy crunch that they have when you bite into them. I also find that I am a sensor at times. For example, I notice when someone else is tapping their fingers or if a chair is squeaky during the middle of class. I pick up on those sensory inputs, but often am not able to change them. Occasionally I am bystander. I recognize the need for sensory input, but do not make the attempt to change it.
Considering I have not read the book and I've only had one lecture from Winnie Dunn about sensory processing, I acknowledge I have a lot more to learn and the above descriptions of my sensory profile could be inaccurate. But as the time goes on, I plan to learn more and more about how sensory processing affects our everyday lives. Already I can see how differences can provide challenges in someone's life. For example, I love to listen to music when Brett and I are studying together, but he can't focus when there is music on. On the flip side, Brett finds himself strumming/tapping his fingers, but that noise distracts me from focusing. Because we often find ourselves studying at the same time we had to come up with a solution that encompasses both of our sensory processing differences. What do we do? I put headphones in and listen to music and this allows Brett the opportunity to tap away with his fingers while I get my auditory input.
Understanding sensory processing and the affects it has on everyday life truly intrigues me and I look forward to learning more about it. If you get the chance, read 'Living Sensationally' by Winnie Dunn. I'm hoping to attain a copy for myself, so if you want to borrow it, let me know!
Happy Sensing!
PS- On her blog (listed below the picture), Winnie has a link to Wordle. Try it out... here's the one for my other blog titled 'A Joyful Garden.'
After completing a form called the Sensory Profile, I have discovered that I am a sensory seeker when it comes to activity. I love to be doing things or trying new things. For example, I love changing the furniture in the house, going to new restaurants, and I like music when I'm studying. All these things describe a sensory seeker. But on the flip side, I can be a sensory avoider when it comes to certain textures of food or loud sounds. For example, I do not like apples or water chestnuts because of the grainy crunch that they have when you bite into them. I also find that I am a sensor at times. For example, I notice when someone else is tapping their fingers or if a chair is squeaky during the middle of class. I pick up on those sensory inputs, but often am not able to change them. Occasionally I am bystander. I recognize the need for sensory input, but do not make the attempt to change it.
Considering I have not read the book and I've only had one lecture from Winnie Dunn about sensory processing, I acknowledge I have a lot more to learn and the above descriptions of my sensory profile could be inaccurate. But as the time goes on, I plan to learn more and more about how sensory processing affects our everyday lives. Already I can see how differences can provide challenges in someone's life. For example, I love to listen to music when Brett and I are studying together, but he can't focus when there is music on. On the flip side, Brett finds himself strumming/tapping his fingers, but that noise distracts me from focusing. Because we often find ourselves studying at the same time we had to come up with a solution that encompasses both of our sensory processing differences. What do we do? I put headphones in and listen to music and this allows Brett the opportunity to tap away with his fingers while I get my auditory input.
Understanding sensory processing and the affects it has on everyday life truly intrigues me and I look forward to learning more about it. If you get the chance, read 'Living Sensationally' by Winnie Dunn. I'm hoping to attain a copy for myself, so if you want to borrow it, let me know!
Happy Sensing!
PS- On her blog (listed below the picture), Winnie has a link to Wordle. Try it out... here's the one for my other blog titled 'A Joyful Garden.'
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