Sensory Assessments Adelaide

Thrive Health Therapies provides comprehensive Sensory Assessments for children and adults throughout Adelaide. Our occupational therapists are dedicated to helping individuals understand their unique sensory profile, to better address any sensory processing challenges through tailored interventions and support.

Paediatric occupational therapist working with child who is smiling using a swing during a sensory assessment at the Thrive Health Therapies clinic in Findon, Adelaide

What is a Sensory Assessment?

A sensory assessment is a detailed evaluation of how a person processes sensory information from their environment. This includes sensory input from sight, sound, touch, taste, smell, movement, and body awareness. While most people process sensory input seamlessly, some may experience difficulties that impact their ability to engage in everyday activities.

These challenges are often linked to conditions like autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, or sensory processing disorder (SPD). A sensory assessment helps identify these issues and provides a pathway for tailored interventions and support.

How Can a Sensory Assessment Benefit You?

A sensory assessment delivers numerous benefits for individuals and their support networks, including:

  • Early Intervention
    Identify sensory processing challenges early, enabling timely interventions that can significantly enhance an individual’s overall well-being and development.

  • Personalised Support
    Receive tailored insights into sensory preferences and sensitivities, helping to create individualised strategies and interventions that meet unique needs.

  • Enhanced Communication
    Foster a shared understanding of the individual’s sensory profile among caregivers, therapists, and educators. This collaboration builds a stronger, more supportive care network.

  • Optimised Environments
    Implement sensory-informed strategies in various settings, such as home, school, or work, to create spaces that promote comfort, focus, and engagement.

  • Empowered Individuals and Caregivers
    Equip individuals and their caregivers with the tools and knowledge needed to create sensory-friendly spaces and nurturing environments that support positive interactions and growth.

What Is the Process of a Sensory Assessment?

At Thrive Health Therapies, our sensory assessments follow a comprehensive, step-by-step process:

  1. Initial Phone Consultation

    We begin with a phone consult with to discuss your goals for the assessment and to ensure we find the occupational therapist who would be the best fit for you.

  2. In-Person Assessment and Standardised Testing
    We begin by discussing the individual’s history, observed behaviours, and concerns with caregivers or family members. This helps us understand their unique challenges and goals. We then undertake the Sensory Profile 2, a standardised tool to assess an individual's sensory processing patterns in the context of home, school, and community-based activities.

  3. Detailed Reporting
    After the assessment, we provide a comprehensive report outlining findings and sensory preferences, as well as a practical recommendations.

  4. Recommendations and Follow-Up
    We work with caregivers, educators, and other professionals to develop a tailored plan that supports sensory needs through therapy sessions, environmental adaptations, and ongoing care.

How Do Occupational Therapists Help After a Sensory Assessment

1. Individualised Intervention Planning

Based on the findings from the sensory assessment, occupational therapists develop tailored intervention plans to address specific needs. These plans may involve:

  • Implementing evidence-based strategies such as sensory integration therapy to improve sensory processing.

  • Collaborating with other professionals, including educators, speech-language pathologists, and behavioral therapists, to provide a comprehensive approach.

  • Ensuring the intervention plan supports the individual’s unique goals and challenges.

2. Environmental Modifications

Occupational therapists recommend adjustments to environments to promote sensory regulation and comfort. This might include:

  • Modifying lighting, sound levels, or seating arrangements to reduce sensory triggers.

  • Advising on the creation of sensory-friendly spaces at home, school, or work to support daily activities.

3. Self-Regulation Strategies

Helping individuals and their caregivers develop self-regulation techniques is a vital aspect of sensory intervention. These strategies include:

  • Teaching activities such as deep-pressure input, movement breaks, or mindfulness exercises to manage sensory challenges.

  • Equipping individuals with tools and techniques to navigate sensory-rich environments more confidently.

4. Collaboration and Education

Occupational therapists work closely with families, educators, and other professionals to ensure a unified approach to sensory support. They also provide education on:

  • Sensory processing challenges and their impact on daily life.

  • Effective strategies to help individuals manage sensory needs in various settings.

Who Conducts Sensory Assessments?

At Thrive Health Therapies, sensory assessments are completed by our occupational therapists (OT’s). Our OT’s are experienced assessing individuals with a wide range of disabilities and conditions and are experts at writing reports that reflect your sensory processing patterns.

Click here to find out more about our occupational therapists.

Where Do We Conduct Sensory Assessments in Adelaide?

At Thrive Health Therapies, we offer community-based, clinic-based and telehealth services to clients throughout metropolitan Adelaide:

  • We conduct community-based sensory assessments in your home throughout metropolitan Adelaide. Learn more about our service areas here.

  • Where it is not appropriate to conduct a sensory assessment in the home, we offer clinic-based assessments at our clinic in Findon.

  • We also offer telehealth assessments where in-person assessments are not possible.

Occupational therapist and client smiling sitting on a couch during a sensory assessment at home

Why Choose Thrive Health Therapies for Sensory Assessments in Adelaide

  • No wait time: We can start working with clients straight away!

  • Experienced Clinicians: Our occupational therapists are senior clinicians with years of experience working with a wide range of presentations.

  • Extensive Coverage in the community: We serve a large geographical area, providing speech pathology across all of metropolitan Adelaide from Gawler to Aldinga. We see clients at home, in their school or kindergarten, or at a location convenient to them.

  • Clinic space: Our fully accessible clinic in Findon has been specially designed to be appropriate for a wide range of presentations & disabilities.

  • Individualised care: Every client receives a personalised therapy plan based on their unique needs and goals.

  • Neuroaffirming Practice: We provide compassionate and affirming services to support and empower neurodiverse individuals.

  • Multi-Disciplinary Approach: We offer a wide range of allied health services under one roof, allowing for a holistic approach to your health.

  • NDIS Registered: We are proudly registered with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

  • LGBTQIA+ friendly: We celebrate, value and include people of all backgrounds, genders, and sexualities, Our Findon clinic is a welcoming, safe and inclusive space for all LGBTQIA+ people and families.

FAQs About Sensory Assessments Adelaide

If you can’t find an answer to your question, please contact our friendly team on 0474 248 081 or email enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com.

  • A sensory assessment is an evaluation process that identifies how an individual processes and responds to sensory stimuli, such as touch, sound, sight, smell, and movement. It is commonly used to uncover sensory challenges, including hypersensitivity, hyposensitivity, or sensory discrimination issues, and forms the basis for tailored support and interventions.

  • A sensory assessment typically involves:

    1. Initial Consultation: Gathering information from the individual and their caregivers about sensory-related behaviours and challenges.

    2. Observation: Monitoring the individual in various settings to understand sensory triggers and responses.

    3. Standardised Testing: Using evidence-based tools to evaluate sensory processing patterns.

    4. Reporting: Providing a detailed report with findings and tailored recommendations.

  • A sensory assessment identifies sensory challenges that may affect daily activities, emotional regulation, and social interactions. This understanding enables occupational therapists to design personalised strategies, interventions, and environmental adjustments to improve quality of life.

  • Key benefits include:

    • Early detection of sensory processing challenges.

    • Creation of tailored strategies to meet individual needs.

    • Enhanced collaboration between families, therapists, and educators.

    • Recommendations for sensory-friendly environments.

    • Empowering individuals with tools to self-regulate and thrive.

  • Our occupational therapists play a vital role in sensory assessments by:

    • Conducting thorough evaluations of sensory processing patterns.

    • Developing personalised intervention plans.

    • Recommending environmental modifications to support sensory regulation.

    • Teaching self-regulation strategies to individuals and their caregivers.

  • The length of a sensory assessment can vary but typically includes an initial consultation, observation, and follow-up sessions to discuss findings and implement recommendations.

  • No! We can start working with new clients right away.

    Once we have received a referral form with all of your details, we are able to book an Initial Assessment as soon as possible, depending on your availability.

    You can find our paediatric referral forms here and our adult referral forms here.

    If you have any questions prior to referring please reach out to us on 0474 248 081, via our online enquiry form or at or at enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com.

  • Yes! As a registered NDIS provider, Thrive Health Therapies meets rigorous NDIS Practice Standards and Quality Indicators. We are passionately committed to upholding the NDIS Practice Standards, providing high-quality and safe supports and services for NDIS participants.

    As a NDIS registered provider, we are also able to offer services to participants whose funds are managed by the NDIA.

  • As a registered NDIS provider, interpreter services are available free of charge for NDIS participants. Please inform us if you require this service, and we will arrange this for you.

  • No! You can refer yourself or your child directly via our online referral form, or reach out to us on 0474 248 081, via our online enquiry form or at enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com.

  • To book a sensory assessment with Thrive Health Therapies, reach out to us on 0474 248 081, via our online enquiry form or at enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com.

Your Trusted NDIS Registered Provider in Adelaide

As a registered NDIS provider in Adelaide, Thrive Health Therapies meets rigorous NDIS Practice Standards and Quality Indicators. We are passionately committed to upholding the NDIS Practice Standards, providing high-quality and safe supports and services for NDIS participants.

As a NDIS registered provider, we offer services to participants whose funds are managed by the NDIA.

Ready to get started with a Sensory Assessment? It’s easy!

Referral Form

Fill out our easy online referral form and we’ll be in touch!