By Tim Aiello, MA, LPC, ADHD-CCSP, ASDCS
Clinical Director, Myndset Therapeutics
For many adults with ADHD, Autism, or both (AuDHD), sensory regulation is a daily struggle—one that is often overlooked in traditional mental health and therapeutic settings. Sensory input plays a crucial role in nervous system balance, emotional well-being, and energy levels, yet most assessments focus on children and fail to address the unique sensory needs of neurodivergent adults.
This is why I developed my Sensory Assessment Process, a comprehensive, Polyvagal-informed approach to identifying sensory profiles and developing personalized sensory regulation strategies. This process is built for neurodivergent adults—offering practical, real-world insights and solutions.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by noise, exhausted by social environments, or deeply comforted by certain sensory inputs without understanding why, this process can help you uncover the science behind your sensory needs and provide actionable ways to support your nervous system.
Why Sensory Awareness Matters for ADHD & Autistic Adults
Sensory sensitivities are more than just personal preferences—they directly influence nervous system regulation. According to Polyvagal Theory (PVT), our autonomic nervous system is constantly scanning for cues of safety or threat (Porges, 2011). For neurodivergent adults, this system is often hyper-responsive, making it easier to become overstimulated, dysregulated, or even completely shutdown (Robertson & Baron-Cohen, 2017).
This is why some environments feel draining, why certain textures or sounds trigger irritation or exhaustion, and why others feel deeply calming and restorative. Understanding sensory needs isn’t just useful—it’s essential for regulating energy, managing stress, and avoiding burnout.
For many, chronic sensory overload leads to nervous system dysregulation, pushing them into:
Fight-or-flight (hyperarousal) → Anxiety, irritability, sensory defensiveness.
Shutdown (hypoarousal) → Fatigue, brain fog, social withdrawal.
Without the right strategies, many neurodivergent adults spend their lives bouncing between dysregulated states without realizing that their sensory environment is a major contributing factor.
The Sensory Assessment Process: A Step-by-Step Approach
The Sensory Assessment Process is designed to provide deep insights into an individual’s unique sensory profile. This structured approach identifies patterns, builds awareness, and develops actionable sensory regulation strategies.
Step 1: Sensory Profile Assessment
The first step involves an in-depth Sensory Profile Assessment, which explores individual responses to sight, sound, touch, taste, smell, and interoception (internal body awareness).
This isn’t a basic checklist—it’s a Polyvagal-informed tool that maps how different sensory inputs impact nervous system regulation. Some people may find certain sounds exhausting, bright lights overstimulating, or specific textures grounding.
By identifying which sensory inputs trigger dysregulation and which support balance, this assessment provides a blueprint for self-understanding.
Step 2: Sensory Diet Planning
Once sensory preferences and sensitivities have been identified, the next step is creating a personalized sensory regulation plan.
A sensory diet is a structured set of sensory-based activities designed to help regulate the nervous system throughout the day. This is not about avoidance—it’s about strategically incorporating sensory inputs that promote nervous system balance (Miller et al., 2017).
For example, someone who struggles with auditory overstimulation may benefit from predictable background noise, noise-canceling headphones, or rhythmic music. Others may find deep pressure from weighted blankets or compression clothing to be essential for grounding.
This plan is completely customized to fit individual needs, making sensory regulation a realistic and sustainable part of daily life.
Step 3: Sensory Integration & Self-Awareness Tracking
Identifying sensory preferences is just the beginning—real-world application is where true progress happens.
This step involves tracking daily sensory experiences to refine awareness and adjust strategies over time. By logging sensory inputs and their effects on mood, energy, and focus, individuals begin to recognize patterns of dysregulation and regulation.
Key insights gained from this step include:
What environments drain energy vs. restore it?
What sensory inputs support focus and engagement?
How does the body signal early signs of sensory overwhelm?
What small adjustments can reduce daily sensory exhaustion?
Through this process, individuals develop long-term self-awareness and regulation strategies that fit their real-world needs.
Step 4: Sensory Crisis Planning
For those who experience sensory overload, meltdowns, or shutdowns, having a structured Sensory Crisis Plan can be life-changing.
This step focuses on:
Recognizing early warning signs that a sensory crisis is approaching.
Identifying proactive coping strategies to intervene before full shutdown or meltdown.
Modifying environments to reduce sensory distress.
Having a pre-established plan provides a sense of control, allowing for faster recovery and greater confidence in navigating sensory-intensive situations.
Step 5: Clinician Summary & Long-Term Regulation Plan
The final step brings all of the insights together into a comprehensive sensory regulation plan, ensuring that sensory needs are continually adapted and supported over time.
This plan includes:
Identified sensory strengths and challenges.
Personalized regulation strategies that fit daily routines.
Environmental modifications for home, work, and social settings.
Short-term and long-term goals for improving sensory regulation.
By continuing to refine and adapt sensory strategies, individuals gain a lifelong roadmap for nervous system balance.
What Makes This Process Different?
This assessment process is unlike anything else currently available. Here’s why:
Designed for adults → Most sensory assessments focus on children, leaving adults without resources. This approach is tailored specifically for ADHD & Autistic adults.
Based on Polyvagal Theory → This process integrates nervous system regulation strategies, rather than focusing on rigid behavioral interventions.
Provides real-world solutions → It doesn’t just identify sensory issues—it provides concrete, customized strategies for daily life.
Focused on empowerment, not avoidance → Instead of simply avoiding difficult sensory experiences, this process helps build a toolkit for managing sensory input effectively.
For many, this process provides the clarity and validation they’ve been missing, helping them reclaim control over their sensory experiences and reduce daily stress and exhaustion.
Your Sensory Needs Matter
Sensory regulation isn’t about tolerating discomfort—it’s about understanding your body’s needs and responding in ways that support well-being.
When you learn to work with your nervous system instead of against it, you gain a new level of self-awareness and empowerment. This process isn’t about changing who you are—it’s about creating an environment that supports the way your nervous system naturally functions.
If you’ve ever felt confused by your sensory experiences, struggled with burnout, or wanted to understand your nervous system on a deeper level, this assessment process offers the tools and insights to help.
For more information, visit www.myndset-therapeutics.com.
References
Porges, S. W. (2011). The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations of Emotions, Attachment, Communication, and Self-Regulation. W. W. Norton & Company.
Robertson, C. E., & Baron-Cohen, S. (2017). Sensory perception in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 75, 146-167.
Miller, L. J., et al. (2017). Concept evolution in sensory integration: A proposed nosology for diagnosis. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 71(3).
Thapa, R., et al. (2022). Heart rate variability in Autism. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 16.
Comments