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The Eight Sensory Systems

Occupational Therapy (OT) often emphasizes the importance of the sensory systems to help individuals, especially children, process and respond to sensory information in a meaningful way.

While many people are familiar with the five traditional senses, there are actually eight sensory systems that play a critical role in daily life and functioning.

Here is a quick breakdown of all eight:

  • Visual System (Sight)
  • Auditory System (Hearing)
  • Tactile System (Touch)
  • Olfactory System (Smell)
  • Gustatory System (Taste)
  • Proprioceptive System (Body Awareness)
  • Vestibular System (Balance and Spatial Orientation)
  • Interoceptive System (Internal Body Signals)

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