Basic Neurological Building Blocks

In today's class we started with the basics-our neurological building blocks and how they effect sensory integration. Sensory integration is the organization of sensation for use. Our senses give us information about the physical conditions of our body and the environment around us. Sensations flow into the brain like streams flowing into a lake (Jean Ayres, 1979)

In order to make sense of the sensations we experience, we must integrate them. To do that we:

1. register or become aware of the sensation

2. orient or pat attention to it

3. attempt to interpret the sensation by using current information and referencing past experiences for comparison.

4. organization occurs when the brain decides what we should do in respnose to the sensation

5. finally execution (or what we do) occurs.

The sensory system begins to form before birth. Our sensory systems include:

1. vestibulor (movement)

2. proprioreception (muscles & joints)

3. tactile (touch)

4. visual (sight)

5. olfactory (smell)

6. gustatory (taste)

Each of these systems develop at different time; some take place early on. Congenital disorders (birth defects) happen when the baby is developing in utero. For example neural tube development occurs as early as day 16 and problems can cause neural tube defects which can lead to birth defects such as spina bifida. NTD's are one of the most common birth defects; research has led to a reduction in these numbers through proventitive measures, such as taking folic acid daily for pregnant women.

These systems work together to allow for the development of:

1. body perception

2. bilateral coordiantion

3. motor planning

4. attention span

5. emotional stability

Examples of how these systems work together:

1. the vestibular and proprioreceptiive systems integrate to help develop posture, balance, muscle and tone and gravitational security.

2. the tactile and visual sysems integrate to help attain nutritional and emotional development for sucking, eating, mother-infant bonding and tactile comfort.

3. congenital disorders may cause problems with any of these systems