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adult sensory assessment Adelaide

When can a sensory assessment help you?

A sensory assessment helps you understand how you process and respond to sensory information in daily life.

Conducted by an experienced occupational therapist, a sensory assessment identifies sensory preferences, sensitivities, and patterns that might affect comfort, focus, emotional regulation, and participation at home, work, or in the community.

If you’re curious about how your senses shape your experiences — and want tailored support to improve comfort, focus and participation — our team is ready to guide you through the process with care and respect.

Below is a list of common presentations that warrant consideration for a Sensory Assessment:

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Overwhelm in Busy Environments

Many adults experience significant discomfort or fatigue in environments filled with noise, movement, or visual clutter. Places like supermarkets, workplaces, public transport, or social events can feel chaotic or overstimulating, leading to stress, avoidance, or the need to leave early.

This overwhelm may affect confidence, participation, and the ability to carry out daily tasks comfortably.

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Heightened Sensitivity to Sensory Input

Some individuals have strong reactions to particular sensory experiences, such as bright lights, loud sounds, strong smells, or certain textures. These sensitivities can influence clothing choices, ability to tolerate specific foods, or comfort in shared spaces like offices and cafes.

Over time, these reactions may create added stress or impact a person's sense of control in their daily environment.

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Difficulty Concentrating or Staying Organised

Sensory distractions — whether constant background noise, movement in a room, or physical discomfort — can interfere with focus and task completion. Adults may find themselves losing track of tasks, struggling with time management, or feeling mentally scattered.

These challenges can impact work performance, home routines, and overall productivity.

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Challenges with Emotional Regulation

When sensory input becomes overwhelming, it can make emotional regulation more difficult. Individuals may feel heightened irritability, stress, frustration, or emotional exhaustion, even in situations that appear manageable to others.

Sensory overload can contribute to “meltdowns,” shutdowns, or feeling emotionally drained without understanding why.

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Avoidance of Certain Places or Tasks

Sensory discomfort can lead to avoiding specific environments, activities, or responsibilities. Adults may skip events, delay errands, or hesitate to participate in work or community settings because the sensory experience feels unpredictable or too intense.

This avoidance may gradually limit independence or decrease participation in meaningful activities.

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Strong Sensory-Based Preferences

Some adults develop strong preferences for particular clothing fabrics, food textures, temperatures, or daily routines. These preferences often relate to underlying sensory needs and can reveal what helps a person feel grounded, regulated, and comfortable.

Understanding these patterns can support better lifestyle planning and self-care strategies.

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Fatigue After Sensory-Rich Experiences

Even everyday activities — such as commuting, attending meetings, shopping, or socialising — can leave someone feeling depleted when sensory input is high.

This type of fatigue may require extended downtime to recover and can impact energy levels, mood, and participation across the day.

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Difficulty with Transitions or Changes

Transitions between tasks, environments, or routines can feel challenging when sensory demands shift quickly or unexpectedly. Adults may find it stressful to adjust from a quiet space to a busy one, or from a structured routine to an unplanned change.

These difficulties can affect work performance, household responsibilities, and overall wellbeing.

Benefits of a sensory assessment:

  • Greater Self-Understanding
    A sensory assessment helps you understand how your brain processes sensory information, giving clarity around why certain environments, tasks, or experiences feel overwhelming or draining.

  • Personalised Strategies for Daily Life
    You receive practical, tailored recommendations to help manage sensory input at home, work, and in the community — improving comfort, performance, and overall wellbeing.

  • Improved Emotional Regulation
    By identifying triggers for sensory overload, you can develop strategies to reduce stress and support calmer, more consistent emotional responses throughout the day.

  • Enhanced Independence and Participation
    Understanding your sensory needs can make everyday activities easier to navigate, helping you participate more confidently in work, social situations, and community settings.

  • Better Support Planning
    Assessment findings can inform NDIS plans, workplace accommodations, and therapy goals, ensuring supports are aligned with your strengths, preferences, and sensory profile.

Why Choose us:

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Celebrating Neurodiversity

We believe that neurodiversity is a valuable and natural aspect of human variation. Our neuroaffirming approach embraces the understanding that neurological differences, such as autism, ADHD, and other neurodevelopmental conditions, are part of the diverse fabric of humanity.

We celebrate the unique strengths and perspectives neurodivergent individuals bring to society.

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Creating an Inclusive Environment

Our approach fosters a safe and accepting space for all individuals, regardless of neurological differences. We aim to create an environment where adults feel understood, accepted, and valued.

By providing a neuroaffirming space, we empower individuals to express themselves authentically and engage in therapy with confidence.

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Respecting Individual Needs

We recognise that each person experiences the world uniquely, and our therapists take the time to listen, observe, and adapt interventions to meet your specific needs and sensory sensitivities.

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Supporting Self-Advocacy

We empower adults to become self-advocates by nurturing self-awareness, self-esteem, and self-advocacy skills.

We help individuals gain the confidence to actively participate in their therapy, make informed choices, and advocate for their needs and rights.

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Collaborating with Families and Support Networks

We work with families, caregivers, and other support networks.

We value their insights and perspectives, fostering open communication and mutual respect to create a cohesive, supportive network for the individual.

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Working Closely with Employers and Workplaces

We understand the significant role that work plays in an adult's life. Our occupational therapists collaborate with employers to ensure a coordinated and supportive approach to the individual's needs, enhancing their ability to succeed in the workplace.

This partnership can maximise the potential for productivity, satisfaction, and well-being.

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Take the first leap towards progress
Completing our intake form is the best way to get started—it helps us understand your child's needs and how we can support them. Submitting the form is obligation-free and does not commit you to therapy. It’s simply a way to start the conversation and explore the best options for your child.

Once we receive your form, our team will reach out to discuss the next steps and answer any questions you may have. Let’s work together to support your child’s growth and development!

Remember, every adult is unique

The presence of one or more of these signs does not necessarily mean that therapy is required. However, if you have concerns about your communication skills, cognitive abilities, or overall functional performance, we recommend consulting with a therapist. They can assess your needs and recommend the best approach to support your development and progress.

"Empowering individuals to build skills, gain confidence, and thrive in everyday life."
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Email:
hello@allthingstherapy.com.au
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Phone:
0418 916 077
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3/54-57 Glen Osmond Road
Eastwood SA 5063