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Understanding Asperger Syndrome
Sensory Integration Dysfunction

Gustatory and Olfactory = Taste and Smell

Location Chemical receptors in the tongue and nasal structure

Function Provides taste and scent information about our environment; infants and young children use these senses to identify parents and objects. Certain tastes and smells have an arousing effect while others are inhibitory.

The Gustatory and Olfactory Systems and AS

Hypersensitivity Hyposensitivity
  • High registration
  • Low stimulus tolerance
  • Low registration
  • High stimulus tolerance
Behavioral Response Behavioral Response
  • Highly reactive to gustatory and olfactory stimuli, including perfumes, cleaning sprays, food, etc.
  • Avoidance behavior to activities and projects with smell and taste, such as cooking and using scented pens
  • Narrow range of food tolerance
  • Ignores noxious odors
  • Indiscriminate tasting and smelling of objects
  • May promote poor hygiene habits
  • Poor appetite

Vestibular = Balance

Location The receptors are located in the inner ear and are stimulted by gravity and movement

Function Provides information about where our body is in space and in relation to the ground. Processes information regarding speed, movement, direction and gravity between our bodies and the environment.

The vestibular systems helps us maintain:

  • Posture
  • Joint Stability
  • Balance
  • Bi-lateral Coordination (using both sides of the body)
  • Awareness of body position
  • Body position in relation to movement
  • Eye focus on objects
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