Sensory Assessments Adelaide
Thrive Health Therapies provides sensory assessments in Adelaide for children, teenagers and adults who experience sensory processing differences that affect everyday activities. Our experienced occupational therapists help individuals understand their unique sensory profiles, providing practical recommendations to support comfort, regulation, independence and participation.
We offer sensory assessments at our accessible Findon clinic, in homes, schools and community settings across metropolitan Adelaide, as well as through telehealth where appropriate.
What Is a Sensory Assessment?
A sensory assessment is an occupational therapy evaluation that explores how a person processes and responds to sensory information in their everyday environment.
Our senses include sight, sound, touch, taste, smell, movement (vestibular processing) and body awareness (proprioception). Sensory processing also includes awareness of internal body signals, known as interoception.
Everyone has different sensory preferences and needs. Some people may be particularly sensitive to certain sensations, while others may seek additional sensory input or have difficulty noticing sensory information.
A sensory assessment helps identify these patterns and understand how they influence daily activities, emotional regulation, learning, social participation and independence.
At Thrive Health Therapies, our Adelaide occupational therapists use individualised assessments to develop practical strategies that support each person's sensory needs and goals.
What Are the Signs of Sensory Processing Differences?
Sensory processing differences can affect how children and adults experience everyday environments and activities.
Common experiences may include:
Feeling overwhelmed by loud noises, bright lights or busy environments
Avoiding certain clothing textures, food textures or physical contact
Seeking movement, pressure, touch or other sensory input
Difficulty recognising body position or coordinating movements
Finding transitions between activities or environments challenging
Difficulty concentrating or participating in sensory-rich environments
Becoming fatigued or overwhelmed by everyday sensory demands
Having difficulty recognising internal body signals, such as hunger, thirst or the need to use the bathroom
Experiencing challenges with emotional or sensory regulation
Avoiding particular activities due to sensory discomfort
Sensory differences are not necessarily a problem requiring treatment. An assessment can help identify when sensory needs affect a person's comfort, wellbeing or participation and guide appropriate supports.
Who Can Benefit From a Sensory Assessment?
Our occupational therapists provide sensory assessments for children and adults experiencing sensory differences that affect their daily lives.
Sensory Assessments for Children
Children may experience sensory differences that influence their ability to participate comfortably in play, learning, self-care and everyday routines.
Our paediatric occupational therapists assess sensory processing patterns and work collaboratively with children, families and educators to develop strategies that support participation at home, kindergarten, school and in the community.
Learn More About Our Children's Occupational Therapy Services
Sensory Assessments for Teenagers and Adults
Sensory processing differences can affect people throughout their lives, influencing their experiences at home, work, education and in the community.
Our occupational therapists help teenagers and adults understand their sensory preferences, identify environments or activities that may contribute to sensory overload, and develop practical strategies to support regulation, independence and everyday participation.
Sensory Assessments for Autistic and Neurodivergent Individuals
Sensory processing differences are common among autistic people and individuals with ADHD or other neurodevelopmental conditions.
Our occupational therapists use a neuroaffirming approach that recognises and respects individual sensory experiences, focusing on adapting environments, supporting self-advocacy and developing strategies that work with each person's sensory needs.
A formal diagnosis is not always required to access a sensory assessment.
Sensory Assessments for People With Disability
Sensory assessments may also be beneficial for people with intellectual, neurological or physical disabilities whose sensory needs affect daily activities, personal care or community participation.
Our occupational therapists work with individuals, families, carers and support teams to identify practical strategies and environmental adjustments that support comfort, safety and independence.
What Does a Sensory Assessment Involve?
Our occupational therapists use a combination of clinical interviews, observations and standardised assessment tools to understand each person's sensory processing patterns and support needs.
1. Initial Consultation
We begin by discussing the person's sensory experiences, daily routines, goals and any concerns affecting their participation in everyday activities.
This helps us identify the most appropriate occupational therapist and assessment approach.
2. Sensory Assessment and Standardised Testing
Our occupational therapists assess sensory processing patterns using clinical observations, interviews and standardised tools where appropriate.
Assessment methods are selected according to the person's age, needs and individual circumstances.
3. Sensory Assessment Report
Following the assessment, your occupational therapist can prepare a report outlining the person's sensory processing profile, identified support needs and practical recommendations.
Reports may include strategies for managing sensory environments, supporting regulation and improving participation in everyday activities.
The findings can help individuals, families, educators and support teams understand sensory needs and implement practical strategies across home, school, work and community environments.
4. Recommendations and Follow-Up
Your occupational therapist will discuss the assessment findings and recommend appropriate strategies, environmental modifications or ongoing occupational therapy where beneficial.
We can also collaborate with families, educators, support workers and other professionals to help implement recommendations across everyday settings.
How Can Occupational Therapy Help After a Sensory Assessment?
Following a sensory assessment, our occupational therapists can provide individualised strategies and ongoing support to help people understand and accommodate their sensory needs.
Recommendations may include:
Sensory Regulation Strategies: Developing personalised approaches to managing sensory overload, recognising sensory needs and supporting regulation.
Environmental Modifications: Adjusting lighting, noise, seating, routines or other environmental factors to improve comfort and participation.
Sensory-Based Activities: Identifying appropriate movement, tactile or proprioceptive activities based on individual preferences and goals.
Daily Living Strategies: Supporting participation in dressing, grooming, eating, sleeping and other everyday routines.
School and Workplace Recommendations: Helping create sensory-inclusive learning and working environments.
Family and Carer Education: Providing practical guidance to help others understand and respond to an individual's sensory needs.
Ongoing Occupational Therapy: Supporting the development and implementation of individualised strategies over time.
Our approach focuses on meaningful participation, independence and quality of life, rather than changing or suppressing a person's natural sensory preferences.
Where We Provide Sensory Assessments in Adelaide
Thrive Health Therapies offers sensory assessments at our Findon clinic, in homes and community settings across metropolitan Adelaide, and through telehealth where appropriate.
Clinic-Based Sensory Assessments Adelaide: Our accessible Findon clinic provides dedicated occupational therapy spaces and sensory equipment to support individualised assessments for children and adults, with a comfortable environment tailored to each person's needs.
Home Visit Sensory Assessments: Our occupational therapists provide home visit sensory assessments across metropolitan Adelaide, allowing us to understand sensory experiences within familiar environments and develop practical strategies for everyday routines.
Mobile & Community Sensory Assessments: We offer sensory assessments in schools, kindergartens and community settings across Adelaide, helping identify sensory needs in everyday environments and develop practical recommendations to support participation.
Telehealth Sensory Assessments: Telehealth sensory assessments may be available where clinically appropriate, allowing individuals and families to discuss sensory experiences, complete suitable assessment components and receive personalised recommendations remotely.
Who Conducts Sensory Assessments?
At Thrive Health Therapies, sensory assessments are conducted by qualified occupational therapists with experience supporting children and adults with a range of sensory processing differences and disabilities.
Our occupational therapists use a person-centred, neuroaffirming approach to understand each individual's sensory experiences, strengths, preferences and support needs.
We work collaboratively with clients, families, educators and other health professionals to develop meaningful recommendations that support everyday participation.
Our team also provides occupational therapy services across Adelaide, including functional assessments, assistive technology and individualised therapy to support independence and daily living.
Funding Options for Sensory Assessments in Adelaide
Thrive Health Therapies welcomes clients accessing sensory assessments through a range of funding arrangements, including:
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), where eligible
Private health insurance
Medicare rebates through eligible GP Chronic Condition Management Plans
Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA), where eligible
Private or self-funded appointments
Sensory assessments may be funded through the NDIS when they relate to a participant's disability-related functional needs and meet applicable funding criteria.
Funding eligibility, rebates and out-of-pocket costs depend on individual circumstances. Our administration team can assist with information about fees and available funding options.
Why Choose Thrive Health Therapies for Sensory Assessments in Adelaide?
Experienced Occupational Therapists: Our team includes clinicians experienced in sensory assessments and supporting individuals with diverse sensory needs.
Current Appointment Availability: We welcome new referrals, with appointments subject to clinician availability and suitability.
Neuroaffirming Practice: We respect individual sensory preferences and differences, focusing on strategies that support comfort, independence and participation.
Clinic and Community Assessments: Access assessments at our Findon clinic, at home, school or other suitable community settings across Adelaide.
Individualised Recommendations: Our assessments provide practical strategies tailored to each person's sensory profile and everyday goals.
Family and Carer Support: We work collaboratively with families, educators and support networks to implement recommendations.
Multidisciplinary Team: Our occupational therapists can collaborate with speech pathologists, physiotherapists and allied health assistants where appropriate.
Our focus is on helping individuals better understand their sensory experiences and develop strategies that support meaningful participation in everyday life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sensory Assessments in 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.
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A sensory assessment is an occupational therapy evaluation that identifies how a person processes and responds to sensory information, including sound, touch, movement, sight and body awareness. It helps identify sensory preferences and support needs and provides recommendations for everyday activities and environments.
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Sensory assessments are commonly conducted by occupational therapists with experience in sensory processing. At Thrive Health Therapies, our occupational therapists provide sensory assessments for children and adults at our Findon clinic and in homes and community settings across metropolitan Adelaide.
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Yes. Sensory assessments can help adults understand sensory preferences and sensitivities that affect daily activities, work, relationships or community participation. Occupational therapists can recommend strategies and environmental adjustments to support comfort, regulation and independence.
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Yes. Sensory assessments can help autistic people and individuals with ADHD understand their sensory processing patterns and identify practical strategies for managing sensory environments. Assessments focus on supporting individual needs and participation rather than changing natural sensory differences.
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No. A sensory assessment identifies how a person processes and responds to sensory information and how this affects everyday activities. It does not diagnose autism or ADHD, although the findings may provide useful information as part of a broader multidisciplinary assessment.
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A sensory assessment typically involves discussing sensory experiences and daily routines, completing appropriate questionnaires or standardised assessments, and observing relevant activities where clinically appropriate. Your occupational therapist then discusses the findings and provides individualised recommendations.
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The duration of a sensory assessment varies depending on the person's age, needs and the complexity of the assessment. It may involve an initial consultation, assessment questionnaires, clinical observations and report preparation. Our team can provide an estimate of the time and cost involved before booking.
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Yes. Thrive Health Therapies provides home and community-based sensory assessments across metropolitan Adelaide. Assessments in familiar environments can help occupational therapists understand how sensory needs affect everyday activities and develop practical recommendations.
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Sensory assessments may be funded through the NDIS when they relate to a participant's disability-related needs and meet applicable funding requirements. Our team can assist with information about referrals, service agreements and assessment options.
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You generally do not need a GP referral for privately funded or NDIS-funded sensory assessments. However, some funding arrangements require referral documentation. You can contact Thrive Health Therapies directly to discuss your needs.
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We are currently welcoming new sensory assessment referrals. Appointment availability depends on your location, age, assessment requirements and the availability of a suitably experienced occupational therapist.
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You can book a sensory assessment by completing our online referral form or contacting Thrive Health Therapies directly. Our administration team will discuss your needs and help arrange an appropriate appointment.
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