Adult Sensory Processing Disorder

What is Sensory Processing Disorder?

Before you begin looking for a sensory processing disorder test, it can be helpful to understand what sensory processing disorder is. Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is a term used to describe a combination of differences in the mechanisms of the sensory system－ a part of the nervous system that helps our brain receive, understand, interpret, and integrate what sensations are being felt by our bodies.

Our sensory receptors enable our brain to sense pain, pleasure, temperature, sights, sounds, touch, textures, tastes, smells, pressure, position, and movement. Our sensory system helps us receive and process information and connect with our environment.

For those with neurotypical brains, these complex processes generally happen swiftly and seamlessly. For neurodivergent adults, many of us experience sensory processing issues.

These signals and feelings can be disorganized, delayed, intense, uncomfortable, over- and/or under-responsive. These differences often result in sensory-aversive, sensory-seeking, or mixed sensory profiles.

The combination of the many sensory differences that we frequently live with can be described as sensory processing disorder, meaning our sensory system and its functioning diverges from that of neurotypical people’s way of receiving and integrating sensory information. It’s a commonly used term to describe a pattern of atypical responses to sensory stimuli. 

In plain terms, adult sensory processing disorder is an umbrella term that encompasses a wide variety of experiences with the world around us and its many sources of stimuli. We may have an atypical response to sound, and being in loud environments can feel extremely uncomfortable.

This could affect how we move around the world and the types of environments we expose ourselves to. This could also inform specific accommodations we can make (such as noise-canceling or noise-filtering headphones) so we can comfortably be in spaces that are otherwise intolerable. In other situations, it can be difficult to accommodate.

For example, if you are sensitive to fluorescent lighting but have to go to a brightly lit office every day, this creates extra stress for the brain and body and can contribute to feeling drained and exhausted at the end of each workday. A neurodivergent adult who is feeling overloaded, overstimulated, and overwhelmed may have an increased need for downtime and recovery. Allowing yourself increased time to rest and regulate is a way to self-accommodate in order to manage the daily stressors of having an overactive sensory system.

Is SPD an Official Diagnosis?

While many members of the neurodivergent community and even medical providers use Sensory Processing Disorder in a clinical way, it’s technically not an official medical diagnosis. It’s actually been a topic of debate amongst professionals and lived experience advocates!

Sensory processing disorder is not listed in the DSM-5-TR or the ICD-11. It is argued that sensory processing differences are features of neurodivergent conditions, including autism, ADHD, and PTSD. Some medical professionals argue that these differences are better understood as experiences of neurodivergent conditions, and others take the position that people can have sensory processing differences without meeting criteria for other diagnoses.

Some professionals and lived experience advocates have been pushing for SPD to be recognized as a standalone diagnosis, and also call for further research into the condition. Whether or not SPD is a medically recognized diagnosis or not, it can be useful to understand and describe this lived experience.

Adult Sensory Processing Disorder Test

Is there an adult sensory processing disorder test? Because it is not an officially recognized medical diagnosis, a formal sensory processing disorder test currently does not exist. The closest thing to a sensory processing disorder test is a clinical sensory assessment by an occupational therapist.

Occupational therapists may use a variety of sensory screening and assessment tools including Sensory Processing Measure (SPM-2), Sensory Integration Inventory, Developmental Test of Visual Perception (DTVP), The Allen Sensory Stimulation Kits I and II, Adolescent/Adult Sensory ProfileⓇ (AASP), The Sensory Modulation Screening Tool, The Sensory Profile (SP) and Short Sensory Profile (SSP), and more.

You can find some informal sensory processing checklists online, including this one available on the Star Institute for Sensory Processing Disorder. This is not a diagnostic tool but a self-report checklist that may be helpful as a starting point for those who want to learn more about their sensory differences. Another list of sensory processing disorder tests for adults is available at OT Innovations.

If you decide to pursue a sensory processing disorder test in a formal, specialized setting, call your local occupational therapy practices and ask if they have experience evaluating and working with autistic adults. 

You can also read more about sensory profiles in neurodivergent adults here.

NeuroSpark Health Honors Your Sensory Differences

In our neurodiversity-affirming autism assessments for adults, we dive into the nuances of your unique sensory differences and preferences to form a comprehensive understanding of your lived experience. Our neurodivergent coaching helps you identify your needs and encourages you to honor them. It could also mean that you could benefit from school or workplace accommodations for your sensory differences.

If you need support with sensory processing, we’re here to help. We see you.

Last Updated May 2026