Sensory Sensitivity Test

Discover how sensory factors affect your eating patterns

⏱️ 6 minutes Difficulty: Easy (3/10)

Sensory Sensitivity Test

⏱️ Takes approximately 6 minutes

Question 1 of 10

What is Sensory Sensitivity in Eating?

Sensory sensitivity refers to how strongly you react to the sensory characteristics of food: texture, smell, appearance, and temperature. Some people are highly sensitive to these sensory inputs, which can significantly influence their food choices and eating behaviors.

The Four Sensory Dimensions

Texture Sensitivity

Texture sensitivity involves how you respond to different food textures - soft, crunchy, slimy, mixed, etc. People with high texture sensitivity may avoid foods based primarily on how they feel in the mouth, regardless of taste.

Smell Sensitivity

Smell sensitivity refers to how food aromas affect your eating decisions. Strong-smelling foods (fish, durian, certain cheeses) may be avoided due to their odor alone, even before tasting.

Appearance Sensitivity

Appearance sensitivity involves how food looks affecting your willingness to eat it. Color, shape, presentation, and visual mixing can all influence food acceptance for people with high appearance sensitivity.

Temperature Sensitivity

Temperature sensitivity refers to preferences or aversions to very hot or very cold foods. Some people find extreme temperatures uncomfortable or even painful.

Why This Matters

Understanding your sensory sensitivities can help you:

  • Identify which sensory factors most influence your food choices
  • Develop strategies to work with (rather than against) your sensitivities
  • Make informed decisions about food preparation and presentation
  • Understand why certain foods are particularly challenging for you

Interpreting Your Score

Not (0-24): Low Sensory Sensitivity

You have minimal sensitivity to sensory food characteristics. Texture, smell, appearance, and temperature don't significantly impact your food choices. You're comfortable with a wide variety of food presentations.

Mild (25-49): Mild Sensory Sensitivity

You have some sensitivity to sensory food characteristics. Certain textures, smells, or appearances may influence your food choices, but you're generally flexible.

Moderate (50-74): Moderate Sensory Sensitivity

You have noticeable sensitivity to sensory food characteristics. Texture, smell, appearance, or temperature significantly influence your food choices. You may avoid certain foods primarily due to sensory factors.

High (75-100): High Sensory Sensitivity

You have significant sensitivity to sensory food characteristics. Sensory factors strongly influence your food choices, and you may avoid many foods based on texture, smell, appearance, or temperature alone. Professional support may help you develop strategies to manage these sensitivities.

When to Seek Professional Help

Consider professional help if your sensory sensitivities: significantly limit your food variety (fewer than 15-20 foods), cause nutritional deficiencies, severely impact your social eating, or cause significant distress. An occupational therapist specializing in sensory integration or a feeding therapist can provide personalized strategies.

Related Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Can sensory sensitivity be reduced?

Yes, sensory sensitivity can often be managed through gradual exposure, sensory integration techniques, and occupational therapy. Many people successfully expand their food acceptance by working with their sensitivities rather than against them.

Is sensory sensitivity related to autism or other conditions?

Sensory sensitivity can be associated with various conditions including autism, ADHD, and sensory processing disorder, but it can also exist independently. If you have concerns, consult with a healthcare provider or occupational therapist.