Evaluation

 

First Step: Evaluation

To determine if a child truly suffers from sensory integrative dysfunction, an evaluation must be performed by a qualified occupational therapist specializing in sensory integrative disorders. Evaluation will consist of standardized testing as well as observations of responses to sensory stimulation, posture, balance, coordination and hand usage. The therapist will also require information about the child’s development and typical behavior patterns to determine problem areas.

 

There are several different types of evaluations the therapists could use, including:

 

The Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT), Ayres (1989, Western Psychological Services.

The SIPT is a set of 17 standardized tests which measure aspects of sensory processing of perception and praxis, the ability to form an idea about an action, plan the action and execute it. It is designed for children of months. Normed on 2,000 children in all eight census districts in the United States and Canada.

 

The Buinininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BO), Buininks (1978), American Guidance Services.

The BO is a set of 8 standardized tests which measure gross and fine motor skills. It is designed for children of normal intelligence ages 4 years 11 months through 14 years, 11 months. Normed in all eight census districts in the United States.

 

The Southern California Post Rotary Nystagmus Test (PRN), Ayres (1983), Western Psychological Services. 

The PRN test measures one aspect of vestibular function by assessing a normal vestibular ocular reflex which occurs in response to rotation. It is designed for children of normal intelligence between the ages of 5 and 9. Normed on 126 children in the Los Angeles area.

 

The DeGangi-Berk Test of Sensory Integration (DBTSI), DeGangi and Berk (1983), Western Psychological Services.

The DBTSI is a set of standardized tests which measure aspects of sensory processing of perception, primarily of items associated with vestibular (inner ear balance receptors and vestibular nucleus of the brainstem) function. It is normed on children 3 years to 5 years 11 months.

 

Evaluation of Sensory Processing (ESP).

The ESP is a nonstandardized evaluation to determine if a child has a normal response, hypo-reactive response or hyperactive response to various types of sensory input.

 

The Sensorimotor Performance Analysis (SPA), Richler and Montgomery (1989), PDP Press.

The SPA is a set of 7 tasks which analyze the underlying sensorimotor components of performance. This includes determining the persistence of primitive postural mechanisms. Information is also obtained about sensory processing, developmental lags, postural muscle tone, and bilateral integration problems (including extremity disregard, bilateral coordination, and midline dysfunction). It was developed for educable, trainable, and profoundly retarded children, adolescents, and young adults aged 5 to 21 years.

 

Test of Sensory Functions in Infants (TSI), DeGangi and Greenspan (1989), Western Psychological Services.

The TSI provides an overall measure of sensory processing and reactivity in infants ages 4 to 18 months. Normed on 344 infants.

 

Many other tests not listed here are also utilized.

 

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Sensory Systems Clinic, P.C.

30801 Jefferson Ave.

St. Clair Shores, MI   48082

Phone: (586) 293-7553