Sensory processing differences can be complex, which can result in an inaccurate diagnosis if not researched properly. Without a comprehensive assessment strategy from health care providers and researchers or a proper follow-up, certain developmental conditions, such as ADHD and autism, may be overlooked.
A proper follow-up on a child’s sensory processing assessment can help pinpoint changes over time that may have become pathologized. For instance, childhood sensory issues can occasionally resolve later in life. An example of a comprehensive evaluation includes looking at:
- access across all environments;
- an individual’s social participation;
- proper assessment of mental health;
- taking a strengths-based path; and
- utilizing multiple validated and trusted assessment tools.
Access Across All Environments Is Key
Properly examining as many different environments as possible means using several participants to provide details about the individual’s functioning and sensory experiences. Examples of environments may include:
- in a classroom;
- at home;
- on the bus; and
- on the playground.
For older individuals, it can include certain activities such as driving. Fortunately, assessment tools are able to guide you throughout the process, including Sensory Processing Measure, Second Edition (SPM™-2).
Participation in Social Activities
An individual who has sensory processing differences may limit their interest in social activities and/or social relationships. Autistic children may find it less enjoyable and harder to take part in social activities due to issues with auditory processing, per the International Journal of Developmental Disabilities (Loh et al., 2021).
Having social interactions is a vital factor in an individual’s overall well-being. As such, determining any disparate environmental conditions and sensory needs can improve the satisfaction of their overall social participation.
Mental Health Assessment
Mental health conditions and sensory processing needs have a complex relationship. Having ongoing differences in sensory processing can cause arduous day to day functionality, which may lead to anxiety and depression systems, as discussed in Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy (Paquet et al., 2022). However, sensory processing differences are often associated with certain mental health conditions, according to the Journal of Psychiatric Research (van den Boogert et al., 2022).
Researchers continue to study mental health, sensory processing, and their resulting interactions. Including mental health in ADHD or autism evaluations can also help identify concerns brought up by students, families, and/or patients.
Take a Strengths-Based Path
Using a comprehensive evaluation strategy can help leverage an individual’s personal strengths. These strengths may include personal interests, goals, abilities, and cultural assets.
Autism in Adulthood: Challenges and Management held a panel discussion in 2019 with autism allies and experts. They stated that a strengths-based technique has several key benefits, including making it easier to:
- plan several engaging therapeutic and social activities;
- learn what is motivational and meaningful;
- build self-efficacy and self-confidence by empowering people;
- validate an individual’s lived experience; and
- cooperate with students and patients in their planning and goal-setting activities.
Usage of Trusted Assessment Tools
There are multiple different assessment types that can be used, depending on the individual’s characteristics and goals. For example, a person with sensory processing and development differences may be helped with Sensory Processing Measure, Second Edition (SPM™-2). Alternatively, you may prefer to use Goal-Oriented Assessment of Lifeskills (GOAL™).
Assessments specifically for autism include:
- Monteiro Interview Guidelines for Diagnosing the Autism Spectrum, Second Edition (MIGDAS™-2)
- Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition (SRS™-2)
- Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS®-2)
Likewise, those with suspected ADHD can be assessed with:
- Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS)
- Conners 4th Edition™ (Conners 4®)
Regardless of which specific assessments are used, such tools can offer strategies for the intricacies of sensory processing.
Research and Resources
Loh, S. Y., Ee, S. I., & Marret, M. J. (2021). Sensory processing and its relationship to participation among childhood occupations in children with autism spectrum disorder: exploring the profile of differences. International Journal of Developmental Disabilities, 69(2), 226–237.
Paquet, A., Calvet, B., Lacroix, A., & Girard, M. (2022). Sensory processing in depression: Assessment and intervention perspective. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 29(5), 1567–1579.
Urbanowicz, A., Nicolaidis, C., den Houting, J., Shore, S. M., Gaudion, K., Girdler, S., & Savarese, R. J. (2019). An expert discussion on strengths-based approaches in autism. Autism in Adulthood: Challenges and Management, 1(2), 82–89.
van den Boogert, F., Klein, K., Spaan, P., Sizoo, B., Bouman, Y. H. A., Hoogendijk, W. J. G., & Roza, S. J. (2022). Sensory processing difficulties in psychiatric disorders: A meta-analysis. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 151, 173–180.