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Quizzes > Health & Medicine

Sensory processing disorder quiz: check your knowledge

Quick, free sensory issues test with instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Julian BergmannUpdated Aug 26, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration promoting free sensory processing disorder quiz on dark blue background with layered playful shapes

Use this sensory processing disorder quiz to gauge what you know about common signs, triggers, and supports. You will get instant feedback and tips to explore next steps. If you want a broader view, try our autism awareness test or check in with the autistic burnout quiz.

What best describes sensory processing disorder (SPD)?
A neurodegenerative disease affecting sensory nerves
A visual processing disorder only
A form of hearing impairment
A condition in which the brain has trouble receiving and responding to information from the senses
Sensory processing disorder is characterized by the brain's difficulty in integrating and responding appropriately to sensory stimuli from the environment. People with SPD often over- or under-react to things they see, hear, smell, taste, or feel. Early identification and intervention can improve daily functioning. Learn more from the .
Which of the following is an example of sensory hyperresponsivity?
Craving deep pressure input
Preferring dim lighting
Overreacting to everyday sounds
Showing little reaction to pain
Sensory hyperresponsivity refers to an exaggerated or intense reaction to sensory stimuli, such as everyday noises or tactile input. Individuals may cover their ears, avoid crowded places, or become distressed by clothing textures. Occupational therapists assess these patterns to tailor interventions. More details at the .
Which behavior exemplifies sensory seeking?
Avoiding playground equipment
Becoming anxious in bright lights
Showing no reaction to loud noises
Excessively spinning or jumping for stimulation
Sensory seeking behavior involves actively seeking more intense sensory input, such as spinning, jumping, or crashing into objects. These actions help individuals meet their internal sensory needs. Occupational therapists may include safe sensory activities to fulfill this need. For practical strategies, see .
At what developmental stage is SPD most often first identified?
Toddler or preschool years
Late adulthood
School age (10 - 12 years)
Adolescence
SPD symptoms commonly emerge during the toddler and preschool years when children encounter new sensory experiences and developmental challenges. Early signs include extreme reactions to textures, sounds, or movement. Early assessment by an occupational therapist can lead to better outcomes. More on early identification at .
Which standardized assessment tool is specifically designed to evaluate sensory processing in children?
Bruininks - Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency
Bayley Scales of Infant Development
Dunn Sensory Profile
Peabody Developmental Motor Scales
The Dunn Sensory Profile is a widely used caregiver questionnaire that measures a child's sensory processing patterns across different modalities. It helps identify areas of hyper- and hypo-responsiveness and guides intervention planning. Other assessments focus on motor or cognitive development rather than sensory processing. See details at the .
What term describes under-responsiveness to sensory input?
Sensory discrimination disorder
Sensory over-responsivity
Sensory seeking
Sensory hyposensitivity
Sensory hyposensitivity (under-responsiveness) occurs when an individual has reduced or delayed responses to sensory stimuli and may appear unresponsive to touch, sound, or movement. It contrasts with hyperresponsivity, where reactions are exaggerated. Identifying hyposensitivity guides tailored interventions. Read more at .
Which of these is NOT typically considered one of the primary sensory modalities in SPD assessment?
Proprioception
Vestibular (balance)
Olfaction (smell)
Temperature perception
Primary sensory modalities evaluated in SPD include tactile, vestibular, proprioceptive, auditory, visual, olfactory, and gustatory systems. Temperature perception is part of interoception and is not one of the core modalities typically assessed. Clinicians may still note temperature responses but focus on the seven main senses. More on modalities at .
Which intervention is most closely associated with Ayres Sensory Integration?
Applied Behavior Analysis
Ayres Sensory Integration therapy using play-based, child-led activities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Auditory Verbal Therapy
Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI) therapy uses structured, play-based activities to help children process and integrate sensory information more effectively. An occupational therapist tailors the environment and challenges to the child's needs, promoting adaptive responses. ASI is distinct from behavioral or verbal therapies. Learn about ASI at the .
Which brain structure is primarily responsible for gating and relaying sensory information to the cortex?
Thalamus
Amygdala
Cerebellum
Hippocampus
The thalamus acts as the brain's central relay station, filtering and forwarding sensory inputs (except olfactory) to the appropriate cortical areas. Dysfunctions in thalamic gating are implicated in sensory processing disorders. Neuroimaging studies support thalamic involvement in SPD. For more information, see .
How is SPD classified in the DSM-5?
As a subtype of anxiety disorders
It is not recognized as a standalone diagnosis
As a sensory subtype of autism spectrum disorder
As a subtype of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Sensory processing disorder is not included as a distinct diagnosis in the DSM-5. While sensory issues appear in autism spectrum disorder, SPD remains a separate clinical construct studied by occupational therapists and researchers. Its absence from DSM-5 has fueled ongoing debate and research. Review commentary at .
Which condition is most frequently comorbid with sensory processing disorder?
Schizophrenia
Autism spectrum disorder
Oppositional defiant disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) commonly co-occurs with SPD; studies estimate that up to 90% of individuals with ASD exhibit significant sensory processing challenges. Early identification of sensory issues in ASD helps tailor interventions. SPD can also co-occur with ADHD but is most researched in relation to ASD. More data at .
Which therapeutic technique specifically uses a deep-pressure brushing protocol?
Feldenkrais Method
Wilbarger Brushing Protocol
Ayres Sensory Integration
Bobath Neurodevelopmental Therapy
The Wilbarger Brushing Protocol applies specific deep-pressure brushing followed by joint compressions to help modulate sensory responsiveness. It was developed to reduce tactile defensiveness and improve sensory regulation. This protocol is distinct from ASI and requires specialized training. Read more at .
In Dunn's sensory processing model, which quadrant describes individuals with high sensory thresholds and passive self-regulation?
Sensory registration
Sensory seeking
Sensory avoiding
Sensory sensitivity
High sensory thresholds require stronger input for awareness, and passive self-regulation means the individual doesn't actively seek or avoid stimulation; this pattern is labeled "sensory registration" in Dunn's model. Those in this quadrant may miss cues unless inputs are very intense. It contrasts with sensory seeking, sensitivity, and avoiding. See the model details at .
What is a primary criticism regarding the clinical diagnosis of SPD?
It is fully covered by current insurance coding
It only affects the visual system
There is a lack of universally accepted diagnostic criteria
It has too many distinct diagnostic subtypes in the DSM-5
SPD diagnosis faces criticism due to the absence of universally accepted, standardized diagnostic criteria, leading to variability in assessment and intervention approaches. Researchers debate its boundaries and overlap with other neurodevelopmental disorders, affecting reliability and insurance coverage. Ongoing studies aim to refine criteria and measurement tools. For more, see this .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Common SPD Symptoms -

    After completing the quiz, you will be able to recognize key signs of sensory processing disorder, including over- or under-responsiveness in tactile, auditory, and vestibular systems.

  2. Differentiate Sensory Integration vs. Overload -

    You will understand the distinctions between effective sensory integration and sensory overload, helping you spot when sensory inputs become overwhelming.

  3. Assess Personal Sensory Processing Patterns -

    Using your sensory processing disorder quiz results, you can evaluate how you respond to everyday stimuli and pinpoint your unique sensory preferences.

  4. Recognize Environmental Triggers -

    You will learn to identify common environmental factors - like noise, light, or texture - that often trigger sensory overload and discomfort.

  5. Evaluate Sensory Strengths and Challenges -

    By reviewing your answers, you can distinguish areas of sensory resilience from those that may require additional support or strategy adjustments.

  6. Explore Basic Self-Regulation Strategies -

    Based on quiz insights, you will discover simple techniques to manage sensory input and improve daily function in challenging environments.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Definition and Core Concepts of SPD -

    Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) arises when the brain struggles to interpret sensory information, leading to over- or under-responsive behaviors. Remember the mnemonic "SPUD" (Sensory Processing Understanding Disorders) to recall key features like sensitivity, modulation, under-responsivity, and discrimination issues. Familiarize yourself with this foundation before taking a sensory processing disorder quiz to test your baseline knowledge.

  2. Over-Responsivity in the Sensory Systems -

    Individuals with over-responsivity react strongly to everyday stimuli, such as covering ears at a vacuum's roar or refusing certain fabric textures. The AAP notes that auditory and tactile defensiveness are common, and you can spot these signs by comparing real-life reactions against spd quiz sample scenarios. Practice identifying triggers by listing situations where sounds or touches feel overwhelming.

  3. Under-Responsivity and Sensory Seeking Behaviors -

    Under-responsive individuals may seem "spacey" or crave intense sensations - think deep pressure or spinning to feel grounded. Use the "U.S. Loop" mnemonic (Under-responsive, Seek input) to remember that these behaviors often mask internal sensory hypo-awareness. Try self-checking: do you hug pillows tightly or spin in your chair for stimulation before you start your do i have sensory issues quiz?

  4. Key Assessment Tools and Metrics -

    Clinicians often use the Sensory Profile 2 or the Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT) as gold standards to measure sensory processing patterns. A quick sensory processing quiz you find online mirrors these tools by presenting scored scenarios to rate responses on a 1 - 5 scale for intensity and frequency. Reviewing sample questions helps you understand how professionals quantify sensory challenges.

  5. Evidence-Based Interventions and Coping Strategies -

    Occupational therapy techniques like deep pressure massage, weighted blankets, and sensory diets are backed by research from the SPD Foundation and peer-reviewed journals. Remember "STOP" (Soothe with pressure, Track your triggers, Organize a routine, Practice calming breaths) to outline a simple coping plan after an spd quiz or sensory processing disorder quiz. Practicing these strategies regularly boosts confidence and helps manage sensory overload.

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