Sensory processing disorder assessments typically involve a combination of observations, questionnaires, and possibly standardized assessments to evaluate how a person responds to information. We can provide a sensory processing disorder evaluation, but we often need to bring in other professional disciples, such as occupational therapists for children. As you will see below, a sensory processing test for children and a sensory processing disorder test for adults differs in many ways. If you want to hear more about what a sensory processing assessment would be like for you or your child and the benefits you could gain, please feel free to contact us or schedule a consultation anytime.
Steps in Sensory Processing Disorder Assessments
Here’s an overview of common approaches and tools we use in a sensory processing assessment:
1. Background Information and Medical History
- Developmental History: Every sensory processing disorder evaluation starts with Information about developmental milestones, behaviors, and preferences in infancy and early childhood.
- Family History: Any related behavioral or neurological issues in family members
- Medical History: Any known neurological or physical conditions, prenatal or birth complications, and hearing or vision issues.
2. Parent/Teacher Interviews in Sensory Processing Disorder Assessments
- Profile: A common sensory processing disorder evaluation tool where parents, teachers, or caregivers rate the frequency and intensity of behaviors in children. Versions include the SP-2 and the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile for older individuals.
- SPM: Designed for children aged 5–12, the SPM is a sensory processing disorder evaluation for home and school. It has forms for both environments to provide a comprehensive view.
- SSP: A brief version focusing on seven dimensions (e.g., auditory filtering, seeking). This measure can be used as a screening to see whether a full sensory processing test is necessary.
3. Sensory Processing Disorder Assessments Through Observation
- Specialists: As part of a sensory processing disorder evaluation, we observe the person in different settings (e.g., clinic, school, home) to see how they react to inputs, such as noise levels, textures, lights, movement, and social interactions.
- Functional Tasks: Observations may include how the person responds to activities that involve balance, fine motor skills, and coordination, as these can reveal processing issues.
4. Tests Used in a Sensory Processing Disorder Evaluation
- The SIPT is a set of standardized tests for sensory processing disorder evaluation often used as a sensory processing test for children ages 4-8 to assess different aspects of processing and motor skills.
- Developmental Profile Tests: Sometimes, broader developmental tests, like the Denver Developmental Screening Test or Bayley Scales of Infant Development, help identify challenges alongside other developmental delays.
5. Sensory Processing Disorder Assessments and Self-Reports (for Adolescents and Adults)
- Self-report sensory processing disorder evaluation questionnaires for older children, teens, and adults may help understand how they perceive input and manage challenges. For example, the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile provides insight into preferences, such as sensitivity and seeking.
6. Sensory Processing Disorder Assessments by an Occupational Therapist
- An Occupational Therapist might perform various informal assessments and functional activities to gauge tactile, auditory, visual, proprioceptive, and vestibular responses. OTs are an important part of sensory processing disorder assessments.
- Hands-On Activities: Activities could include balance exercises, fine motor tasks, or engaging with different textures, which help assess thresholds for input and adaptive responses.
Sensory Processing Disorder Assessments and Plans
Once the sensory processing assessment is complete, we will review the results, identify specific challenges, and discuss a tailored intervention plan, which may involve:
- Integration therapy
- Sensory diets (scheduled activities to help regulate responses)
- Environmental adaptations and workplace or educational accommodations
Sensory Processing Test for Children
A sensory processing test in children usually involves standardized tests and observational tools to understand a child’s abilities better. Here are some key sensory processing disorder assessments that professionals may use:
1. SP-2
- Purpose: This widely-used sensory processing test identifies how a child responds to input in daily life.
- Age Range: Various forms are available for infants, toddlers, and children.
- Structure: Parents, caregivers, or teachers complete a questionnaire about the child’s behavior in response to stimuli in different contexts (e.g., auditory, tactile, visual).
- Outcomes: Helps categorize the child’s responses into patterns, such as “seeking,” “sensitivity,” “avoiding,” and “low registration.”
2. SPM
- Purpose: Another popular tool in a sensory processing assessment that evaluates issues in multiple settings.
- Age Range: For children ages 5-12.
- Structure: Parents, teachers, or caregivers complete separate forms to assess issues in various environments (e.g., home and school).
- Outcomes: Provides insight into processing, praxis (motor planning), and social participation.
3. SSP
Purpose: A shorter version of the SP-2 focusing on seven key processing areas. The SSP is often a part of screenings to decide whether a full sensory processing test is necessary and what it might focus on.
- Age Range: For children ages 3-14.
- Structure: A quick 38-item questionnaire for caregivers that measures sensitivity, avoidance, and stimuli seeking in daily activities.
- Outcomes: Identifies issues in a shorter, more focused format.
4. SIPT
- Purpose: This sensory processing test provides a more in-depth evaluation of sensory integration and motor planning.
- Age Range: Primarily for children aged 4-8.
- Structure: A comprehensive battery of 17 standardized tests administered by a trained occupational therapist that examine areas such as tactile processing, balance, and fine motor skills.
- Outcomes: Detailed information on a child’s abilities and potential challenges in motor planning.
5. Observational Sensory Processing Disorder Assessments
- Purpose: Observational sensory processing disorder assessments help identify challenges based on the child’s reactions on various tasks.
- Age Range: Suitable for children of any age.
- Structure: We observe the child in settings with different demands, like playgrounds, classrooms, or clinics, to assess how they respond to stimuli (e.g., loud noises, textures, movements).
- Outcomes: Provides insight into how the child manages real-life experiences.
6. Additional Developmental Tests
- Purpose: While not specific to SPD, broader developmental assessments can sometimes highlight challenges.
- Examples: Denver Developmental Screening Test, Bayley Scales of Infant Development.
- Outcomes: These tests examine general developmental areas, which can help spot delays or issues.
When to Seek a Sensory Processing Evaluation for Your Child
If a child frequently exhibits behaviors like:
- Avoiding or craving certain textures, noises, or movements
- Being overly sensitive or under-responsive to sensory input (e.g., loud noises, light touch)
- Struggling with coordination, balance, or fine motor skills
- Experiencing meltdowns in noisy, busy environments
Then, it is a good idea to consult with us or an occupational therapist to decide whether a sensory processing test for children would be helpful.
Sensory Processing Disorder Test for Adults
A sensory processing disorder test for adults is more complex than for children since adults may have developed coping mechanisms over time. However, several tools and approaches help identify issues in adults.
1. Adult/Adolescent Profile
- Purpose: A standardized sensory processing disorder test for adults to identify patterns in adults and adolescents.
- Structure: A self-report questionnaire where the individual rates their response to various experiences (e.g., sensitivity to sound, texture, movement).
- Categories: Based on responses, individuals are categorized into four patterns: “seeking,” “avoiding,” “sensitivity,” and “low registration.”
- Outcomes: Provides insights into how issues may influence daily life, work, and social interactions. It also helps create tailored strategies to manage needs.
2. Sensory Processing Disorder Test for Adults Self-Assessment
- Purpose: A more informal self-assessment tool to help adults reflect on their preferences and sensitivities. This sensory processing disorder test for adults requires accurate reporting.
- Structure: Typically includes questions about the individual’s response to various inputs (e.g., sounds, textures, smells, and movements).
- Outcomes: Not a diagnostic tool but can guide individuals in identifying their challenges and preferences. It can also provide insight into specific sensitivities to discuss with a healthcare provider.
3. Sensory Processing Disorder Test for Adults Through Observation
- Purpose: Professional observations are often part of a sensory processing disorder test for adults to help to identify issues that may not be obvious in self-reports.
- Structure: We may observe our clients in a variety of environments or engage them in activities that require processing information (e.g., tasks involving fine motor skills, navigating different textures, and environments with various sounds or lights).
- Outcomes: This method can reveal sensitivities or avoidance behaviors that impact daily life, helping the therapist recommend targeted interventions.
4. Informal Sensory Processing Disorder Assessments Through Self-Reflection
- Purpose: Self-reflection exercises can be part of a sensory processing disorder test for adults to help explore the impact of sensory processing on their lives.
- Structure: Questions may include:
- “How do I feel in crowded or noisy places?”
- “Do I avoid certain textures or foods?”
- “Am I sensitive to bright lights or loud sounds?”
- “Do I seek out certain sensations (e.g., spinning, squeezing objects)?”
- Outcomes: Self-reflection may help identify triggers or soothing strategies. It’s a useful tool for starting conversations with a healthcare provider.
5. Additional Mental Health Evaluation
- Purpose: Since SPD in adults often coexists with other conditions (like anxiety, Attention deficits, or PTSD), additional assessments can provide context.
- Examples: General mental health screenings or occupational aptitude assessments to evaluate how challenges may be impacting overall well-being or work performance.
- Outcomes: Combined with a sensory processing disorder test for adults, these can offer a more comprehensive understanding of how SPD interacts with other aspects of mental health.
Seeking a Diagnosis and Treatment Plan
If SPD is suspected in adulthood, an individualized plan can be developed based on our sensory processing disorder test for adults, often involving:
- Diets or integration activities
- Environmental adjustments to reduce overload
- Strategies for managing challenges, including workplace accommodations if necessary
A comprehensive sensory processing assessment is an assessment that helps determine how an individual perceives and responds to certain inputs (e.g., sound, touch, sight, taste, smell, and movement). It is often used to identify issues that may be associated with conditions like autism and ADHD. A sensory processing assessment helps evaluate whether certain sensitivities (e.g., hyper-sensitivity or hypo-sensitivity) affect a person’s daily functioning, learning, or social interactions. We can design a comprehensive sensory processing test for adults or children. Each sensory processing test is individually designed for the client, resulting in a highly unique set of recommendations and ideas.
More About Sensory Processing Assessments
The following is more information about a sensory processing disorder evaluation:
Who Conducts a Sensory Processing Disorder Assessments?
- Our clinical psychologists and neuropsychologists lead the sensory processing disorder evaluation, including a broader neurodevelopmental assessment (e.g., autism assessments, ADHD evaluations, etc.).
- Occupational Therapists (OTs) help conduct a sensory processing test. They are trained to assess these issues and develop interventions. We can refer you to an OT we work with in your area.
What Happens After Sensory Processing Disorder Assessments?
- We create a detailed psychological testing report summarizing findings and recommendations.
- Recommendations may include work or school accommodations, therapeutic activities, self-help ideas, or sensory diets (personalized strategies to help regulate input).
- For college students, the evaluation results may be used to request college accommodations such as reduced stimuli in testing environments or flexible class participation.
When to Consider a Sensory Processing Test?
- If sensitivities interfere with daily life (e.g., trouble focusing in noisy environments, discomfort from certain fabrics).
- When certain behaviors (e.g., craving movement, excessive touching) impact social or academic functioning.
- If there are unexplained behavioral challenges, particularly in environments with varying inputs (e.g., crowded places, classrooms).
Sensory Processing Disorder Test for Adults
A sensory processing disorder evaluation for adults can help identify sensitivities or challenges that affect daily life, work, and social functioning. Although most sensory processing disorder assessment tools are designed for children, there are several options and methods tailored for adults, especially those with neurodivergent conditions like ADHD or autism. Here’s an overview of the process and tools available for adult assessments:
1. Common Tools for a Sensory Processing Evaluation in Adults 
Several standardized assessments and questionnaires are designed specifically for adults or can be adapted for a sensory processing test for adults:
a. Adult/Adolescent Sensory Profile (AASP)
- This is a self-report questionnaire designed to assess preferences in individuals aged 11 and older.
- The AASP helps identify an individual’s profile in categories such as Sensitivity, Sensation Avoiding, Low Registration, and Sensation Seeking.
- The results provide insight into the effects on everyday activities, relationships, and work performance.
b. Sensory Processing Disorder Test for Adults: Measures
- Although originally designed for children, some tools have adapted versions or informal applications for an adult sensory processing assessment.
- They focus on processing across various environments and can help identify specific areas where adults may struggle (e.g., overload in social settings).
c. Sensory Processing Disorder Test for Adults Questionnaire
- We use customized questionnaires and interviews tailored for adults.
- These may include questions about triggers in daily life, such as reactions to specific sounds, textures, lights, or food preferences.
2. Interview
- We provide an in-depth interview to collect valuable qualitative information.
- Questions may cover:
- Sensitivities (e.g., difficulty with bright lights, loud noises, or strong smells).
- Preferences for certain experiences (e.g., seeking out movement or specific tactile sensations).
- Impact on work and social interactions (e.g., needing breaks in noisy environments).
3. Observation and Self-Monitoring
- Observational methods may be used during a sensory processing disorder evaluation if our client is comfortable with it, particularly in specific settings where challenges are most noticeable (e.g., workplace, crowded areas).
- Self-monitoring or keeping a diary can also be part of a sensory processing disorder evaluation. This involves noting when triggers occur and how they impact mood, focus, or behavior.
Indicators for Sensory Processing Disorder Assessments for Adults
- Difficulty concentrating in noisy or brightly lit environments.
- Sensitivity to touch (e.g., discomfort from certain clothing textures).
- Dislike of certain food textures or strong preferences for bland or crunchy foods.
- Need for frequent movement or restlessness (sensation seeking).
- Emotional responses or anxiety triggered by overload (e.g., crowded places).
Next Steps and Recommendations
- Following a sensory processing disorder test for adults, recommendations might include:
- Accommodations (e.g., noise-canceling headphones, adjusting lighting).
- A plan of activities designed to help regulate input (e.g., regular movement breaks, grounding techniques).
- Therapeutic strategies (e.g., working with an occupational therapist or therapist).
- Requesting accommodations at work or in educational settings if needed (e.g., quiet workspace options, flexible breaks).
A Sensory Processing Disorder Evaluation for Children
A sensory processing disorder evaluation for children helps to evaluate how a child interprets and responds to input, such as sights, sounds, touch, movement, and smells. These issues are often seen in children with autism or ADHD, but they can also occur in children without a specific diagnosis.
Goals of a Sensory Processing Assessment for Children
The primary objectives are to:
- Identify sensitivities or preferences (e.g., hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity).
- Determine how issues impact daily functioning (e.g., in school, play, or self-care).
- Provide a basis for creating intervention plans or accommodations.
Key Components of Children’s Sensory Processing Disorder Assessments
1. Parent/Caregiver Questionnaire
- Parents often complete a Questionnaire, which provides detailed information about their child’s behaviors in different settings.
- Common tools include:
- The SP 2 assesses how children respond to certain experiences in their everyday life. It covers categories like auditory, visual, touch, and movement.
- The SPM evaluates functioning at home, school, and in the community. It also includes forms for teachers and caregivers.
2. Sensory Processing Assessment Clinical Interview
- We always conduct a structured interview with the parents or caregivers to understand the child’s history, including:
- Early developmental milestones.
- Sensitivities (e.g., aversion to certain sounds or textures).
- Behaviors related to input (e.g., seeking or avoiding).
3. Sensory Processing Assessment in Natural Settings
- Direct observation of the child is a crucial part of the assessment. We may watch the child:
- During play (to see how they interact with toys and objects).
- At home or in school (to understand responses in different environments).
- In structured tasks (to assess responses to specific stimuli).
4. Standardized Sensory Processing Assessment Tests
- Some children may be assessed using standardized tests designed to measure abilities. Common tests we use include:
- The SIPT is a comprehensive test set that evaluates integration and motor planning. It is used for children aged 4 to 8.
- The TSFI Focuses on younger children (4 to 18 months) and evaluates responses to stimuli like touch and movement.
5. Games and Activities (Optional)
- Sometimes, we include certain activities during the evaluation to observe the child’s reactions. For example, we might use different textures, sounds, or movement activities to gauge the child’s comfort level and preferences.
Indications for Sensory Processing Disorder Assessments in Children
- Over-responsiveness (Hypersensitivity): The child may cover their ears in response to normal sounds, avoid certain clothing textures, or have strong aversions to food textures.
- Under-responsiveness (Hyposensitivity): The child may not notice when their name is called, seem unresponsive to pain, or frequently bump into things.
- Specific behaviors: The child may constantly seek out movement (e.g., spinning, jumping), touch everything, or crave strong tastes and smells.
- Difficulty with motor skills: Trouble with coordination, balance, or fine motor skills may be related to integration issues.
- Emotional regulation issues: Frequent meltdowns or anxiety in response to certain stimuli.
Outcomes of Children’s Sensory Processing Disorder Assessments
The assessment results in a detailed report that includes:
- A summary of the child’s profile (e.g., areas of hypersensitivity, hyposensitivity, or certain behaviors).
- A description of how processing issues impact the child’s daily life (e.g., challenges in the classroom, difficulties with self-care tasks).
- Recommendations for intervention, which may include:
- Occupational therapy: A common approach that uses play-based activities to help the child improve their responses to input.
- Accommodations at school or home: Adjustments like providing a quiet corner, using noise-canceling headphones, or incorporating breaks.
- A sensory diet: A tailored plan of activities and exercises designed to help regulate the child’s needs throughout the day.
Summary and Our Work
We can provide sensory processing test for adults and children, often working with professionals from other disciplines, such as Occupational Therapists. A sensory processing assessment can provide a wealth of information to help guide interventions, work or school accommodations, self-help strategies, and treatment.
If you have specific questions about a sensory processing assessment or how it might help you or a loved one, please feel free to contact us or schedule a consultation anytime.
