Sensory Assignment
Part 1
In the simulation video, walking through this store initially felt irritating due to the loud noise and the speed at which everything was moving. My hearing and vision systems were adversely affected by the noise and the hard to comprehend stimuli. I could only pick out a few faces and names tags of a few items in the store. However, I adapted to the noise eventually, and it felt calm as the simulation came to an end. This was, however, a stressing experience due to the loudness and the fast-moving blurred images. However, a person with sensory processing difficulties would not be able to shut out any of the information present in this store simulation and become engaged in the fight or flight stance. Due to the huge information flowing in this store, they would experience information overload and be forced to withdraw to save their brains from agony. Walking into such a store for someone with difficulties would be agonizing, and they would most likely feel overwhelmed by loads of information present in this store.
This video illustrates the importance of sensory adaptation and habituation. Sensory adaptation refers to the incidence where sensory processing ceases responding to a stimulus by getting used to it, while habituation is the gradual decrease in response to a stimulus. These processes help the sensory systems to pay less attention to irrelevant stimuli and focus only on the things that demand immediate attention. Habituation and adaptation help discriminate against unnecessary stimuli; for instance, in the simulation, habituation would help a person block the loud noise and focus on the necessary details in this store. Therefore, sensory adaptation and habituation are important aspects of everyday life by stopping to notice every little thing but focusing on the new relevant aspects of everyday life.
Part 2
I enjoy the touch of soft grass in an open field, especially when I am walking barefooted on such a field or running me hands-on soft grass. Walking on the grass derives a soothing experience and relaxes my feet and any part that comes into contact with the soft grass. I also enjoy the breeze or whirling wind due to the therapeutic impact it causes me. It is just natural to close my eyes and enjoy such a breeze, for instance, in the morning when the air is cool. Furthermore, in noisy environments or extra busy days, the wind’s feel will help my mind relax and focus on my next predicament. Such is usually a peaceful sensation, and I allow myself to be carried away momentarily by the soft wind whirl.
On the other hand, I dislike various sensations; for example, I wouldn’t say I like very loud vehicle hooting. In busy places such as towns where tire screeching is prevalent, I often find myself walking away from such places. Conversely, I will get irritated initially but adapt to the constant hooting as I try to move to more silent places. The sharp sound of a bell or metals hitting also irritates my sensation, and I respond by tightly closing my ears momentarily, then slowly easing down as my sensations adapt to the sound. Besides, I dislike the sensation of putting on wet or cold clothes because of the shivering sensation they derive. In such cases, I will rub my hands until my body gets used to the cloth’s feel.