Dunn's Sensory Processing Model identifies which four processing patterns?

• A. Sensory seeking, Sensory avoiding, Sensory sensitivity, Low registration
• B. Visual attention, Auditory processing, Tactile awareness, Proprioceptive balance
• C. Motor planning, Executive function, Memory recall, Language processing
• D. Sensory discrimination, Olfactory adaptation, Gustatory modulation, Vestibular orientation

Answer: (A)

Dunn’s model sorts how a person responds to sensory input by two dimensions: neurological threshold (high or low) and self-regulation strategy (active or passive). The combination of these two factors yields four patterns.

• Sensory seeking comes from a high threshold paired with an active approach to get more input, so the person actively looks for extra sensory experiences to meet their needs (for example, seeking movement or tactile feedback during play).

• Sensory avoiding arises from a low threshold with an active strategy to reduce input, leading the person to actively avoid or limit sensory experiences that feel overwhelming.

• Sensory sensitivity occurs with a low threshold and a passive response. The person notices input quickly and becomes easily overwhelmed but does not actively try to counter it, often appearing distractible or irritable in rich sensory environments.

• Low registration results from a high threshold with a passive approach, so the person may miss or not notice sensory input unless it is very salient or repeatedly presented.

This is why the four patterns listed are the correct set: sensory seeking, sensory avoiding, sensory sensitivity, and low registration.