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Ayres Sensory Integration Training in Australia

Occupational therapists across Australia — alongside speech and language therapists, physiotherapists and other allied health colleagues — are increasingly looking for in-depth, postgraduate-level Ayres Sensory Integration training that leads to an internationally recognised university qualification.

Sensory Integration Education (SIE) has been training Ayres Sensory Integration practitioners since 1994 and now delivers its full postgraduate programme entirely online, in partnership with Sheffield Hallam University in the United Kingdom. Australian clinicians can study with us from anywhere in the country and apply the learning directly to their own caseload.

What is Ayres Sensory Integration?

Ayres Sensory Integration® is an evidence-based clinical framework developed by Dr A. Jean Ayres for understanding how the nervous system organises sensory information for use.

It gives clinicians a structured way to assess and support people whose sensory processing develops differently, so that everyday activities — at home, at school, at work and in the community — become more accessible. The framework is used by qualified clinicians as one part of a full assessment, never as a stand-alone therapy.

Why Australian OTs choose SIE for Ayres Sensory Integration training

SIE is one of the longest-established providers of Ayres Sensory Integration training in the world, with a full postgraduate programme validated by Sheffield Hallam University.

You learn from experienced clinician-educators, join a global cohort of allied health professionals, and apply each stage of learning directly to your own practice as you go — rather than stepping away from clinical work to study.

Online delivery designed around busy clinicians

The Ayres Sensory Integration training Australia-based therapists undertake with SIE is delivered fully online, combining self-paced study, live small-group tutorials, supervised practical components and mentored clinical practice.

Live sessions are scheduled to suit international cohorts; many Australian participants join early-morning or evening sessions that align with UK working hours, and every live session is recorded, so you never miss content.

You do not need to travel to the UK to complete the programme. Practical and clinical assessment elements can be evidenced through your own work in Australia, with mentor supervision arranged remotely via secure video.

The postgraduate pathway: PGCert, PGDip and MSc

The Sheffield Hallam-validated programme is designed so you can step on and step off at three recognised exit points:

  • PGCert in Sensory Integration — foundational theory and assessment. Many therapists begin confident clinical application of Ayres Sensory Integration at this point.
  • PGDip in Sensory Integration — advanced assessment, intervention planning and supervised practice.
  • MSc in Sensory Integration — a research module culminating in your own clinical research project, contributing to the global Ayres Sensory Integration evidence base.

Each stage is a fully recognised Sheffield Hallam University postgraduate qualification, awarded under the UK higher education framework.

Recognition for AHPRA-registered occupational therapists

Australian OTs registered with AHPRA are required to maintain ongoing CPD as a condition of registration. SIE's programme delivers structured CPD at postgraduate level, well above the threshold for self-directed recording, and is widely held by AHPRA-registered OTs already practising across Australia.

While Occupational Therapy Australia and individual employers do not formally "approve" specific overseas courses, our Sheffield Hallam University qualifications are internationally recognised and routinely held by sensory integration specialists in clinical practice. We always recommend checking specific employer or funding requirements before enrolling.

Who can apply

The programme is designed for qualified allied health professionals.

Most participants are occupational therapists, but speech and language therapists, physiotherapists and other registered clinicians working with sensory-related populations are eligible. You will need a relevant first degree, current registration in your country of practice, and access to a clinical caseload to apply the learning.

Next Steps

We are happy to talk through eligibility, timings and fees with any clinician considering postgraduate Ayres Sensory Integration training in Australia.