Sensory Integration Education

My own SI journey started in 1999 as an undergraduate student at the University of the Free State in South Africa when my then lecturer, Annemarie van Jaarsveld, lent me her copy of the Out of Sync Child. I was hooked and wanted to learn more. In my final year of study I was assigned to Annemarie’s research group for my final dissertation project and joined a few of my classmates in a project titled: ‘Sensory Integration and Institutionalised Toddlers’. I completed modules 1,2 and 3 whilst working as a paediatric Occupational Therapist at the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust. During this time I also learned a lot from colleagues who are experts in the field. A couple of years later whilst I was working as an independent Occupational Therapist I completed module 4 and was awarded my Advanced Practitioner’s certificate in 2009.

I then went on to use my Masters credits from my Sensory Integration Modules towards an MSc at Brunel University London. For my dissertation I completed a systematic review on the effectiveness of weighted vests to improve attention to task in children with developmental disorders. I also researched the development of self-care in children with and without motor impairments for my PhD at Newcastle University.

I have experience of using SI as a frame of reference in school, community and private settings. As a school based therapist it was also part of my role to provide training to teachers and support staff around the topic of sensory integration and how sensory integration difficulties can impact children’s participation at school. I have supported children and young people with age 2-18 with a range of diagnoses with sensory integration difficulties but also have some clinical experience in adult mental health and stroke rehabilitation.

Why I'm committed to supporting others to study SI

Sensory integration difficulties affect many individuals in different ways and can have a significant impact on the participation of individuals. Knowing how to support individuals with these difficulties can make all the difference and help them access activities and participate in daily occupations. Therefore I believe that it is an area that all professionals should have a better understanding of and I enjoy working with students to help them to better support individuals with sensory integration difficulties and their families.

You can see a short video from Lelanie here.