What the Sensory Profile 2 is
The Sensory Profile 2 was developed by occupational therapist Winnie Dunn as an updated version of her original Sensory Profile. It asks how often a child shows particular responses in everyday situations, such as covering their ears at loud noises, seeking out movement, avoiding messy play or not noticing when their name is called.
It does not diagnose anything. It is a way to describe a child's sensory processing pattern, so the people around them understand why some situations are hard and what might help.
The four quadrants
Dunn's model looks at two things: how much sensory input a person needs before they notice it (their threshold), and whether they act with or against that need. This creates four patterns, often called quadrants. Everyone has some of each:
- Seeking (seeker): actively looks for more sensory input, such as movement, touch or noise
- Avoiding (avoider): tries to limit or get away from sensory input, often preferring routine and quiet
- Sensitivity (sensor): notices sensory input more than others and can be distracted or bothered by it
- Registration (bystander): misses or is slow to notice sensory input that others pick up
The different forms
The Sensory Profile 2 family has several forms, chosen by age and setting:
- Infant and toddler forms for babies and young children, completed by a parent or carer
- Child form for ages 3 to 14 years 11 months, completed by a parent or carer
- Short form, a quicker screening version of the child form
- School Companion form, completed by a teacher about the school setting
How results are reported
Scores are compared with other children the same age. Each quadrant and sensory area is described in bands from much less than others, through just like the majority of others, to much more than others. Results are also reported for sensory systems, such as auditory, visual, touch, movement, body position and oral, and for behaviours linked to sensory processing.
For people 11 and over, the separate Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile is used, usually completed by the person themselves.
How OTs use it
The questionnaire is usually one part of a wider sensory assessment, alongside observation and interviews. A useful report turns the results into everyday strategies, for example:
- A sensory diet of activities through the day to help the child stay calm and alert
- Changes to the environment at home or school, such as quieter spaces or seating options
- Plans for hard moments like haircuts, meals, showers or transitions
- Advice for teachers, family and support workers so everyone responds the same way
Sensory Profile 2 and the NDIS
Sensory processing differences on their own do not usually give someone access to the NDIS. The Sensory Profile 2 is more often used once a child is a participant, for example with autism or developmental delay, to plan therapy and show progress in a progress report.
Occupational therapy has a 2026/27 price limit of $193.99 an hour in most of Australia, and assessment time is usually paid from the improved daily living skills part of the Capacity Building budget. That budget is reduced by 10% when a plan is created, reassessed or renewed under the support determination that started on 1 October 2026.