Sensory Profile
Winnie Dunn. PhD., OTR, FAOTA
Caregiver Questionnaire
A. Auditory Processing
1. Responds negatively to unexpected or loud noises (for example, cries or hides at noise from vacuum cleaner, dog barking, hair dryer
2. Holds hands over ears to protect ears from sound
3. Has trouble completing tasks when the radio is on
4. Is distracted or has trouble functioning if there is a lot of noise around
5. Can't work with background noise (for example, fan, refrigerator)
6. Appears to not hear what you say (for example, does not "tune-in" to what you say, appears to ignore you)
7. Doesn't respond when name is called but you know the child's hearing is OK
8. Enjoys strange noises/seeks to make noise for noise's sake
B. Visual Processing
9. Prefers to be in the dark
10. Expresses discomfort with or avoids bright lights (for example, hides from sunlight through window in car)
11. Happy to be in the dark
12. Becomes frustrated when trying to find objects in competing backgrounds (for example, a cluttered drawer)
13. Has difficulty putting puzzles together (as compared to same age children)
14. Is bothered by bright lights after others have adapted to the light
15. Covers eyes or squints to protect eyes from light
16. Looks carefully or intensely at objects/people (for example, stares)
17. Has a hard time finding objects in competing backgrounds (for example, shoes in a messy room, favorite toy in the "junk drawer")
C. Vestibular Processing
18. Becomes anxious or distressed when feet leave the ground
19. Dislikes activities where head is upside down (for example, somersaults, roughhousing)
20. Avoids playground equipment or moving toys (for example, swing set, merry-go-round)
21. Dislikes riding in a car
22. Holds head upright, even when bending over or leaning (for example, maintains a rigid position/posture during activity)
23. Becomes disoriented after bending over sink or table (for example, falls or gets dizzy)
24. Seeks all kinds of movement and this interferes with daily routines (for example, can't sit still, fidgets)
25. Seeks out all kinds of movement activities (for example, being whirled by an adult, merry-go-rounds, playground equipment, moving toys)
26. Twirls/spins self frequently throughout the day (for example, likes dizzy feeling)
27. Rocks unconsciously (for example, while watching TV)
28. Rocks in desk/chair/on floor
D. Touch Processing
29. Avoids getting "messy" (for example, in paste, sand, finger paint, glue, tape)
30. Expresses distress during grooming (for example, fights or cries during haircutting, face washing, fingernail cutting)
31. Prefers long-sleeved clothing when it is warm or short sleeves when it is cold
32. Expresses discomfort at dental work or toothbrushing (for example, cries or fights)
33. Is sensitive to certain fabrics (for example, is particular about certain clothes or bedsheets)
34. Becomes irritated by shoes or socks
35. Avoids going barefoot, especially in sand or grass
36. Reacts emotionally or aggressively to touch
37. Withdraws from splashing water
38. Has difficulty standing in line or close to other people
39. Rubs or scratches out a spot that has been touched
40. Touches people and objects to the point of irritating others
41. Displays unusual need for touching certain toys, surfaces, or textures (for example, constantly touching objects)
42. Decreased awareness of pain and temperature
43. Doesn't seem to notice when someone touches arm or back (for example, unaware)
44. Avoids wearing shoes; loves to be barefoot
45. Touches people and objects
46. Doesn't seem to notice when face or hands are messy
E. Multisensory Processing
47. Gets lost easily (even in familiar places)
48. Has difficulty paying attention
49. Looks away from tasks to notice all actions in the room
50. Seems oblivious within an active environment (for example, unaware of activity)
51. Hangs on people, furniture, or objects even in familiar situations
52. Walks on toes
53. Leaves clothes twisted on body
F. Oral Sensory Processing
54. Gags easily with food textures or food utensils in mouth
55. Avoids certain tastes or food smells that are typically part of children's diets
56. Will only eat certain tastes
57. Limits self to particular food textures/temperatures
58. Picky eater, especially regarding food textures
59. Routinely smells nonfood objects
60. Shows strong preference for certain smells
61. Shows strong preference for certain tastes
62. Craves certain foods
63. Seeks out certain tastes or smells
64. Chews or licks on nonfood objects
65. Mouths objects (for example, pencil, hands)
G. Sensory Processing Related to Endurance/Tone
66. Moves stiffly
67. Tires easily, especially when standing or holding particular body position
68. Locks joints (for example, elbows, knees) for stability
69. Seems to have weak muscles
70. Has a weak grasp
71. Can't lift heavy objects (for example, weak in comparison to same age children)
72. Props to support self (even during activity)
73. Poor endurance/tires easily
74. Appears lethargic (for example, has no energy, is sluggish)
H. Modulation Related to Body Position and Movement
75. Seems accident-prone
76. Hesitates going up or down curbs or steps (for example, is cautious, stops before moving)
77. Fears falling or heights
78. Avoids climbing/jumping or avoids bumpy/uneven ground
79. Holds onto walls or banisters (for example, clings)
80. Takes excessive risks during play (for example, climbs high into a tree, jumps off tall furniture)
81. Takes movement or climbing risks during play that compromise personal safety
82. Turns whole body to look at you
83. Seeks opportunities to fall without regard to personal safety
84. Appears to enjoy falling
I. Modulation of Movement Affecting Activity Level
85. Spends most of the day in sedentary play (for example, does quiet things)
86. Prefers quiet, sedentary play (for example, watching TV, books, computers)
87. Seeks sedentary play options
88. Prefers sedentary activities
89. Becomes overly excitable during movement activity
90. "On the go"
91. Avoids quiet play activities
J. Modulation of Sensory Input Affecting Emotional Responses
92. Needs more protection from life than other children (for example, defenselessness physically or emotionally)
93. Rigid rituals in personal hygiene
94. Is overly affectionate with others
95. Doesn't perceive body language or facial expressions (for example, unable to interpret)
K. Modulation of Visual Input Affecting Emotional Responses and Activity Level
96. Avoids eye contact
97. Stares intensively at objects or people
98. Watches everyone when they move around the room
99. Doesn't notice when people come into the room
L. Emotional/Social Responses
100. Seems to have difficulty liking self (for example, low self esteem)
101. Has trouble "growing up" (for example, reacts immaturely to situations)
102. Is sensitive to criticisms
103. Has definite fears (for example, fears are predictable)
104. Seems anxious
105. Displays excessive emotional outbursts when unsuccessful at a task
106. Expresses feeling like a failure
107. Is stubborn or uncooperative
108. Has temper tantrums
109. Poor frustration tolerance
110. Cries easily
111. Overly serious
112. Has difficulty making friends (for example, does not interact or participate in group play)
113. Has nightmares
114. Has fears that interfere with daily routine
115. Doesn't have a sense of humor
116. Doesn't express emotions
M. Behavioral Outcomes of Sensory Processing
117. Talks self through tasks
118. Writing is illegible
119. Has trouble staying between the lines when coloring or when writing
120. Uses inefficient ways of doing things (for example, wastes time, moves slowly, does things a harder way than is needed)
121. Has difficulty tolerating changes in plans and expectations
122. Has difficulty tolerating changes in routines
N. Items Indicating Thresholds for Response
123. Jumps from one activity to another so that it interferes with play
124. Deliberately smells objects
125. Does not seem to smell strong odors