If Christmas lights, school performances and busy family gatherings have left your child exhausted, you are not alone. Many children find the extra noise, change and excitement difficult to process. An EASI sensory assessment can help you understand what is happening beneath the surface and give you clear, practical strategies to help your child feel settled again as the new term begins.
What is the EASI assessment in occupational therapy?
The Evaluation of Ayres Sensory Integration, often shortened to EASI, is a set of standardised tests and observations used by trained occupational therapists to explore how a child processes sensory information and uses it for everyday tasks. EASI is built on Ayres Sensory Integration theory and looks at four broad areas that influence participation at home and in school:
- Sensory modulation, how your child notices, filters and responds to sounds, touch, movement and visual input
- Sensory discrimination, how accurately the brain tells differences in touch, movement, sight and sound, for example telling a b from a d or judging how much force to use Postural functions, the stability and core control that underpin sitting, balance and eye hand coordination
- Praxis, planning and sequencing actions, sometimes called motor planning
An EASI session combines parent and teacher questionnaires, standardised activities in clinic and skilled observation. Because it is standardised, your therapist follows set instructions and scoring. Because it is clinical, we also relate findings to your child’s unique daily life.
What age is the EASI suitable for?
EASI tools span a wide range of childhood. In practice, we assess across primary and secondary ages and adapt activities to the child’s developmental level. If your child is younger or older than a specific subtest allows, your therapist will select age appropriate measures and complementary tools to build a complete picture. The aim is always the same, to understand how sensory processing affects everyday function and to design strategies that fit real life.
What does a sensory assessment tell you?
A sensory assessment explains the “why” behind common challenges. You might learn that:
Noise or bright visuals are overloading, so your child tires quickly in assemblies or supermarkets Touch sensitivity makes clothes, labels or messy play uncomfortable- Under responsive movement systems mean your child seeks big movement, which looks like fidgeting or constant motion Discrimination differences affect handwriting, spacing and judging force with pencils, scissors or cutlery
- Postural stability is fragile, so sitting still to listen is simply hard work
You will leave with clear, functional recommendations. These may include environmental tweaks, predictable routines, movement breaks, equipment trials and simple scripts for transitions. We write it down in plain language so you, your child and school can act straight away.
Who diagnoses sensory processing differences in the UK?
Occupational therapists assess sensory processing and provide intervention plans. In the UK, “sensory processing disorder” is not a formal medical diagnosis within the NHS; instead, sensory differences are described functionally and, where relevant, as part of conditions like autism or DCD. A HCPC registered occupational therapist explains the profile, links it to everyday participation and recommends support. If assessment findings suggest a broader developmental question, we can liaise with your GP or paediatrician for onward referral.
What does an EASI session look like?
Before you attend, you complete short questionnaires and share your priorities. In clinic, your child works through playful, structured activities while we observe posture, eye movements, body awareness, touch and movement responses, and motor planning. The assessment is usually split over two sessions. Each session is typically one and a half hours. We may suggest a short school or home observation to see how strategies would work in context; this is rare and would imply an extra cost. Afterward, you receive a clear report with scores explained in plain terms and a practical plan.
Scores versus functional outcomes, what matters?
Scores help us compare performance with age expectations. They are a tool, not the goal. We always translate scores into function, for example:
- What does a lower discrimination score mean for copying from the board or lining up numbers? How does modulation difficulty explain after school meltdowns?
- Which targeted strategies are most likely to improve stamina for lessons?
Functional change is what families and teachers feel in daily life, calmer mornings, longer focus, fewer battles over clothes, more comfortable participation in PE. We keep the focus there and use scores to guide and monitor progress.
How findings translate into everyday strategies
Expect practical, low cost ideas that can start tomorrow. Examples include:
- Predictable routines with a simple visual timetable and “what now” prompts
- Movement breaks that match the need, wall pushes, animal walks, chair bands, carrying a message to the office Gentle vestibular and proprioceptive input, slow swings, scooter board pulls, heavy work with books or laundry Seating and visual load tweaks, sit slightly away from doorways, use a sloped board, reduce desk clutter
- Clothing comfort plans, remove labels, use preferred textures, offer cosy layers Calm corners, soft seating, controlled lighting, a few regulating fidgets or books
For handwriting, we often combine sensory strategies with motor and visual motor tools. Where useful, we can add targeted testing such as the Detailed Assessment of Speed of Handwriting to refine support.
Seasonal tips for sensory overload during Christmas and the return to school
Holidays can be lovely, and also noisy, bright and unpredictable. Try these ideas:
Preview events with photos, agree a quiet break spot and a signal your child can use
- Pack ear defenders and a favourite jumper; use layered clothing to manage changing temperatures
- Keep to an anchor routine, a steady wake time, movement snack, regular meals and a short wind down ritual
- After busy outings, offer a cosy toolkit, warm drink, dim lights, weighted lap pad or a blanket and a simple, repetitive play option
- In the first weeks back, use gentle morning warm ups, wall pushes, animal walks or carrying a small bag to the car; at school, plan brief movement breaks and a calm corner arrangement Reduce visual clutter for homework and use timed work, short break cycles to rebuild stamina
These small adjustments reduce overload without drawing attention to your child and help them settle into the new term with confidence.
Booking and local options
If you are considering a clinic based EASI profile in Cornwall, our Team offers EASI sensory assessments in Threemilestone, Truro, with clear reports and collaboration with your child’s school. You can also enquire about a full paediatric assessment which also looks at sensory needs, fine and gross motor skills etc and can be carried out at home or at school. If handwriting is a concern alongside sensory needs, we can add a detailed assessment of speed of handwriting test in truro as part of a combined session.
Quick answers to your common questions
- What is the EASI assessment in occupational therapy? A standardised, clinician delivered set of tests and observations that explores modulation, discrimination, postural control and praxis to explain everyday participation and to guide strategies.
- What age is the EASI suitable for? Suitable across childhood, with age matched subtests and flexible use of complementary measures to fit your child’s developmental stage.
- What does a sensory assessment tell you? It explains how your child processes sensory input and how that affects learning, behaviour and daily tasks, then provides practical, tailored strategies.
- Who diagnoses sensory processing differences in the UK? HCPC registered OTs assess and describe sensory processing profiles. Formal diagnosis of related conditions sits with medical teams; OTs provide the functional plan.
- How can OT strategies support sensory overload during holidays? Use previews, planned quiet breaks, ear protection, cosy layering, heavy work and predictable routines to reduce overload and support regulation.
Final thoughts and next steps
The busiest months of the year are often when sensory differences shout the loudest. An EASI informed assessment turns guesswork into a plan you can trust. If you would like to secure an early January slot, please get in touch to discuss your child’s needs and the best assessment format. Appointments can fill quickly at the start of term, so early enquiries are helpful. We are here to translate scores into meaningful change and to help your child step into the new term feeling ready, regulated and confident.
Check out the following websites for futher information: