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.
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