Sensory Processing Test
An affirming, educational screener for how your nervous system responds to the sensory world. It looks at over- and under-responsivity across touch, sound, sight, movement, and more. It is not a diagnosis. You get a plain-language result, a breakdown by sense, and a professional PDF you can keep or bring to an occupational therapist.
What this test measures
How your nervous system meets the world, sense by sense
People differ in how strongly they register and respond to sensory input. Some are over-responsive and easily overwhelmed, some under-responsive and seek more input. This screener maps your pattern across the senses, with no assumption that any of it is wrong.
Sixteen everyday items
Plain statements about how everyday sights, sounds, textures, and movement feel to you, rated from not true to very true.
Five sensory channels
Touch, sound, sight, movement and body awareness, and a mix of taste, smell, and sensory seeking. You see how your responsivity varies across them.
An affirming map
Over- and under-responsivity are differences in a nervous system, not flaws. The result explains your pattern and, if it stands out, points you toward an occupational therapist.
| Feature | Typical free quiz | Psychology.com |
|---|---|---|
| Covers over- and under-responsivity | Rarely | Yes, both |
| Breakdown by sense | No | Touch / sound / sight / movement / other |
| Honest about being a screener | No | Stated clearly |
| Names the right assessor (OT) | No | Yes |
| Affirming, non-pathologizing language | No | Throughout |
| Downloadable PDF report | No | Yes, branded & shareable |
| Confidential (no data sent) | Often tracked | Runs in your browser |
How we built this test
Methodology & sources
This is an educational screener, not a diagnostic test. It is informed by Winnie Dunn's model of sensory processing, which describes how people vary along dimensions of sensory sensitivity and behavioral response, from over-responsive (easily overwhelmed) to under-responsive and sensation-seeking. The sixteen items sample everyday reactions across touch, sound, sight, movement and body awareness, and taste and smell. The scores describe the strength of your sensory responses; they are not clinical cutoffs.
Sensory processing differences are common and exist across the population, including among autistic and ADHD people, though they can also occur on their own. Where they significantly affect daily life, assessment and support are provided by an occupational therapist trained in sensory integration, who uses standardized tools and clinical observation. This screener can only describe your pattern and flag whether that support might help. We frame the result in affirming language, because a different way of processing sensation is a difference, not a deficit.
- Dunn W. The impact of sensory processing abilities on the daily lives of young children and their families: a conceptual model. Infants Young Child. 1997;9(4):23–35.
- Brown C, Tollefson N, Dunn W, Cromwell R, Filion D. The Adult Sensory Profile: measuring patterns of sensory processing. Am J Occup Ther. 2001;55(1):75–82.
- Miller LJ, Anzalone ME, Lane SJ, Cermak SA, Osten ET. Concept evolution in sensory integration: a proposed nosology for diagnosis. Am J Occup Ther. 2007;61(2):135–140.
Common questions
Sensory Processing Test FAQ
What is sensory processing?
Sensory processing is how your nervous system takes in and responds to input from your senses. People vary a lot: some are easily overwhelmed by sound, light, or texture, while others register less and seek more input. Both are normal differences.
Is this a diagnostic test?
No. This is an educational screener that describes your sensory pattern. A formal sensory processing assessment is carried out by an occupational therapist using standardized tools. This tool can only flag whether that support might be helpful.
Is sensory processing difference a disorder?
Sensory differences are common and are not in themselves a disorder. Where they significantly disrupt daily life, an occupational therapist can assess and support. Many people simply benefit from understanding and accommodating how their nervous system works.
Is this linked to autism or ADHD?
Sensory differences are very common among autistic and ADHD people, but they also occur on their own. If your result stands out, you might also explore the autism or neurodivergence screeners, and consider an occupational therapist.
Is the test really confidential?
Yes. It runs entirely in your browser. Your answers are never sent to a server, never stored, and never linked to you. No account is needed, and the optional PDF is generated on your own device.