Sensory Profile Assessment FAQs — Openness With Therapy

Question 1

What is a Sensory Profile assessment?

Accepted Answer

A Sensory Profile assessment is a standardized clinical evaluation that measures how a person processes sensory information across eight sensory systems: auditory, visual, vestibular, touch, multisensory, oral sensory, body position, and activity level. The results describe sensory processing patterns — including areas of sensitivity, seeking, avoiding, or low registration — and how those patterns may influence daily functioning, behavior, and participation in everyday activities.

Question 2

What ages can be assessed?

Accepted Answer

Sensory Profile assessments are available across the lifespan. We serve infants and toddlers (birth through age 2), children (ages 3–12), adolescents (ages 13–17), and adults (ages 18 and older). Different versions of the Sensory Profile tool are used depending on age to ensure the assessment is developmentally appropriate.

Question 3

Can adults have sensory processing differences?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Sensory processing differences are not limited to childhood. Many adults experience sensory sensitivities, sensory seeking, or difficulty tolerating certain environments without ever having a framework to understand why. A Sensory Profile assessment can provide meaningful clarity for adults who have spent years wondering why they experience the world differently than others around them.

Question 4

Is a Sensory Profile an autism evaluation?

Accepted Answer

No. A Sensory Profile assessment is not an autism evaluation and cannot diagnose autism spectrum disorder. Sensory processing differences are common in autistic individuals, but they also occur in people without autism. The Sensory Profile provides information about sensory processing patterns only — it does not evaluate for, confirm, or rule out autism or any other diagnosis.

Question 5

Is a Sensory Profile an ADHD evaluation?

Accepted Answer

No. A Sensory Profile assessment does not evaluate for ADHD. Sensory processing differences and ADHD can co-occur and share some overlapping presentations, but they are distinct. The Sensory Profile focuses specifically on how the nervous system processes sensory input — it does not assess attention, executive function, or other cognitive domains associated with ADHD.

Question 6

Can a Sensory Profile diagnose a mental health condition?

Accepted Answer

No. A Sensory Profile assessment does not diagnose any mental health condition. It provides standardized information about sensory processing patterns and how those patterns may influence behavior, regulation, and daily functioning. This information can complement existing mental health treatment, but it is not a substitute for a comprehensive psychological or psychiatric evaluation.

Question 7

Can I get a mental health diagnostic assessment through Openness With Therapy?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Mental health diagnostic assessments are available at a cost of $150 out of pocket and typically take one to two sessions to complete. These assessments are especially important if you are experiencing significant impairments in functioning across school, home, social, or work life areas. Following the assessment, I can provide referral options for providers best suited to your care and/or we can conduct the Sensory Profile Clinical Assessment to determine tailored interventions for your environment — helping to better meet your sensory processing needs and reduce your mental health symptoms.

Question 8

Who can request an assessment?

Accepted Answer

Anyone can request a Sensory Profile assessment. Parents and caregivers can request an assessment for a child or adolescent. Adults can request an assessment for themselves. Clinicians, therapists, educators, and other professionals can also refer clients directly. No formal referral is required.

Question 9

How much does the assessment cost?

Accepted Answer

The full Sensory Profile Clinical Assessment is $600. This flat fee covers all sessions, scoring, interpretation, the written report, and a results review meeting. There are no hidden fees or per-session charges. A payment link will be sent by your provider once your assessment is scheduled.

Question 10

Is the assessment available through telehealth?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All sessions are conducted via telehealth. We are currently serving clients located in Maryland.

Question 11

Will I receive a written report?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Following the completion of the assessment, you will receive a written report summarizing your sensory processing patterns across all evaluated systems. The report includes clinical interpretation, functional implications, and practical recommendations. A results review meeting is included to walk through the findings and answer questions.

Question 12

What happens after I receive my results?

Accepted Answer

The results review meeting is an opportunity to discuss what the findings mean for your daily life, relationships, work, or care. The written report can be shared with your therapist, physician, school team, or other providers — with your consent — to support coordinated care. The assessment does not include ongoing therapy, but the results can inform the work you are already doing with other providers.

Question 13

Does everyone with sensory sensitivity need an assessment?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. Many people experience sensory sensitivities without needing a formal assessment. A Sensory Profile assessment is most useful when sensory processing patterns are significantly affecting daily functioning, relationships, work, school, or participation in treatment — and when having a clearer, standardized picture of those patterns would be meaningful or actionable.

Question 14

What if I'm not sure whether a Sensory Profile is right for me?

Accepted Answer

That is a reasonable place to start. You are welcome to reach out through the appointments page with any questions before committing to an assessment. We are happy to help you think through whether a Sensory Profile assessment makes sense for your situation. In addition, you can reach out me directly at kelceemolen@opennesswiththerapy.com with any questions that you have regarding services.

Your Questions, Answered.

About the Assessment

What the Assessment Is — and Is Not

Getting Started

Results and Next Steps

Is a Sensory Profile Right for Me?

Ready to Get Started?