Sensory Processing Assessment for Children and Young People
EPIC offers consultant-led assessment of sensory processing difficulties in children, young people and young adults. Our Occupational Therapists carry out assessment in our specialist sensory gym, with enhanced options available where EHCP recommendations or Ayres Sensory Integration Therapy are being considered.
What are sensory processing difficulties?
Sensory processing difficulties occur when the brain struggles to process sensory information, causing over- or under-sensitivity to stimuli that are visual, auditory, tactile, movement, oral and interoceptive (internal body signals). Difficulties often coexist with other neurodevelopmental differences and can contribute to challenges with anxiety, emotional regulation, movement, attention, social interaction and self-help skills, including eating and toileting.
How do we assess for sensory processing difficulties?
All assessments for sensory processing difficulties follow and are informed by the initial assessment with one of our consultants or senior clinicians.
Our Occupational Therapists then offer face-to-face assessment in our specialist sensory gym, with observation during play-based activities, formal assessment tools where appropriate, and caregiver questionnaires. We can also offer enhanced assessment over two sessions (one of which may be at home or school) where recommendations for EHCP are needed and/or consideration is being given to Ayres Sensory Integration Therapy (ASI).
Information on the individual components and what to expect is available from our administration team on request.
What is the outcome?
All of our assessments include a feedback appointment with the consultant or senior clinician to discuss the findings – this may be with our occupational therapist if appropriate. Recognising and understanding sensory processing difficulties is important for providing appropriate support, adaptations and interventions where needed. A full written report is provided, with recommendations that may include a sensory diet and/or goal-based practical recommendations.
How much does it cost?
- Sensory processing assessment – £650 to £1,400, dependent on the level of assessment needed
Please see our costs explained.
Frequently Asked Questions
Assessment takes place in EPIC’s specialist sensory gym, designed for face-to-face assessment of sensory processing. For enhanced assessment over two sessions, one of the sessions may be at home or at school where this supports the recommendations being developed.
Yes. Our enhanced two-session assessment is specifically designed to support EHCP recommendations, providing the detail and evidence that local authorities and educational settings need.
Where the assessment indicates that Ayres Sensory Integration Therapy (ASI) may be helpful, we can incorporate consideration of this into the enhanced assessment. Our Occupational Therapists will discuss whether ASI is appropriate for your child or young person as part of the feedback appointment.
Yes – sensory processing difficulties often coexist with other neurodevelopmental differences such as autism, ADHD or DCD. Where the initial assessment indicates this, we can plan a combined approach so the picture builds across both pathways.
Every assessment includes a feedback appointment with the consultant, senior clinician or our occupational therapist to discuss the findings. You’ll also receive a full written report with personalised recommendations, which may include a sensory diet or goal-based practical strategies.
Related Services
- Initial Assessments – the consultant-led first appointment that all our assessment pathways begin with
- Autism (ASD) and PDA Assessment – sensory processing differences are common in autism
- DCD / Dyspraxia Assessment – often relevant alongside sensory processing
- Costs Explained – what’s included in our pricing and why