BrainMax
Your sensory & nervous system guide
Hi! I'm BrainMax — your sensory & nervous system guide. Which sensory system are we supporting today? 🧠
by Earl Mamaril
Pediatric OT · Brewer, Maine
By Earl Mamaril, MS, OTR/L — Winnie Dunn's 4 Sensory Quadrants, explained for parents. One framework that finally explains the wide spectrum of behaviors you see at home.
The Sensory Profile, developed by occupational therapist Winnie Dunn, PhD, OTR, FAOTA, is one of the most widely used standardized assessments in pediatric OT. It identifies how a child registers and responds to sensory input across two dimensions:
These two dimensions create a 2×2 grid of four sensory processing patterns, each with its own profile, challenges, and ideal supports. Below — what each one looks like in real life, and the OT-recommended tools we use in our Brewer, Maine clinic.
What you see: Seems "in their own world." Misses social cues. Doesn't notice when their name is called. Appears drowsy or slow to respond. The nervous system needs a LOT of input before it registers.
OT-recommended tools:
What you see: Can't sit still. Constantly touching things. Craves movement. Jumps off furniture. Makes loud noises. Actively seeks sensory input to meet a high threshold.
OT-recommended tools:
What you see: Easily overwhelmed by noise, light, textures, or smells. Notices everything — tags in clothing, background conversations, flickering lights. Can become distressed without actively avoiding.
OT-recommended tools:
What you see: Actively withdraws from sensory experiences. Refuses certain foods. Avoids hugs. Covers ears. Won't wear certain clothes. Meltdowns in busy environments. Creates very rigid routines to control sensory input.
OT-recommended tools:
Not sure what to buy your grandchild for their birthday or the holidays? This table matches observable behavior to the most helpful sensory gifts.
| Quadrant | You might notice… | Best gift ideas |
|---|---|---|
| Low Registration | Seems dreamy, slow to respond, often tired | Mini trampoline, spinner chair, therapy putty |
| Sensation Seeking | Can't stop moving, touches everything, very loud | Indoor swing, chewelry, resistance bands |
| Sensory Sensitivity | Bothered by tags, lights, noises — easily distressed | Noise-canceling headphones, weighted blanket |
| Sensory Avoiding | Rigid routines, refuses foods/clothes, meltdowns in crowds | Weighted lap pad, white noise machine, soft fidgets |
Can my child be in more than one quadrant?
Yes. Children can show traits across multiple quadrants in different sensory systems (tactile vs. auditory, for example). A full Sensory Profile assessment through our OT clinic identifies your child's specific pattern across all systems.
How is the Sensory Profile different from an SPD diagnosis?
The Sensory Profile is an assessment tool, not a diagnostic label. It helps identify how a child processes sensory input so that OTs, parents, and teachers can create more supportive environments. Sensory Processing Disorder is not currently a standalone DSM-5 diagnosis but is often present alongside autism, ADHD, and anxiety.
At what age can my child be assessed?
The Sensory Profile has versions for infants (birth–6 months), toddlers (7–36 months), children (3–14 years), and adolescents/adults. Our pediatric OT team can assess children as young as 7 months.
Do you offer virtual OT sessions?
Yes. Our virtual sessions are specifically designed to coach parents and caregivers through sensory strategies at home. Many families find virtual support is the fastest path to relief because the strategies are implemented in the child's actual environment.
Our pediatric OT team in Brewer, Maine specializes in sensory processing. Book an in-clinic evaluation — or start with telehealth from anywhere in the United States.
Your sensory & nervous system guide
Hi! I'm BrainMax — your sensory & nervous system guide. Which sensory system are we supporting today? 🧠