This survey is part of an occupational therapy project at Learn for Life, conducted by students at the University of South Australia. We are exploring families’ experiences with sensory strategies at home and in daily life. Your feedback will help to guide us in creating resources that are meaningful, practical, and supportive of children’s needs.

1.Do you give permission for your responses to be used to plan and implement our project?
All responses will remain confidential and only be used for project purposes.

Yes

No

2.Does your child/children have identified sensory needs?

Yes

No

Unsure

3.How would you rate your knowledge of the sensory systems (i.e., visual, tactile, gustatory, olfactory, auditory, vestibular and proprioceptive input, and interoception)?

0 = None - "I've never heard of these before"

1 = Very limited - "I've heard the terms but don't understand them"

2 = Basic - "I have a little knowledge, but not much detail"

3 = Moderate - "I know some systems and their general role"

4 = Good - "I understand most systems and how they affect my child/children"

5 = Expert - "I have in-depth knowledge and could explain them to others"

4.How familiar are you with the term "Sensory Diet"?

Completely unfamiliar - "I have never heard of it"

Unfamiliar - "I have heard of it but unsure what it means"

Somewhat unfamiliar - "I have a basic idea, but couldn't explain it clearly"

Moderately familiar - "I understand the general concept and could give a simple explanation"

Familiar - "I have good knowledge of sensory diets, and could provide some examples"

Very familiar - "I have strong knowledge of sensory diets and could confidently explain them to others"

5.How well do you understand the purpose of sensory activities recommended by an Occupational Therapist?

Do not understand at all

Limited understanding

Basic understanding

Good understanding

Understand very well

6.How confident are you in using sensory strategies with your child at home or in the community?

Not confident at all

Slightly confident

Moderately confident

Confident

Very confident

7.What are the main barriers to using sensory strategies at home? (Select all that apply)

Limited time

Hard to remember

Not sure how to do them correctly

Lack of resources/equipment

My child resists or avoids the activities

Other (please specify)

8.How do you prefer to receive recommendations about sensory diets/strategies for your child/children? (Select all that apply)

Written handout with visuals

Verbal explanation from therapist

Demonstration during session

Video examples

In person at end of session

Sensory reports

Sensory Diet templates

Other (please specify)

9.How many sensory activities do you feel would be reasonable and practical to implement with your child in your daily life?

1 activity per day

2-3 activities per day

4-5 activities per day

6 or more activities per day

Not sure