How should age and developmental level be considered when interpreting sensory processing assessments?

• A. Use age-normed comparisons, interpret within developmental stage, and consider functional expectations for that age.
• B. Compare to adult norms.
• C. Ignore normative data.
• D. Use only raw scores.

Answer: (A)

Interpreting sensory processing assessments hinges on comparing a child to age-appropriate norms and tying findings to their current developmental level and daily functioning. Age-normed comparisons show where the child falls relative to peers of the same age, providing a meaningful reference range. Interpreting within the developmental stage recognizes that expectations shift as children grow, so the same pattern may have different implications at different ages. Considering functional expectations translates scores into real-world impact—how sensory processing supports or challenges participation in daily activities, play, self-care, and school tasks. Relying on adult norms would misrepresent pediatric performance, ignoring normative data misses essential context, and using only raw scores offers little meaning without a developmental reference. This approach yields interpretation that is accurate, developmentally appropriate, and clinically useful for planning interventions.