Dunn's Model of Sensory Processing

Name of theory: Dunn’s Model of Sensory Processing (MoP)

This theory states that there are four basic patterns of sensory processing that have emerge from the interaction of the neurological threshold and self-regulation. These patterns are: sensation seeking (high threshold and active self-regulation strategy), sensory avoiding (low thresholds and active self-regulation strategy), sensory sensitivity (low threshold and passive self-regulation strategy), and low registration (high threshold and passive self-regulation strategy).

Client population: All ages (child, adolescent, adult, and elderly)

Key terms:

•        Neurological threshold – a personal range of threshold for noticing and responding to different sensory events in everyday life
•        Self-regulation – continuum of behavioral construct. On one end of the continuum is passive strategy (i.e. standing still and becoming frustrated when overwhelmed by sensory inputs). On the other end is active strategy (i.e. adjusting position to create a manageable amount of sensory input).
•       Passive – not physically moving to reduce stimuli
•      Active – manipulating one’s self to change/alter stimuli

What is “functional”? Having non-extreme responses to sensory events. Extreme responses will likely interfere with daily life.

What might an OT measure? Response to various sensory stimuli