You Have Eight Senses Not Five

Uncover the Power of Eight: Deepen Your Understanding of Sensory Processing

You’ve probably heard of the five classic senses: sight, smell, taste, touch, and hearing. But did you know there are at least eight senses that shape our world? It’s true! These often-overlooked senses play a vital role in how we experience life, from maintaining balance to understanding our internal state.

We understand that the idea of eight senses might sound surprising, but it’s a well-established fact in the scientific community. Let’s debunk that myth together and explore the incredible ways our bodies perceive the world. Get ready to discover the hidden power of your senses!

In fact, neuroscientists research and report on many more senses beyond these eight, suggesting that our understanding of human perception is still expanding. This exciting field of research promises to reveal even more about the complexities of our sensory experiences in the world.

In this blog, the three, new “hidden senses” we will teach you about play a crucial role in how we experience the world. These senses work behind the scenes, keeping us balanced, coordinated, and aware of our internal body state. Let’s take a peek at these amazing systems!

Three “new to you” senses:

• Vestibular: This sense helps you navigate movement and balance. It’s the reason you can walk in a straight line and feel dizzy on a spinning carnival ride.
• Proprioception: This sense gives you a map of your own body. It tells you where your limbs are in space, even if your eyes are closed. It’s what allows you to reach for a cup of coffee without looking!
• Interoception: This is your body’s internal messaging system. It relays information about hunger, thirst, body temperature, and even emotions. It’s the reason you know when you need a bathroom break or when you’re feeling anxious.

Understanding these eight senses is key to creating a sensory-friendly environment, event or experience. By considering how sights, sounds, smells, textures, movement, and even internal signals might impact someone, you can create a space that’s comfortable and welcoming for everyone.

Now that we’ve unveiled the eight amazing senses that shape our world, let’s delve deeper and explore how to create sensory-friendly environments that cater to each one!

Eight Senses: A Symphony of Perception

Vision and Sight

Your visual world comes alive through sight. Imagine the vibrant colors, intricate details, and vast landscapes you encounter daily. However, some individuals may experience vision differences. Bright lights, flickering displays, or crowded spaces can be overwhelming.

Sound and Hearing

Immerse yourself in the symphony of sounds through your sense of hearing – conversations, music, and the gentle hum of nature. Yet, loud noises, sudden or unexpected sounds, background chatter, or even crowded environments can be bothersome for some people.

Taste

From the sweet indulgence of chocolate to the tangy zest of a lemon, taste allows us to savor the world. However, some people may have aversions to certain textures or flavors, like spicy foods or the “beige diet” commonly followed by children with sensory processing disorders.

Touch

The comforting embrace of a loved one, the soft caress of a breeze, or the scratchy texture of a wool sweater – touch is a powerful sense. Nonetheless, some individuals may be hypersensitive to touch, disliking hugs or finding clothing tags irritating. And that wool sweater might be unbearable to wear.

Smell

Aromas can evoke powerful memories – freshly baked cookies or the crisp scent of pine needles. On the other hand, strong perfumes, artificial scents, or even certain food smells can be bothersome for some people. So much so that they get headaches, for example

Movement (Proprioception)

This sense allows you to move with grace and coordination, even when your eyes are closed. Imagine touching your nose with your finger – proprioception guides your arm and hand precisely, you don’t even have to look! For instance, some people crave movement, enjoying activities like jumping on trampolines, while others may be less active and prefer sitting still and having their feet on the ground.

Balance (Vestibular)

Your vestibular sense keeps you grounded, whether you’re sitting, walking, or dancing. It helps prevent you from falling down. For instance, motion sickness in moving vehicles or a fear of heights can indicate a difference in vestibular processing.

Interoception

This newly recognized sense is your internal body compass. It relays messages about hunger, thirst, and when you need to use the toilet. Some individuals may struggle to interpret these signals and have a lot of difficulty regulating their body and their emotions.

Sensory Differences: Creating a More Inclusive World

Some people have difficulty recognizing sensory signals from their body from one or more of their senses.  For example, research, “The Relationship between Sensory Sensitivity and Autistic Traits in the General Population” by Ashley E. Robertson and David R. Simmons (2012) found that difficulties with sensory processing is responsible for many of the differences seen among people with autism ¹. 

Different brains for different people! 

Did you know that practicing meditation, for example, helps people get in touch with the connection between their body and their brain and all of their senses?

Sensory processing differences affect a significant portion of the population, including those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). But did you know that sensory differences can occur for a number of different underlying reasons? By understanding these variations, we can create sensory-friendly environments that benefit everyone.

FAQ: Understanding Sensory-Friendly Environments and the Eight Senses

What is a sensory-friendly environment?

A sensory-friendly environment is a space thoughtfully designed to minimize sensory discomfort and promote calmness. In addition, it considers all eight senses—sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch, vestibular (balance), proprioception (body awareness), and interoception (internal body signals)—to create inclusive spaces that accommodate diverse sensory needs. ​

Who benefits from sensory-friendly environments?

Individuals with sensory processing challenges, such as those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, PTSD, anxiety disorders, or sensory processing disorder (SPD), often benefit from sensory-friendly environments. These spaces can also enhance comfort and accessibility for everyone, promoting well-being and inclusivity. ​

How do the eight senses influence our experiences?

Beyond the traditional five senses, the vestibular, proprioceptive, and interoceptive senses play crucial roles in how we perceive and interact with the world. They help us maintain balance, understand our body’s position in space, and sense internal bodily functions like hunger or heartbeat. Recognizing and accommodating all eight senses is essential in creating environments that support everyone’s sensory needs. ​

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🌈 Sensory-Friendly Environment Strategies for Each of the 8 Senses

Sense	Sensory-Friendly Strategies
Sight (Visual)	Use soft, natural lighting or dimmable lights. Incorporate neutral or calming colors. Minimize visual clutter.
Hearing (Auditory)	Install sound-absorbing materials like carpets or acoustic panels. Provide noise-canceling headphones. Maintain a quiet atmosphere or play soft, soothing music.
Smell (Olfactory)	Avoid strong or overpowering scents. Use natural, mild fragrances like lavender or chamomile. Ensure proper ventilation.
Taste (Gustatory)	Offer a variety of food textures and flavors to accommodate preferences. Avoid overly spicy or strong-tasting foods.
Touch (Tactile)	Provide a range of textures through materials like soft fabrics or smooth surfaces. Offer tactile tools like fidget toys. Ensure furnishings are comfortable.
Balance (Vestibular)	Incorporate movement-based activities like rocking chairs or balance boards. Design spaces that allow safe movement and exploration. Include equipment like swings or spinning chairs for controlled vestibular input.
Body Awareness (Proprioception)	Provide opportunities for heavy work activities like carrying weighted objects. Use resistance bands or weighted blankets. Encourage activities that involve pushing, pulling, or lifting to enhance body awareness.
Internal Body Signals (Interoception)	Create calm spaces for relaxation and mindfulness. Encourage regular breaks to check in with bodily needs. Provide resources like hydration stations or rest areas to address internal cues like thirst or fatigue.

Now that we’ve unveiled the eight amazing senses that shape our world, you can join our mission where together we can create spaces that ignite curiosity, spark engagement, and welcome everyone to participate fully, regardless of their sensory processing preferences.

Sensory Friendly Solutions: Your Partner in Inclusivity

At Sensory Friendly Solutions, we offer comprehensive training courses and resources to equip you, your business, organization, or non-profit with the knowledge and tools to become sensory-friendly. We’ll guide you through:

• Understanding Sensory Processing: Gain a deeper understanding of the eight senses and how sensory differences can impact individuals.
• Creating a Sensory-Friendly Space: Learn practical strategies to adjust lighting, noise levels, and provide calming spaces for those who need them.
• Communication and Interaction: Develop effective communication techniques to interact respectfully with individuals with sensory sensitivities.

Start with our Sensory Friendly 101 Course! And learn more about what we offer in this video from our Founder:

Dive Deeper: Unlocking the Power of the Senses:

Intrigued by the eight senses and how they impact event experiences? We are too! Sensory Friendly Solutions is passionate about creating inclusive spaces for everyone. Here are a series of blog posts for you to learn more about your senses and how they impact daily life:

• Understanding Sensory Disorders and Differences
• Demystifying Sensory Sensitivity and Overload for Business
• Sensory Overload: Is it a Problem in Your Life?
• Who Has Sensory Sensitivity?

1. Robertson, A. E., & Simmons, D. R. (2012). The Relationship between Sensory Sensitivity and Autistic Traits in the General Population. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 43(4), 775–784. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-012-1608-7