Background Children with a learning disability may process sensory information differently to their peers. They may display behaviours of concern when there is an increase in stress levels due to a hospital visit.

Aim To explore parents’ perceptions of using a stress sensory preferences interview and recommendations evaluation (SsPIRE) to elicit information about their child’s sensory needs to improve their hospital stay as well as reduce behaviours of concern.

Method Five semi-structured interviews took place with parents of children with Hunter or Sanfilippo syndromes. Thematic analysis was used.

Findings Three common themes were generated: person-centred planning, confidence and interview amendments.

Conclusion Parents reported that SsPIRE assists in improving the care given to their child in hospital and their own confidence in healthcare staff to manage their child’s behaviours.