Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile

When should I use the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile?

You should use the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile when you suspect that sensory processing issues may be impacting functional performance in everyday activities (e.g., self-care, family relationships, bonding, job satisfaction/performance, school performance).

Is it appropriate to administer the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile on individuals with severe disabilities?

Yes; if you administer the test to someone who has difficulty completing a self-report, you may adapt the administration procedures to allow a caregiver to answer the questions. You may even offer the respondent significant assistance offering extensive clarification or repeated examples, probing repeatedly to elicit answers to facilitate his or her completion of the instrument. However, if you adapt the administration procedures, you may not use the classification system based on comparative results using standardized procedures. You may, however, use your clinical judgment to assist in your understanding of the individual's sensory processing patterns and design intervention strategies that incorporate your understanding.

Why would an older adult need to be evaluated regarding sensory processing?

You may wish to look at the impact sensory processing has on their daily life. The completion of the Self-Questionnaire results in an increased awareness and understanding of an individual's sensory processing preferences, not only for that individual but also for the professional who administers the measure, team members, family members, and others who are close to the individual. The information gained from the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile will enable you to conduct more informed intervention planning, taking into consideration the individual's particular preferences.

I recently purchased the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile and noticed that there were no section scores; how can I determine what sensory systems contribute most to the individual's performance differences?

Pattern Grids provide information on the sensory systems (e.g., visual, auditory, movement). By examining the item scores and how they are clustered, you can get a more detailed picture of an individual's sensory processing preferences.