15 Sensory Processing Interview Questions and Answers

Sensory processing is a term that refers to the way the nervous system receives, organizes, and responds to information from the senses. It’s a complex process that happens automatically and unconsciously.

People with sensory processing disorder (SPD) have difficulty processing and responding to information from their senses. This can make everyday activities and tasks difficult or even impossible.

If you’re applying for a job that involves working with people who have SPD, you may be asked questions about your knowledge of the condition and how you would deal with certain situations. To help you prepare, we’ve compiled a list of common SPD interview questions and answers.

1. What is sensory processing?

This question is a great way to show your interviewer that you understand the basics of sensory processing and how it affects people. You can answer this question by defining what sensory processing is, describing its purpose and explaining how it impacts those who have difficulty with it.

Example: “Sensory processing is the ability to receive information from our senses and interpret it correctly. It’s important for us to process sensory information because it helps us make sense of the world around us. For example, when we see something, our brain processes the visual information so we know what we’re seeing. When someone has trouble processing sensory information, they may struggle with things like paying attention or communicating effectively.”

2. Is it possible for children to have difficulties in their ability to process senses? If yes, what are the signs and symptoms of this condition?

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your knowledge of sensory processing skills and how you would handle a situation where a child has difficulties in their ability to process senses. In your answer, explain that there are many signs and symptoms of sensory processing disorder (SPD) and provide examples of each.

Example: “Yes, it is possible for children to have difficulties in their ability to process senses. There are several signs and symptoms of SPD, including an aversion to certain textures or tastes, oversensitivity to sounds, smells or lights, difficulty transitioning from one activity to another and trouble with organization.”

3. Can you explain some of the causes behind Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)?

This question is a great way to show your knowledge of SPD and how it affects people. You can use this opportunity to explain the causes behind SPD, as well as what you would do if you encountered someone with SPD in your role.

Example: “There are many different reasons why someone may have Sensory Processing Disorder. For example, some children may be born with sensory processing issues because they were exposed to loud noises or bright lights while still in the womb. Another cause could be that their parents had similar issues when they were younger. In my experience, I’ve seen that there are several factors that contribute to SPD.”

4. How can sensory integration therapy help individuals with SPD?

This question can help the interviewer gain insight into your knowledge of SPD and how you apply it to your work. Use examples from your experience working with individuals who have sensory processing challenges to highlight your ability to understand their needs and provide effective solutions.

Example: “Sensory integration therapy helps people with SPD by helping them process information through all five senses, which is often a challenge for those with SPD. I use sensory integration therapy in my practice when I notice that an individual has difficulty integrating sensory information. For example, one of my clients had trouble identifying objects based on texture. We used sensory integration therapy to help him learn to identify objects based on touch alone.”

5. Why do you think a multidisciplinary approach is better than other approaches for dealing with sensory issues like SPD?

This question is a great way to show your knowledge of SPD and how you would approach working with clients who have sensory processing issues. You can use this opportunity to explain why you think the multidisciplinary approach is beneficial for helping people overcome their sensory challenges.

Example: “I believe that a multidisciplinary approach is better than other approaches because it allows me to work with my client in many different ways, which helps them develop new skills and learn more about themselves. For example, I might help a child improve their motor skills by using occupational therapy techniques, but I also want to teach them strategies they can use at home or school to help them manage their sensory needs. This means I will need to work with them on cognitive development as well.”

6. How does Sensory Integration Therapy work?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of sensory processing and how it can be used in therapy. You may have experience with this type of therapy, or you might not, but either way, you should be able to explain the basics of how it works.

Example: “Sensory integration therapy uses different types of exercises to help people process their senses more effectively. For example, if someone has trouble distinguishing between hot and cold, they would do an exercise where they hold something that’s very hot for a few seconds and then something that’s very cold for a few seconds. This helps them learn to differentiate between these two sensations.”

7. What are the different types of therapies available to treat sensory disorders?

Interviewers may ask this question to see if you have experience with sensory processing disorders and the different types of therapies that can help treat them. If you have worked in a role where you helped people with sensory processing disorders, describe your experiences with these treatments. If you haven’t had any direct experience, consider describing what you’ve learned about these treatment methods.

Example: “There are many different types of therapy available for treating sensory disorders. One type is occupational therapy, which helps patients develop skills they need to perform daily tasks independently. Another type is speech therapy, which helps children learn how to communicate effectively. A third type is vestibular therapy, which uses exercises to improve balance and coordination.”

8. What’s the difference between sensory modulation disorder, sensory discrimination disorder, and sensory-based motor disorder?

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your understanding of sensory processing disorders and how they relate to one another. You can use your answer to show that you have a strong foundation in the field, especially if you’ve worked with children who have SPD before.

Example: “Sensory modulation disorder is when someone has an under- or over-response to their senses. For example, if I’m at a loud party and my ears are ringing because it’s so loud, that’s an over-response to sound. If I’m sitting quietly and hear a pin drop, then my ears would be ringing again because it’s too quiet. Sensory discrimination disorder is when someone has trouble interpreting information from their senses. So, for example, if I’m looking at a picture and I don’t understand what it is, that’s sensory discrimination disorder. Finally, sensory-based motor disorder is when someone has trouble integrating sensory input into movement.”

9. What do you understand by vestibular sense?

The interviewer may ask you a question like this to assess your knowledge of sensory processing and the different senses. Your answer should include a definition, but it can also include an example of how vestibular sense affects daily life.

Example: “Vestibular sense is the ability to maintain balance through the inner ear. It’s one of the most important senses because it helps us walk, run, jump and even move our eyes without falling over. For instance, when I’m walking on a sidewalk, my vestibular sense tells me whether I need to lean forward or backward to stay upright.”

10. Do you think sensory issues are only seen in autistic or disabled children?

This question is a great way to see how the candidate views sensory processing skills and their importance. It’s also an opportunity for you to explain that these issues can affect anyone at any age, including adults.

Example: “No, I don’t think sensory issues are only seen in autistic or disabled children. In fact, many people have sensory processing challenges but may not even realize it because they’ve adapted to living with them. For example, I know someone who has always been clumsy, but she just thought this was normal. She didn’t realize her clumsiness was due to sensory processing until she started working on improving her balance through exercises.”

11. Can sensory issues become more severe as an individual ages?

Interviewers may ask this question to understand how you might support older clients. You can answer by explaining that sensory processing issues do not typically worsen with age, but they can become more difficult to manage as a person ages because of changes in the brain and nervous system.

Example: “I have worked with many adults who experience sensory processing challenges, and I’ve noticed that these issues don’t usually get worse over time. However, it’s common for people to find their symptoms more challenging to cope with as they age due to other factors like reduced vision or hearing, slower reaction times and less stamina.”

12. What is proprioception?

Proprioception is the ability to sense where your body parts are in space. It’s a key sensory processing skill that helps people with autism and other developmental disabilities navigate their environment. Your interviewer may ask this question to see if you understand what proprioception is and how it can help those who have difficulty with sensory processing. In your answer, try to explain what proprioception is and why it’s important for helping individuals with special needs.

Example: “Proprioception is the awareness of one’s own body position. For example, when I’m walking down the street, I know exactly where my feet are without looking at them. This is because I have good proprioception. People with autism or other developmental disabilities often struggle with proprioception. They might bump into things or fall over because they don’t know where their bodies are in relation to their surroundings.”

13. What is dyspraxia? How is it related to sensory processing?

Dyspraxia is a disorder that affects motor skills. It’s often related to sensory processing, so interviewers may ask this question to see how you apply your knowledge of the two concepts. In your answer, define dyspraxia and explain its relationship with sensory processing.

Example: “Dyspraxia is a disorder that affects motor skills. People with dyspraxia have difficulty planning movements and coordinating muscle groups. This disorder is often related to sensory processing because it can make people more sensitive to their surroundings. For example, if someone has dyspraxia, they might be overwhelmed by bright lights or loud noises.”

14. What kind of problems do you face when conducting Sensory Integration Therapy?

This question is a great way to show your interviewer that you have experience with Sensory Integration Therapy and can identify the challenges of working in this field. You can answer this question by describing some common problems you’ve faced, how you overcame them and what you learned from these experiences.

Example: “The biggest challenge I face when conducting Sensory Integration Therapy is getting my clients to understand why they need to do certain exercises. For example, if I’m trying to get a client to touch different textures, they may not want to because it’s uncomfortable for them. It’s important to explain to them why these exercises are beneficial so they’re more willing to participate.”

15. Are there any differences between Sensory Integration Therapy for adults and children?

Interviewers may ask this question to see if you have experience working with both adults and children. They want to know that you can adapt your therapy techniques for each age group. In your answer, explain how the differences between these two groups affect your approach to sensory integration therapy.

Example: “There are some key differences in Sensory Integration Therapy for adults and children. For example, I use different tools when performing my assessments on children than I do when assessing adults. Children also respond differently to certain types of sensory input, so I adjust my treatment plan accordingly. When treating adults, I focus more on helping them understand their senses rather than teaching them new skills.”