What a Sensory Assessment Looks At
Sensory processing is how the brain takes in and responds to information from the senses, including sound, touch, sight, taste, smell, movement and body position. When sensory processing works differently, everyday situations can feel overwhelming, uncomfortable or hard to focus in.
A sensory assessment may be helpful if you or your child:
- Are distressed by noise, clothing tags, haircuts, toothbrushing or certain foods
- Constantly seek movement, crashing, chewing or deep pressure
- Have frequent meltdowns or shutdowns in busy places
- Find it hard to sit, focus or settle for sleep
- Avoid places or activities because of how they feel
How We Assess Sensory Needs
- Standardised questionnaires: such as the Sensory Profile 2 for children or the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile, completed with you, family or teachers.
- Observation: watching how you or your child respond during everyday tasks at home, school or work.
- Interview: understanding daily routines, triggers and what already helps.
- Report and sensory plan: a clear explanation of the sensory profile, plus practical strategies and environment changes.
What a Sensory Plan Includes
Sensory assessments are common for autistic people and people with psychosocial disability, ABI or developmental delay. Read about OT for autism and sensory processing →
Sensory Assessments for Adults
Sensory assessments aren't just for children. Many adults, including autistic adults and people with psychosocial disability, ABI or PTSD, find noise, light, touch or crowds overwhelming at home, at work or in the community. An OT sensory assessment uses the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile, observation and interview to explain your sensory preferences and build practical strategies: calming routines, changes to your home and workspace and ways to manage busy places.
For NDIS participants, the assessment report can support funding for sensory equipment and ongoing OT.
Where We Provide Sensory Assessments
Our occupational therapists visit clients at home across 302 Melbourne suburbs. Regular therapy covers suburbs within about a 30-minute drive of Templestowe Lower, from the north-east and east to the CBD, Clayton and Dandenong. Functional capacity assessments and other assessments are available across all our service areas.