Many clients have interrelated sensory processing and behavior challenges that interfere with their functioning. Sensory processing disorders are distinct from behavior disorders (e.g., Oppositional Defiant, Post Traumatic Stress, Autism Spectrum, and Bipolar Disorder) but clients who have these mental health diagnoses are significantly more likely to have sensory processing challenges as well.
It is important that clients who have both sensory processing and behavior challenges affecting their functioning receive an evaluation that addresses both difficulties. Regardless if the evaluation is done by an occupational and/or mental health therapist (psychologist, social worker, licensed professional counselor, behaviorist) it is important to assess both sensory processing and behavioral functioning. Coordinated assessment by both an occupational and mental health therapist can be extremely helpful.
It is helpful if the sensory processing and behavior assessment include observations and a norm-referenced, reliable and valid measurement tool. The sensory processing clinical observations can describe whether the client becomes overly excited during movement activities, is able to pay attention in loud environments, touches people and objects more frequently than others his age, is easily distracted, and the length of attention span for both preferred and adult directed activities. Standardized assessments include the Short Sensory Profile sensoryprofile.com and Sensory Processing Measure http://www.wpspublish.com/store/p/2991/sensory-processing-measure-spm
Behavior observations can include the frequency of inappropriate behaviors (e.g., yelling, screaming, swearing, hitting, biting, spitting) as well as the most common setting events, antecedents, and consequences related to them. Standardized behavior assessments include the Devereux Behavior Rating Scale-School Form and the Ages and Stages Questionnaire: Social Emotional.
Whenever clients present with interrelated sensory processing and behavioral concerns related to their functioning both issues need to be comprehensively addressed. The assessment needs to include functional base lines data, prioritize functional goals, and recommend needed intervention. Comprehensively assessing the client’s interrelated sensory processing and behavior concerns guides affective intervention for both problems.
