The central nervous system (CNS) is the brain and spinal cord. This is connected throughout the body via nerves to muscles, internal organs and sensory organs.

Sensory issues are many and varied.

Senses not only include vision, hearing , touch,  smell, taste.

They also include sensory-motor processes affecting body position in response to gravity and movement:

• vestibular ( the processing in the brain for balance)

• proprioceptive (feedback from the muscles and joints to the brain)

• tactile (the sensation of touch)

The Baby Brain – Early Development

The CNS in utero begins to develop   primitive infant reflexes in the 5th week of pregnancy. These reflexes are many and relate to the sensory processing in the baby and for life. Active persistence of these reflexes, as the baby gets older, is not desirable.

One of the reflexes can affect the functioning of distance/close vision and influence classroom efficiency.

Others can affect the balance of hearing through both ears, sensory motor feedback and muscle tone. 

Several relate to proprioception and affect co-ordination and muscle tone.

Another infant reflex affects the sensory responses to the skin, often showing as the reluctance to wear clothing of particular textures, with waistbands or belts. This can also relate to issues with attention, anxiety, co-ordination and the ability to be still.

When balance is affected it must be difficult to stay focussed.

All the above issues are very tiring.