MOd 2: Sensory systems development

Question 1

Do sensory systems develop simultaneously?

Answer 1

No

Sensory systems come online and mature at very different times.

Question 2

What is the relationship between motor control and sensory development?

Answer 2

Motor control is sensory driven

Movement emerges from perception, interpretation, and integration of sensory input.

Question 3

What are the clinical implications for physical therapists regarding sensory system development?

Answer 3

• Working across the lifespan
• Especially in Pediatrics and NICU follow-up

Understanding sensory development is crucial for effective interventions.

Question 4

What role do early sensory experiences play in development?

Answer 4

• Shape the central nervous system
• Influence postural control
• Guide emerging movement patterns

These experiences are critical both in utero and after birth.

Question 5

How does prematurity affect sensory input and motor development?

Answer 5

It may disrupt access to typical sensory input

This disruption can influence motor development.

Question 6

What is the tactile system crucial for in early development?

Answer 6

• Early exploration
• Bonding between baby and caregivers
• Co-regulation and feeding behaviors

An immature tactile system can lead to overstimulation and stress.

Question 7

Where does the tactile system begin to function?

Answer 7

In the mouth and hands

This is crucial for early exploration.

Question 8

What is the first sensory system to function in utero?

Answer 8

Vestibular system

The fetus receives vestibular input from its own movement and maternal movement.

Question 9

What are the implications of an immature vestibular system for physical therapy?

Answer 9

• Increased sensitivity to vestibular movement
• Intolerance to movement or position changes
• Difficulty gaining head control

Key interventions include slow transitions and graded movement.

Question 10

When is the auditory system fully developed?

Answer 10

By 20 weeks gestation

Localization ability emerges around 30 to 32 weeks.

Question 11

What auditory challenges do preterm infants face?

Answer 11

• Difficulty filtering noise
• Challenges with sound localization
• Startling reactions to intense sounds

These challenges can impact their responses to auditory stimuli.

Question 12

What is the visual system’s development timeline in utero?

Answer 12

• Limited input in utero
• Significant maturation between 28 and 36 weeks gestation

By 36 weeks, typical vision for a newborn can be expected.

Question 13

What visual preferences do newborns have?

Answer 13

• High contrast patterns
• Animate over inanimate objects
• Complex patterns over simple ones

Newborns prefer large designs and curved lines.

Question 14

What is the olfactory system’s role in development?

Answer 14

• Fully formed by 29 weeks gestation
• Supports attachment and feeding readiness

Babies show preferences for their mother’s breast milk.

Question 15

When does the gustatory system begin to develop?

Answer 15

By about 22 weeks gestation

Babies can discriminate between tastes as early as 15 weeks.

Question 16

What are the taste preferences of babies in the NICU?

Answer 16

• Prefer sweet water to plain water
• Prefer milk to sweet water
• Dislike bitter or sour tastes

Sweetened water is often given before procedures.

Question 17

What are key takeaways regarding sensory system development?

Answer 17

• Systems develop on a predictable but interdependent timeline
• Timing of injury matters
• Sensory immaturity affects multiple areas

Interventions must honor sensory thresholds and support co-regulation.