Sensory Integration Education

My Journey into Sensory Integration

My journey to Sensory Integration began several years ago while working in a school for children with complex learning disabilities and challenging behaviour. I saw the benefits of SI and attended an Introduction to Sensory Integration training course with the SI Network to find out more. I was fascinated and began studying the modules to become an SI practitioner.

Shortly after, I returned to working with adults with a learning disability within an NHS, specialist learning disability service and quickly saw the benefits of using an SI approach in my work. The positive impact it had on service users was amazing. I was given the opportunity to complete module 4 and become an advanced practitioner. I continue to be passionate about using SI with adults and embedding the approach within my team.

How I use SI in my practice

My Sensory Integration knowledge has enabled me to develop a sensory pathway within our team, raising the profile and understanding of SI within the multidisciplinary teams and the impact sensory integration difficulties can have on an individual's occupational performance and behaviour.

Principles of SI guide my clinical reasoning, assessments, treatment planning and interventions and enable me to work closely with clients, their families and the staff supporting them.

I have helped develop a special interest group base that attracts attendees from both NHS and private organisations, as well as individual therapists, which promotes some interesting discussion and knowledge sharing.

Why I am committed to supporting others to study SI

I am passionate about Sensory Integration and the positive impact it can have for individuals across the lifespan.

I enjoy working with students who are developing their knowledge in this field and encouraging them to develop their clinical reasoning skills to show how ideas can be transferred and adapted from children to adults.

I valued the support I received while training, through mentoring and study groups and am delighted to have the opportunity to provide that support to those starting their SI journeys!