Senseplanner

The Senseplanner process is a system of sensory assessment designed to consolidate the myriad of bespoke strategies and interventions which can be used to address the impact of the unique sensory processing style of the individual.

This is achieved by:-

• Sensory Assessment
• Report Generation
• Intervention Planning
• Evaluation of initial Intervention
• Ongoing Intervention

Sensory Assessment

1. The need for a sensory assessment, is identified to assist in identifying any sensory barriers to participation in functional activity or to assess for opportunities to provide an enriched sensory environment. 
2. Choose the most appropriate sensory assessment tool to assess your client.

There are a range of tools available. Below is a brief list:-

• Sensory Processing Measure – toddler, child or adult/adolescent tool (Winnie Dunn)
  • Sensory Integration Inventory – revised, for individuals with developmental disabilities. (Judith E. Reisman, PhD, OTR, FAOTA and Bonnie Hanschu, OTR)
  • Sensory Modulation Screening Tool (Tina Champagne)
  • Sensory Defensiveness Checklist (Karen Moore OTR)
  • The Sensory Diet Checklist for Adolescents & Adults (Tina Champagne)
  • Sensory Quiz, Sensory Matrix and Sensory Audit (Annemarie Lombard)

Senseplanner is compatible with all assessment tools.  Any of these tools (and others) can be used to develop a report, intervention recommendations and a sensory diet.

• Complete Assessment. It is recommended the OT uses both standardised questionnaires and the Senseplanner Sensory Assessment Interview to conduct the assessment in an interview format. As you know, it is possible to simply ask the client or their carer to complete a paper or online assessment tool. It is not possible to complete a comprehensive sensory assessment using only standardised assessments administered online or on paper.  Generally, the individual completing the assessment tool will have limited understanding of sensory issues. Use of an interview style assessment accompanied by standardised assessments will enable the occupational therapist to provide context to questions, allowing  more nuanced and relevant sensory information to be obtained.  The assessment should also include general initial occupational therapy assessment information, parrticularly observations of the home environment.
• Score the assessment.
• Enter client details into sensory app.
• Complete analysis of client threshold information, based on sensory tool scores and responses, interview responses and OT the therapists observations of the client and their environment.
• Create the Senseplanner Report.  The Senseplanner report will include relevant assessment scores, environment recommendations, equipment recommendations and recommendations for any other interventions. It is important to remember the report is a first step in the process of providing therapy for sensory issues, rather than the goal of it or the end point of occupational therapy intervention.
• Make a second appointment with the client and or carer to discuss the report. Take two copies of the report to the assessment. Discuss the outcome of the assessment, and give a verbal summary of what the results mean for the individual. 
• Discuss the strategies in the report.
• Provide advice on the priority of the various issues identified and strategies to be addressed. Develop a plan with the client and/or carer of how to move forward. You will need to consider the resources you and the client have available to you. Do you have enough funding for subsequent visits? Can care staff be used to assist in implementing strategies? Is funding available for equipment purchase?  Can other parties assist in implementing recommendations?(eg. Group home manager, family).  If a sensory diet is recommended, how much time and effort does the client and or carer/s have available to implement this?
• If possible, book a subsequent appointment to review progress and progress to implementing other identified strategies of lower priority.