The Short Sensory Profile (SSP)

Ben Atchison, PhD, OTR, FAOTA

An Overview
 General Overview
Based on the original (125 items)

Sensory Processing
Sensory Modulation
Behavioral and Emotional Responses
 Purpose
Screen quick identification

Referral for more comprehensive assessment

Effective intervention planning

Incorporate a sensory processing measure in

research
 SPP Sections

• Tactile Sensitivity

• Taste/Smell Sensitivity

• Movement Sensitivity
 SSP Sections
• Underresponsive/Seeks Sensation

• Auditory Filtering

• Low Energy/Weak

• Visual/Auditory Sensitivity
 Administration/Scoring
• 38 items
• 10 minutes
• Administer in three ways
– Mail
– While child being assessed
– Direct assist
38 Items representing Sensory Modulation
Specific Administration Procedures
• Always 100%

• Frequently 75%
IF ANY ITEM
LEFT BLANK
• Occasionally 50% CANNOT
COMPUTE A
RAW SCORE
• Seldom 25% FOR THAT
SECTION

• Never 00%
 Scoring
• Always 1 point

• Frequently 2 points

• Occasionally 3 points

• Seldom 4 points

• Never 5 points
 Scoring
• If responder places x between 2 categories:

• Between Never and Seldom 4 points

• Between Seldom and Occasionally 3 points
• Between Occasionally and Frequent 2 points
• Between Frequent and Occasionally 1 point
Summary Section of SPP
 Classification System
• Typical Performance

• Probable Difference

• Definite Difference
 Interpretation
• Total Score is key

• Follow up assessment for DEF DIFF

– Long Form SP

– Occupational Therapy or other trained

professional
 Further Information

See Pearson Education Inc. website for further

information on ordering, sample reports, and
technical information

www.pearsonassessments.com