Sensory Needs Assessment
Assessment of sensory processing differences and practical, everyday strategies to support routines at home and school.
This is a specialist service offered where your local occupational therapist's training and scope of practice cover sensory processing — check availability for your area on the county page.
What it is
A sensory needs assessment looks at how a person processes and responds to everyday sensory input — sound, touch, movement, light — and how that affects daily activities, routines and comfort at home or school. It is a practical, observation-led assessment focused on what would genuinely help day to day.
Who it helps
- Children and adults whose sensory responses affect daily routines
- Families noticing sensitivity to noise, touch, textures or movement affecting everyday life
- People seeking practical strategies rather than a purely diagnostic process
- Schools and families wanting a shared, practical understanding of a child's sensory needs
What a home visit involves
- A conversation about daily routines, triggers and what already helps
- Observation in familiar, everyday surroundings
- Practical, low-cost strategies you can put in place straight away
- A written summary to share with family, school or other professionals as needed
What this can achieve
- A clearer, shared understanding of sensory needs
- Practical strategies that fit real daily routines
- Reduced day-to-day stress around common sensory triggers
- A foundation for further support or referral, where relevant
See this service in your area
Find your local occupational therapist and see current pricing for Sensory Needs Assessment.
Other services
Frequently asked questions
Who carries out the Sensory Needs Assessment visit?
A qualified, HCPC-registered occupational therapist covering your area carries out the assessment and any follow-up visits in person, at your home.
How is Sensory Needs Assessment priced?
Your occupational therapist confirms their fee for Sensory Needs Assessment before you book — see our prices page for current guide pricing.
Will I get anything in writing?
Where relevant, you'll receive a written summary or report of the visit, agreed with you at the outset — particularly for equipment recommendations, adaptations or reports for a third party.
What happens after the first visit?
Your occupational therapist will agree next steps with you directly — this might be a follow-up visit, a set of recommendations to action yourself, or referral on if something falls outside their scope.