Perception is the ability to take in and organize sensory experience.

Sensory Integration

• Sensory experiences are combined and integrated and influence other major growth areas.
  
  
• Specific sensory organs are located in particular areas of the brain and, as the brain matures, there is a constant interchange of action and reaction.
  

Hearing

• Newborns can hear at birth and are especially responsive to high-pitched, familiar voices and sounds.
  
  
• Caregivers need to be aware of the unique preferences of young children; the optimum noise level varies with each child.
  

Smell and Taste

• Newborns can distinguish numerous smells and tastes and prefer pleasant smells and sweet tastes.
  
  
• An environment rich in smells adds to an infant/toddler program; be careful of making things that are not edible smell delicious.
  

Touch

• Newborns have a well-developed sense of touch; sensitivity to discomfort and pain increases rapidly after birth.
  
  
• Caregivers should be alert to potential cultural and gender issues related to touch.
  

Sight

• Newborns' vision is blurry (compared to adults); they can distinguish light and dark areas, and within a few weeks they can distinguish colors.
  
  
• Take cues from infants themselves when planning an environment to foster visual skills. Avoid the "circus effect"—more is not necessarily better.
  

Children with Special Needs: Sensory Impairments

• Help a child make the most of the sensory abilities she or he already has; don't focus on the disability. Provide for the development of all senses.
  
  
• Early warning signs may indicate that a child needs further assessment. Seek professional assistance immediately if you suspect a child in your care may have special needs.