Sensory Profile Checklist

A “Sensory Profile” is a personal map of what makes you feel overwhelmed versus what helps you feel calm. Below is a checklist designed for a workplace or study environment.

📝 The Workplace Sensory Profile Checklist

For each item, mark whether you are Over-sensitive (Avoid), Under-sensitive (Seek), or Neutral.

👁️ Visual (Sight)

• Fluorescent Lighting: Does it feel too bright or do you notice a flicker?
• Peripheral Movement: Does people walking past your desk break your focus?
• Clutter: Does a messy desk make your brain feel “noisy”?
• Screen Glare: Do you find yourself squinting even when the brightness is down?

👂 Auditory (Sound)

• Mechanical Hum: Do you hear the AC, fridge, or computer fan constantly?
• Background Chatter: Is it hard to filter out a conversation happening nearby?
• Sudden Noises: Do phone pings or doors slamming cause a “startle” response?
• Silence: Is “dead silence” actually distracting or unnerving for you?

🖐️ Tactile (Touch)

• Clothing Textures: Do tags, seams, or specific fabrics (like wool) feel itchy?
• Surface Textures: Does the feel of your desk or chair material bother you?
• Temperature: Do you feel much colder or hotter than everyone else in the room?
• Personal Space: Does it feel stressful when people stand close to you?

🧘 Proprioception & Vestibular (Body Awareness & Balance)

• Sitting Still: Do you feel a need to rock, bounce your leg, or pace to think?
• Deep Pressure: Do you feel better when wearing a heavy coat or a tight backpack?
• Clumsiness: Do you often bump into the corners of desks or doorways?

🚀 Creating Your “Sensory Toolkit”

Once you’ve identified your triggers, you can build a Sensory Toolkit to keep at your desk. Here’s what a typical one looks like: