Sensory Processing Measure - Preschool (SPM-P 2)

Title of Assessment

Sensory Processing Measure – Preschool, Second Edition (SPM-2 Preschool)

Author(s)

• L. Diane Parham

• Diana A. Henry

• Heather A. Kuhaneck

• Tara J. Glennon

• Cheryl Ecker

• Laurie Parsons
  
  

Year of Publication/Publisher
2021, Western Psychological Services (WPS)

Identify Type of Assessment
Standardized, norm-referenced rating scale completed by caregivers and teachers. Includes interview and observation components to evaluate sensory processing and participation across environments.

Cost (identify source) & How to Access Assessment (include link if possible)

• Print Kit (with Quick Tips): $377
  
  

• Online Kit (with Quick Tips): $353
  
  

• Home Print Forms (25-pack): $88
  
  

• Home Online Forms (25 uses): $82
  
  

• Available through WPS: https://www.wpspublish.com/spm-2
  
  

Population (who it is appropriate for)
Ages 2 to 5 years, especially those with:

• Sensory processing challenges

• Developmental delays

• Autism spectrum disorder
  
  

Appropriate Settings

• Preschools and daycares

• Early intervention

• Outpatient pediatric clinics

• School-based
  
  

Purpose of Assessment & Function(s)/Area(s) Assessed
The SPM-2 Preschool assesses sensory processing, praxis, and social participation in daily settings. It provides insight into how a child functions across home and school environments, helping clinicians identify sensory challenges and plan interventions. Quick Tips provide targeted, item-level intervention strategies.

Domains Assessed:

• Vision
  
  

• Hearing
  
  

• Touch
  
  

• Taste and Smell
  
  

• Body Awareness
  
  

• Balance and Motion
  
  

• Planning and Ideas
  
  

• Social Participation
  
  

• Sensory Total (overall integration)
  
  

Administration

• Format: Caregiver/teacher-completed rating scales
  
  

• Time: 20–30 minutes per form
  
  

• Individualized: Not group-based
  
  

• Forms: Home and School Forms for Preschool level
  
  

• Items rated using a Likert scale (Never, Occasionally, Frequently, Always)
  
  

• Forms can be administered via paper or electronically (via WPS Online Evaluation System)
  
  

• Multiple raters across different environments recommended for a comprehensive view
  
  

User Qualifications

• Master's degree (or higher) in psychology, OT, SLP, special education, or related field
  
  

• OR Bachelor’s with appropriate licensure/certification and relevant training
  Qualification Guidelines
  
  

Materials Required

• SPM-2 Preschool forms (print or digital)
  
  

• Writing utensil or computer/tablet for online administration
  
  

• Internet access for online use and scoring
  
  

Scoring Procedure

• Items scored and totaled to generate raw scores
  
  

• Raw scores are converted into T-scores (mean = 50, SD = 10) for each scale
  
  

• T-scores compare child’s sensory functioning to normative samples
  
  

• Difference (DIF) scores compare ratings across environments (e.g., home vs. school) or between raters
  
  

• Clinically interpretable—high or low T-scores suggest over/under-responsiveness, seeking, or perception issues
  
  

• Results are visually summarized and user-friendly for both clinicians and parents
  
  

Psychometrics/Standardization

• Standardized on 3,850 typically developing individuals, aged 4 months to 87 years
  
  

• Preschool sample: 606 children, stratified by age to account for developmental differences
  
  

• Clinical validation sample: 639 children with developmental and sensory conditions
  
  

• Reliability:
  
  

  • Internal consistency: Median = 0.86
    
    

  • Test–retest: 0.84
    
    

  • Alternate form: 0.78
    
    

  • Interrater: 0.66
    
    

• Strong content, construct, and criterion-related validity
  
  

Strengths & Weaknesses of Assessment

Strengths

• Provides a full picture of sensory functioning across settings
  
  

• Promotes caregiver and teacher involvement in the evaluation process
  
  

• Clear visuals and simple language make interpretation approachable for families
  
  

• Updated norms and forms across the lifespan for continuity
  
  

Weaknesses

• Cost may be a barrier for some programs
  
  

• Some raters (e.g., parents or teachers) may find the items or suggestions hard to interpret without professional support
  
  

References

• WPS. (n.d.). (SPM™-2) Sensory Processing Measure, Second Edition and SPM-2 Quick Tips. WPS. https://www.wpspublish.com/spm-2?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=SPM_2&utm_id=414306812&utm_term=sensory%20processing%20measure&utm_campaign=AB+%7C+Search+%7C+Brand+-+Proprietary+%7C+Standard+%7C+Manual+CPC&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_id=414306812&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_tgt=kwd-82189149743430:loc-190&hsa_ad=&hsa_acc=6243382947&hsa_grp=1315017088179058&hsa_mt=p&hsa_cam=827568934&hsa_kw=sensory%20processing%20measure&hsa_ver=3&hsa_src=o&msclkid=df6acf2ad20b1f29673da752872a12f0 

• WPS. (n.d.). Qualification Guidlines. WPS. https://ecom-cdn.wpspublish.com/prod/media/content-wps/QualificationGuidelines.pdf