Sensory Sensitivity (ASP)

What the ASP measures

Developed by Dr. Winnie Dunn, the Adult Sensory Profile translates childhood sensory integration theory into the adult lifespan. It operates on a matrix of two neurobiological continuums: Neurological Threshold (how much stimuli is required for the brain to notice it) and Behavioral Response (whether the individual acts actively or passively in response to the stimuli). Understanding these profiles is central to diagnosing sensory processing disorders often co-occurring with ADHD, Autism, and generalized anxiety.

The dimensions it assesses

• Low Registration (High Threshold / Passive Response): The individual misses sensory cues that others easily notice. They require more intense input to engage with their environment.
• Sensation Seeking (High Threshold / Active Response): The individual requires high sensory input and actively seeks out intense environments, movement, or strong flavors to feel satisfied.
• Sensory Sensitivity (Low Threshold / Passive Response): The individual notices sensory stimuli very easily and quickly becomes overwhelmed, but endures it rather than leaving the environment.
• Sensation Avoiding (Low Threshold / Active Response): The individual notices sensory stimuli very easily and actively takes steps to escape, control, or reduce the input.

What to do with your result

1. For High Low-Registration: Increase sensory input to improve focus. Use heavy work (lifting), bright lighting, bold flavors, and contrasting colors in the workspace to stay alert.
2. For High Sensation-Seeking: Incorporate designated sensory breaks into the day. Use standing desks, chewable jewelry, or listen to intense music while working to satisfy the brain's craving for input without disrupting others.
3. For High Sensory-Sensitivity: The goal is to reduce input to prevent exhaustion. Dim lights, use noise-canceling headphones, and wear seamless, soft clothing.
4. For High Sensation-Avoiding: Honor the need for control. Create a "sensory sanctuary" at home where the environment is completely predictable and devoid of novel stimuli to allow the nervous system to reset.

Common questions about the ASP

What does the ASP measure?

Assessment of sensory processing patterns based on neurological thresholds and behavioral responses.

Can the ASP diagnose me?

No. Sensory Sensitivity (ASP) is a screening questionnaire, not a diagnostic tool. It can flag that something may need a closer look. It cannot tell you what is causing it. It describes tendencies rather than diagnosing anything, and no result here is a condition or something to fix.

Is this ASP test really free?

Yes. No account, no email address, no payment. Psychometrics Today is funded by donations rather than advertising, which is also what allows us to publish instruments whose authors permit free but non-commercial use.

Are my answers stored or shared?

No. Your answers are scored inside your browser and never sent to us. There is no database of responses, because we never receive any. Closing the tab erases them, which is why results cannot be recovered afterwards.

How often should I retake the ASP?

Traits and preferences move slowly, so retaking this every few months is more informative than retaking it often. Larger shifts usually follow a genuine change in circumstances.

How accurate is the ASP?

Screening questionnaires are good at flagging that something merits attention and poor at establishing what it is. This one is sensitive to how you feel on the day you take it, and many instruments were validated on narrow populations whose cut-offs may not transfer cleanly to everyone. The references at the foot of this page are the primary sources.

Why can I not take the ASP here?

Commercial licensed instrument. We will not reproduce a questionnaire we have no right to reproduce, so this page explains what it measures instead. The Highly Sensitive Person Scale (Aron) is freely available for research use.