August 18th, 2021

Sensory Assessments

Sensory assessments help identify the cause of some unusual behaviours triggered by sensitivities to sight, hearing, taste, touch, smell and movement.
 
For people with Autism it can help identify:

• effects of sensory experiences on eg behaviour, learning, relationships and independence

 

• living, learning and working environments that will be best support the individual

 

• meaningful and pleasurable activities for the individual

 

• triggers for unusual behaviours so they can be avoided

 
Sensory Profile Assessments are useful for people of all ages.  Our response to information from our senses changes as we grow, develop and age.  This is why there are different assessments for each stage of life.
 
A sensory assessment involves:

• Interview meeting - an interview between the therapist and people who know the individual well eg parents, caregivers and teachers.  In some case the client is involved in the interview if they are able to understand and answer the questions.  The interview is to gain information about the person’s reaction to sensations, which will then be analysed.

 
The interview has many questions and can take up to 1.5-2 hours approximately

• Analysing and interpreting the information, developing recommendations and completing a report takes up to 4-6 hours.

 

• Results and recommendations meeting - is a meeting with key people to discuss report findings and recommendations – takes about 1-2 hours.

 

• Follow-up meeting – to find out what has worked well and what hasn’t gone so well, and to adjust plan, 0.5 – 1 hour.

 

• Preparation for meetings – collecting resources, arranging meetings and recording  0.5 to 1 hour

 
 
Approximately 8-12 hours of therapist time.
 
Contact:                          Therapy Professionals Ltd
Phone:                             03 377 5280       Fax: 03 377 5281
Email:                              admin@tpl.nz

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