Sensory processing refers to the way our nervous system receives information from our senses and turns this into motor and behavioural responses. The aim of a sensory assessment is for people to gain a better understanding about how they take in and use sensory information. It provides a comprehensive overview of someone’s sensory profile, that is, the way that they experience and process each of the different senses. The assessment includes a detailed discussion and practical assessment of how sensory difficulties are impacting on people’s behaviour, learning and participation in everyday life, and provides reasons why this could be. This assessment includes administration of Sensory Profile TM assessment and completion of a written report tailored to the patients’ goals.
This assessment works to determine the patients’current level of functioning. It outlines how they manage tasks on a day-today basis and identifies strengths and any challenges that may need to be addressed. The assessment looks at the patients day-to-day tasks such as self-care, cooking, cleaning, leisure and work/study. It can provide recommendations of the supports and services they may need to optimise their functioning.
Sensory Profile Assessment
Functional Capacity Assessment (ages 16+)
Other Interventions available upon request
Sleep Hygiene strategies
Pain management strategies
Medication safety and management strategies
Support with behavioural activation and building meaningful activity/routine/ structure into daily life
Intervention targeted at increasing daily living skills such as budgeting, cooking, cleaning, leisure
Support to develop sensory diets, sensory strategies to support emotional regulation, mindfulness and
grounding techniques
An Occupational Therapy Functional Assessment is all about helping you achieve your goals. The assessment works to determine your current level of functioning and what your strengths and areas for improvement maybe. It aims to understand how you manage tasks on a day-to-day basis and to identify any challenges that may need to be addressed. The assessment looks at your day-to-day tasks such as self-care, cooking, cleaning, leisure and work/study. It can provide recommendations of the supports and services you may need, for example support from a psychologist, speech pathologist or Centrelink assistance.Following the functional assessment, your Occupational Therapist can make recommendations to increase your independence through therapy goals. This may include developing or enhancing skills, assistive technology or environmental changes, and working towards goals including social and community participation.
Depending on the circumstances of your situation an assessment may be completed in one or more sessions.They can be done via a telehealth interview, at home, in a clinic, or another environment within the community.Part of the assessment may include gathering relevant information from other healthcare professionals involved in your care and important people in your life such as family and friends.
We may explore:
• Management of daily tasks (showering, dressing, toileting, personal hygiene, sleep, nutrition etc.) and if there are any challenges that may be impacting your ability to complete these tasks
• Home management skills(meal preparation, shopping, cleaning, laundry, household budgets and bills etc.) and any challenges within your current living situation and supports
• Community management abilities (accessing shops, banks, attending medical or health related appointments etc.) and how you manage this with driving, public transport or supported transport access
• Work and study abilities and whether there are any challenges you experience or short- or long-term goals you would like to set
• Recreational and social engagement skills(exercise, craft, art, music etc.) and how your ability to engage may be impacted, as well as whether you want to engage and your confidence in engaging socially in the community
A range of assessment tools may be used based upon your unique circumstances. These may be informal interview, alongside some questionnaires.
Once the assessment is complete, the Occupational Therapist will use the information gathered to write up a report and make tailored recommendations. Results and recommendations will be provided to you and in a manner that is easily understood.
Assessment Options
Assessment Appointment and Report: This includes the administration of the assessment and initial consultation. The assessment appointment is usually 1.5 hours in duration. Following this a comprehensive report will be produced. The appointment may occur via telehealth or within the home environment, this is to be discussed with the therapist prior to appointment.
Optional- Feedback Appointment: This includes a discussion about your assessment results and recommendations in detail. It provides you with an opportunity to ask questions and seek clarification where needed. Feedback appointments are usually 30 minutes in duration.
Sensory processing refers to the way people take in and use information from the senses to help us to know what is happening in our world and how to respond. Our senses are our touch, hearing, taste, smell, movement and balance. We all receive and use sensory information differently; it is a very individual experience. This is called our sensory profile. The way we process, or make sense of sensory information, strongly influences our ability to learn new information, to perform activities and to participate in activities with other people. People living with mental health difficulties can often process sensory information differently to other people. For example, react strongly and sensitively to bright lights and noise. Or, they may be sensitive to touch, have an
aversion to foods with certain textures, or not like wearing certain clothes that are too tight or too loose. Understanding your sensory profile can support you to feel regulated, calm and perform at your optimal level.
The aim of a sensory profile assessment is for people to gain a better understanding about how they take in and use sensory information. It provides a comprehensive overview of someone’s sensory profile, that is, the way that they experience and process each of the different senses. The assessment includes a detailed discussion and practical assessment of how sensory difficulties are impacting on people’s behaviour, learning and participation in everyday life, and provides reasons why this could be.
A sensory assessment is completed by an Occupational Therapist with the client. You may choose to being a family member or support person to the assessment.
The structure of a sensory assessment can depend on the person and circumstances. However, the usual steps of a Sensory Assessment (1-1.5 hour session) include:
• Initial consultation: The purpose of this is to obtain information about the person, their
environments, and their daily activities.
• Administration of the assessment questionnaire: A sensory assessment questionnaire is then completed with the person and/or their caregiver. The questionnaire is based on a lot of evidence about the way that people process sensory information.
Once the Sensory Assessment is complete, the Occupational Therapist will use the information gathered to write up a report and make tailored recommendations. Results and recommendations would be provided to you and in a manner that they are easily understood. It will include practical ways that you can start using the strategies straight away. Depending on your situation, the work of the Occupational Therapist following the assessment may include:
• Education for the person, caregivers, support workers and/or school regarding their sensory profile results and recommendations
• Making adaptations to the home or school environment to reduce sensory triggers for the person
• Developing a ‘Sensory Diet’, which involves developing individually tailored strategies to use throughout the day to meet the persons specific needs
• Trialling and purchasing of appropriate sensory equipment and tools
Assessment Appointment and Report: This includes the administration of the sensory profile and initial consultation. The assessment appointment is usually 1-1.5 hours in duration. Following this a comprehensive report outlining your sensory profile and personalised recommendations will be produced and distributed to you.
Distribution of the report: The sensory profile report can be distributed to relevant parties (school, work, psychiatrist, general practitioner, NDIS).
Optional- Feedback Appointment: This includes a discussion about your sensory profile results and recommendations in detail. It provides you with an opportunity to ask questions and seek clarification where needed. Feedback appointments are usually 30 minutes in duration.
