Sensory Profile Strengths-Based Approach

​"Really dislike this as inappropriate simplification. Have a highly sensitive child who has been assessed by 3 OTs so far, we understand his sensory profile very well. My child can present like any of those profiles depending which sensory system we are talking about, what is his arousal, sense of safety and many other things including motivation and interests; and this is well documented in our reports."

"Dr. Dunn’s work is a foundational strengths-based approach in sensory processing that all other theorists in this arena miss. This graphic misrepresents the richness of her clinical reasoning and does a disservice to clinicians by highlighting the negative aspects rather than the balanced approach that is the highlight of Dr. Dunn’s life’s work."

These were comments that I received on my social media pages recently. They are both true to the people who wrote them.  

Sensory profiles can be complex to understand. True.
Sensory profiles can appear with mixed patterns. True.
Aroual, sense of safety, motivation, interests, connection with people, different environments can affect presentation of sensory profile. All true. 
The fact that this parent knows their own child and that the OTs who have worked with this family have explained it so well for them. All true and wonderful. 
Carer education and training is a key implementaton of sensory strategies with strong strength evidence to support it.

Social media can only ever provide a snapshot.  I am summarising a small amount of information into a few paragraphs or an image. I never disputed that Dr Dunn's framework is strengths-based. I strongly admire Dr Dunn and I'm in awe of her life-work! In fact, my new guidebook makes mention of strengths for each profile. 

But, I don't think the person who commented on my social media pages got that far and maybe I didn't make it obvious.

So thank you. 

When we observe a child...  understand what interests them, become aware of their preferences (activities, environments, people), observe their responses, understand who they connect with and why, appreciate what helps them to feel comfortable, work out what they are doing (or not doing) to help them feel safe and regulated... we can acknowledge and affirm if they are over responsive, under responsive or typically responsive to sensory information.  We can recognise if this interferes, helps or promotes their activities of daily life.  

We can develop an understanding of a child's sensory profile pattern and preferences (I use the standardized assessment The Sensory Profile-2). Preferences do not mean an absent of other characteristics. This is not a "diagnosis" or "label".  A child's preferences can change. A pattern or preference does NOT automatically mean that intervention is necessarily required. 
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There is no judgement. There is awareness and empathy.  

By understanding a child's preferences, we can appreciate their strengths.  We can help them to build self-awareness and help them to advocate for themselves as needed. 

These are some examples of strengths that "more than others" from each sensory profile MAY have. 
Bystander Strengths:

• Easy-going
• May focus on tasks more easily screening out busy environments
• Tolerant of change and variability
• May watch and then do
• Although slow to respond, follows instructions
• May be an independent student when key information is highlighted to them
• Less reactive to multisensory  environments

Seeker Strengths:

• Energetic and full of curiousity
• Observant and comments of sensory experiences
• May be highly creative and expressive
• May have strong interests and passions which are motivating
• Natural problem solvers
• Resilient in multisensory environments

Sensor Strengths:

• May enjoy predictable, repetitive play or structured leisure pursuits
• May enjoy rhythmic activities
• May enjoy watching and then participating
• May be detailed-oriented
• Empathetic and caring to others
• Creative and imaginative
• Emotional intelligent

Avoider Strengths:

• Self-awareness of own limits (self-protective)
• Ability to advocate for self
• Participates well with structure, routine and predictability
• May be careful, thoughtful and detail-oriented
• May be content to be alone or in familiar environments
• May be a good planner with an anticipation of problems
• May identify sensory experiences that help them to feel comfortable
• May thrive with connection to others

I shared a new resource recently! The Sensory Profiling Guidebook outines the theoretical framework (SP-2) that Dr Dunn developed. It describes characteristics and support strategies for each profile (over and under responsive) as well for mixed profile patterns. It includes additional regulation strategies to support relationship and co-regulation, breathing and oral motor activities, rhythm AND now the guidebook contains this new strengths-based image seen above. 

For those of you who have already purchased this guidebook via the YKOT shop, the updated strengths based image version was emailled to you last week.  If you purchased this via TPT, please email me at [email protected] with your order receipt and I will also give you the new version. 

If you haven't got a copy yet, take a closer look via the you-tube video (note that it doesn't have the updated page).   

Sensory Profiling Guidebook ($Au)

SP Guidebook TPT Store ($US)

I take every effort to share or create evidence-based, trustworthy information and resources.

 For more information on this topic:

• Overview of Dunn's sensory profiles
• Sensory Profile Language
• Bystander Sensory Profile
• Sensor Sensory Profile
• Seeker Sensory Profile
• Avoider Sensory Profile (coming soon)
• Sensory Profiling Guidebook! 

A strengths-based approach is important. It helps us to see our children with understanding and appreciate what they are naturally drawn to but it also helps us to know how to support them. As parents, educators and therapists, we want our children to not only survive but to thrive.  

I read every comment and appreciate each of you. While my information is general in nature, I hope that it brings some help to those who are seeking it. 

Until next time,
Cindy

Cindy is a registered occupational therapist practising in Sydney, Australia.  She has two growing children who are a constant source of inspiration and learning.  Cindy loves working creatively to help children to reach their potential, finding opportunities in everyday living and making learning fun. She is also addicted to making printables (even when they take a long time to complete).  Cindy is the author of the Occupational Therapy blog Your Kids OT.  Read more articles from Your Kids OT at https://www.yourkidsot.com/blog

Cindy is a contributing author of the Functional Skills for Kids Therapy Team.  They have together published THE HANDWRITING BOOK, THE SCISSORS SKILLS BOOK and THE TOILETING BOOK.

​The information on this site is general in nature. The activities are safe for most children, however, you should consult an Occupational Therapist or health professional to address specific movement, sensory or other medical conditions. Affiliate links are used throughout this website to promote recommended products. Your Kids OT receives a small commission if any purchases are made through these links. Please see my disclosure policy for more details. ​​​
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