Understanding the Sensory Profile 2 School Companion (SP2) Assessment: A Comprehensive Exploration

Introduction

Occupational therapists play a crucial role in identifying and addressing sensory processing challenges in individuals, particularly children. The Sensory Profile 2 School Companion (SP2) assessment is a valuable tool in this realm, aiding professionals in understanding a child's sensory preferences and aversions. This blog post delves into the intricacies of the SP2 assessment, presenting a hypothetical scenario, a sample scoring chart, references to academic research, and comparisons with other occupational therapy (OT) assessment tools.

Scenario

Imagine a kindergarten teacher observing a child named Emily who consistently displays behavioral challenges in the classroom. Emily often seems overwhelmed during group activities, exhibiting difficulty with transitions, and becoming easily agitated. The teacher notices that certain textures, sounds, and even movements trigger emotional responses in Emily. To better understand and support her, the teacher suggests an SP2 assessment to the school's occupational therapist.

The Sensory Profile 2 School Companion (SP2) Assessment

The SP2 is a comprehensive sensory processing assessment designed specifically for school-aged children. Developed by Dr. Winnie Dunn, a renowned occupational therapist, the SP2 builds upon its predecessor, the Sensory Profile, to provide a more refined understanding of a child's sensory processing patterns.

Components of the SP2

• Auditory Processing
• Visual Processing
• Tactile Processing
• Vestibular Processing
• Proprioceptive Processing
• Multisensory Processing
• Emotion/Social Processing

The SP2 assessment involves a series of questions answered by parents, teachers, and sometimes the child, providing a holistic view of the child's sensory experiences across different environments.

Simplified Sample Scoring Chart

The SP2 uses a scoring system that helps categorize a child's sensory processing preferences and aversions. Below is a simplified example of a scoring chart:

In this hypothetical example, Emily displays a preference for high-intensity vestibular input and demonstrates a heightened sensitivity to visual stimuli, suggesting potential areas for intervention.

Academic Research and Validity

Several studies support the validity and reliability of the Sensory Profile 2 assessment. A study by Miller-Kuhaneck et al. (2017) explored the psychometric properties of the SP2, indicating strong internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Additionally, Dunn and Westman (2018) conducted research validating the SP2's ability to discriminate between children with and without sensory processing challenges.

Comparisons with Other OT Assessment Tools

While the SP2 is a valuable tool, it's essential to consider its strengths and limitations in comparison to other OT assessment tools. The Sensory Processing Measure (SPM) and the Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT) are two notable alternatives.

SP2 vs. SPM

• Both tools assess sensory processing, but the SP2 is more focused on school environments, making it highly applicable for educational settings.
• The SPM is broader in scope, covering various age groups and environments.

SP2 vs. SIPT

• The SIPT is a comprehensive assessment focusing on sensory integration and praxis, involving more extensive clinical testing.
• The SP2 is more practical for school settings, offering a quicker and more accessible evaluation.

Conclusion

The Sensory Profile 2 School Companion (SP2) assessment emerges as a valuable resource for occupational therapists working in educational settings. Through its comprehensive approach and refined focus on school environments, the SP2 provides valuable insights into a child's sensory processing patterns. As demonstrated in our hypothetical scenario, the SP2 aids in identifying specific sensory preferences and aversions, guiding targeted interventions for improved outcomes. With a foundation in robust academic research and distinct advantages over alternative assessment tools, the SP2 stands as a crucial instrument in the toolkit of occupational therapists dedicated to enhancing the well-being of school-aged children.

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