The 7 Sensory Systems (Yep, SEVEN!)—and How We Stimmity-Stim With Them

Hey there, Beautiful Peoples!

So most folks are familiar with the basic five senses—sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. But did you know there are actually seven sensory systems that shape how we experience the world? That’s right. SEVEN.

As someone with SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder) and a brain that loves to stim like it’s my full-time job (oh wait, it kind of is), I thought it was time to break these down in a way that makes sense—and maybe helps you recognize your own sensory quirks along the way.

Let’s dive in!

✋ 1. Tactile System (Touchy-Feely Stuff)

This system processes everything your skin picks up—like pressure, temperature, texture, and pain.

Everyday Example: Feeling the softness of a fuzzy blanket, the scratchiness of a tag (ew), or the sharp betrayal of stepping on a LEGO.

Stimming with Tactile Input:

• Fidgeting with fabrics or squishy things

• Tapping or stroking textures

• Wearing sensory-friendly clothing

• Scratching or pressing on the skin (yep, that too)

If you’ve ever found yourself petting your own hoodie strings—hi, same.

👂 2. Auditory System (Ears, But Make It Stimmy)

This one handles sounds: speech, background noise, music, alarms, all of it.

Everyday Example: Enjoying your favorite song on repeat or flinching at a sudden loud bang.

Stimming with Sound:

• Humming or clicking your tongue

• Tapping pens or clicking your nails

• Listening to the same audio loop (mine is rain sounds + Nope by OMFG)

• Using sound-based fidgets

Some people stim to avoid sound, too— like noise-canceling headphones.

👀 3. Visual System (Eyes on the Prize... or the Lights)

This system helps you interpret light, color, movement, and visual patterns.

Everyday Example: Noticing when a room feels too bright or when a cluttered shelf makes your brain itchy.

Visual Stims Might Include:

• Watching spinning or glittery objects (lava lamps, anyone?)

• Blinking repeatedly

• Playing with lights or movement

• Getting hypnotized by a stim toy’s color swirl

Roomba, my cat, stares at walls. I stare at lava lamps. We’re not the same but we are both valid.

👃 4. Olfactory System (Sniff Squad)

Smell ties directly into memory and emotion—and this system is in charge of all those scent signals.

Everyday Example: Loving the smell of cookies baking or gagging at strong perfume.

Stimming with Scent:

• Sniffing objects

• Loving strong smells like essential oils

• Using scented candles or fidget toys

• Avoiding overpowering odors

Personally, I have at least 3 candles in every room of my house.

👅 5. Gustatory System (Taste + Texture Vibes)

Taste goes beyond flavor—it’s about texture and temperature, too.

Everyday Example: Craving something crunchy or steering far away from mushy textures.

Taste-Based Stimming Can Look Like:

• Chewing on straws, gum, or chewable jewelry

• Sucking on mints or candies

• Seeking out certain food textures (chewy gang rise up)

• Avoiding spicy, sour, or certain consistencies

If you've ever chewed a stim necklace like it's the last piece of gum on earth—you are my people.

🧍‍♀️ 6. Proprioceptive System (Where Are My Limbs Again?)

This is your body’s way of knowing where it is in space—without needing to look.

Everyday Example: Walking without staring at your feet or adjusting your grip on a slippery cup.

Stimming with Proprioception:

• Pushing or pulling heavy things

• Jumping, squeezing, or stretching

• Using weighted fidgets or blankets

• Cracking knuckles or tensing muscles

This one LOVES deep pressure. Weighted lap pad? Yes. Tight hoodie? Double yes. (this system is my favorite and most needy lol)

🎢 7. Vestibular System (Your Inner Balance Boss)

This one’s all about balance, movement, and coordination. It lives in your inner ear and makes sure you’re not constantly falling on your face (most of the time).

Everyday Example: Riding a swing, spinning in a chair, or feeling dizzy after looking down too fast.

Vestibular Stimming =

• Rocking or bouncing

• Swinging, spinning, or dancing

• Head tilting or repetitive movements

I rock in chairs. I bounce in line. I spin in the kitchen. It’s not just a vibe, it’s vestibular regulation, baby.

🎉 BONUS: Proprioception + Vestibular = BFFs

These two systems work together to help your body understand movement, space, and pressure. One gives you body awareness (proprioception), the other keeps you balanced (vestibular). They’re like the sensory Avengers.

🌟 Final Thoughts

Stimming isn’t “just” a behavior—it’s a language. A form of regulation, expression, and joy. Once you understand these seven sensory systems, you start to recognize the why behind certain stims—and you can support yourself (or others) with tools that actually help.

That’s why I started All Things Sensory Shop in the first place. To create beautiful, handmade fidgets that meet sensory needs with intention, style, and heart.

And now that you’ve read all this, I dare you not to stim a little right now. (You probably already are.)

Stay stimmy,

– Alissa