01/14/2026
Understanding Sensory Needs: A Deeper Dive 🧠
From Tomeico's insights: When working with older adults in group homes, I quickly learned that traditional assessments often didn't capture the unique sensory needs of individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD). This led me to the Sensory Integration Inventory Revised!
This incredible tool, developed by Judith Reisman, Ph.D., OTR, and Bonnie Hanschu, OTR, is a preliminary assessment for occupational therapists serving people of all ages with developmental delays and disabilities. It's designed to screen for clients who could truly benefit from a sensory integration treatment approach.
Why is it so valuable?
Addresses behaviors not typically covered in standardized assessments.
Helps understand sensory processing abilities and specific self-stimulating or self-injurious behaviors.
Provides a comprehensive profile across tactile, vestibular, proprioceptive, and general reactions.
The User's Guide offers a rationale for each item and sensory explanations for behaviors often presumed to be psychosocial.
While standardized assessments have their place, customized task analysis is key for truly individualized care, especially given their limitations.
Want to learn more? Check out this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBl980K7DRc
Do you know someone who could benefit from Occupational Therapy to address sensory needs? We're accepting referrals!
Make a Referral Here: https://www.myclinicportal.com/?mcp=7u15fsh8f6qjz6xs8m&g=0
