Environmental Sensory Audit - Professional Edition

Welcome to the Environmental Sensory Audit

About This Tool

This audit systematically evaluates the sensory environment across six domains: Visual, Auditory, Tactile, Olfactory, Vestibular/Proprioceptive, and Social/Interpersonal. It is designed for use by allied health practitioners (Occupational Therapists, Behaviour Support Practitioners) during home, school, or community site visits to identify sensory barriers and supports for NDIS participants.

⚠️ Clinical Use Only. This tool supports clinical reasoning and does not replace a comprehensive sensory assessment (e.g., Sensory Profile, SPM-2). Results should be interpreted in the context of the participant's history, goals, and support needs. This tool is for practitioner use — it is not a self-report measure.

Before You Begin:

Conduct a physical walkthrough of the environment before rating
Rate based on direct observation, not reported history alone
Note the time of day — sensory conditions vary significantly
Consider the participant's specific sensory sensitivities when completing observations
Allow approximately 20–30 minutes to complete
Complete separate audits for different environments (home vs. school vs. day program)

Client & Environment Information

Participant Name *

NDIS Number

Date of Birth

Date of Audit *

Environment Type *

Environment Address / Location Description

Time of Audit

Sensory conditions vary by time — note if this is a typical or atypical time

Number of People Present During Audit

Was the Participant Present During the Audit?

Practitioner Name *

Practitioner Role *

Practitioner Email

Reason for Referral / Purpose of Audit

Known Sensory Profile / Sensory Needs (if available)

Domain 1 of 6

General Observations & Clinical Notes

Environmental Strengths Observed

Key Sensory Barriers Identified

Participant Reactions / Observed Responses During Visit

Immediate / Low-Cost Recommendations

Further Assessment Recommended

Audit Results & Summary

Interpretation Guide

High Concern (≥67%): Significant sensory barriers present — prioritise modifications.
Moderate Concern (34–66%): Some barriers present — consider targeted adjustments.
Low Concern (≤33%): Environment broadly supportive in this domain.

🔧 Recommended Environmental Modifications

This Environmental Sensory Audit is a practitioner-developed clinical observation tool. It does not replace standardised sensory assessments. Results should be interpreted within the full clinical context and in collaboration with the participant and their support network.

For standardised sensory assessment, consider: Dunn, W. (2014). Sensory Profile 2. Pearson. | Parham, L.D. & Ecker, C. (2007). Sensory Processing Measure. WPS.