tactile. Each individual sensory system has specific receptors or cells within the body that deliver messages to the brain. These receptors are located in specific parts of the body - gustatory/taste (mouth), olfactory/smell (nose), visual (eye), auditory (ear), and vestibular (inner ear). Other receptors are spread throughout the body - tactile (skin) and proprioception (muscles and joints). Sensory Integration Therapy, also known as sensory-based treatments or interventions, are designed to provide sensory activities or experiences to help individuals respond better to environmental stimuli (i.e., sensory input). The main goal and priority for the use of sensory integration therapies is to improve internal sensory processing, improve self-regulation, develop adaptive functioning skills, and to help the child successfully become participate in daily life experiences and activities. Sensory-based interventions or activities are structured and individualized per each child's specific individual needs. They range from passive activities (i.e., wearing a weighted vest, weighted blank, receiving hugs, playing with shaving cream) to active activities (i.e., spinning around, jumping on trampoline, running, climbing, walking on patterned blocks). According to proponents of sensory integration therapy, sensory integrative dysfunction is a common disorder for individuals with neurological learning disabilities such as an autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and sensory modulation dysfunction. Sensory overload examples Visual Covers eyes when lights are too bright Stares at bright, fluorescent, or flickering lights Stares at spinning objects Holds items extremely close to eyes or face Turns opposite direction or away from where teacher is lecturing Easily distracted by extremely organized or unorganized rooms Lack of eye contact or looks beyond person's face Overwhelmed by too many colors, materials, or pictures in room Turns or tilts head when reading across a page Auditory Covers ears when loud noises occur (i.e., fire drill, yelling, alarms) Runs away from loud areas Hums or sings to themself Complains of noises inside room or outside of window Covers ears in the cafeteria or in bathroom Runs when toilet flushes Prefers very loud music or no music at all Tactile Avoids touching certain surfaces or textures Prefers to touch specific fabrics or textures Touches everything in sight Doesn't react to pain Might bite or suck on their own skin Doesn't react to or overreacts to extreme temperatures (i.e., wears shorts when extremely cold) Dislikes getting hands and feet dirty, wet, in sand, or in paint. Avoids getting hair, face, or head touched. Gustatory (Taste) Refuses to