Definition
The Sensory Profile-2 is a questionnaire-based assessment developed by Winnie Dunn that maps a child's responses to sensory input across four quadrants: low registration, sensation seeking, sensory sensitivity, and sensation avoiding. It is the most widely used sensory assessment in UK paediatric OT and is normed for ages 0 to 14.
In context for parents
Key checkpoints
- Sensory Profile-2 (Pearson) is the most widely used sensory assessment in UK paediatric OT, normed for ages 0 to 14.
- Developed by Winnie Dunn; parent / carer (or teacher) completes a questionnaire of around 86 items.
- Four-quadrant model: low registration, sensation seeking, sensory sensitivity, sensation avoiding (Dunn's model of neurological threshold × behavioural response).
- Descriptive rather than diagnostic. SPD is not in DSM-5 or ICD-11.
- Profile shapes the sensory diet, environmental adjustments, and school-side strategies regardless of SPD label.
The Sensory Profile-2 is a parent / carer-completed questionnaire. The school version is completed by the teacher, and the toddler/infant version is age-appropriate. The full version contains around 86 items rating frequency of specific sensory behaviours (always, frequently, half the time, occasionally, never), producing scores across sensory systems (auditory, visual, touch, movement, body position, oral) and across Dunn's four quadrants.
Dunn's quadrant framework maps neurological threshold (high or low) against behavioural response (active or passive). Low registration: high threshold, passive, the child appears to not notice sensory input that others do (the child who does not respond when called, who does not feel cold). Sensation seeking: high threshold, active, the child actively seeks more sensory input (the child who crashes, spins, mouths, climbs). Sensory sensitivity: low threshold, passive, the child is bothered by sensory input but does not actively avoid it (the child who notices everything, gets overwhelmed). Sensation avoiding: low threshold, active, the child actively withdraws from sensory input (the child who refuses the dining hall, who cannot tolerate clothing labels).
Most children have a mixed profile across the four quadrants. The clinical pattern that emerges shapes the sensory diet, the environmental adjustments, and the school-side strategy. A sensation-seeking child needs scheduled heavy work and movement breaks. A sensation-avoiding child needs sensory-managed environments, predictability, and access to a low-arousal space.
The Sensory Profile-2 is descriptive rather than diagnostic. SPD is not in DSM-5 or ICD-11, and the questionnaire identifies a pattern of sensory response rather than confirming a clinical condition. In SEND contexts, the profile shapes intervention regardless of whether SPD is named.
In an EHC needs assessment, the Sensory Profile-2 typically appears within the OT advice, with the four-quadrant profile in Section B and the sensory diet / environmental adjustments in Section F.
Related terms
The terms parents most often see alongside Sensory Profile (Dunn).
Sensory Processing Disorder(SPD)
Difficulty taking in, organising, and responding to everyday sensory information (touch, sound, movement, taste, smell, sight, balance, and body awareness) in a way that supports daily life.
Occupational Therapist(OT)
An HCPC-registered specialist who supports children to participate in everyday activities, working on fine motor skills, sensory processing, self-care, and handwriting.
Sensory Diet
A planned, individualised programme of sensory activities scheduled across the day to help a child stay regulated. Usually devised by an occupational therapist.
Where parents ask about this
Parents usually find this page after an OT has used the term "Sensory Profile" in a report, or when wanting a sensory assessment for school-side provision. Searches include "Sensory Profile-2 interpretation", "Dunn sensory quadrants", and "private sensory assessment UK". A Beaakon paediatric OT can carry out a full Sensory Profile-2 (parent, school, and clinical forms), interpret the quadrant pattern, write a sensory diet, and produce a tribunal-grade report for an EHC needs assessment.
References
The primary legislation, statutory guidance, research, and clinical tools this page draws on.