Sensory Integration Education

My Journey into Sensory Integration

I first came across SI when I was working in a residential school for children and young people with autism spectrum disorder, challenging behaviour and learning disabilities. Although I had previously had many years working as an OT in acute adult mental health, specialising in anxiety disorders I had never heard of sensory integration. Since working at the school, learning about sensory processing and embarking on my SI learning journey, my outlook has completely changed. I really wish I could go back and re-evaluate some of the clients I used to work with, equipped with the knowledge I now have related to sensory processing, to be able to offer additional intervention and strategies to help to reduce their anxiety which could have had a sensory origin.

Once I started learning about SI I was keen to develop my learning and understanding and my learning journey with SI has resulted in an MSc with distinction through Sensory Integration Education which has been thoroughly rewarding.

How I use SI in my practice

I work in a range of different settings including within schools, using an SI room and in different settings including homes and within the community to assess and treat children, young people and adults who are experiencing sensory processing difficulties. I work with a range of different agencies and also engage in some training work with professionals, education staff as well as parents. I also work with parents who have fostered or adopted children, to help to develop their knowledge on the impact of trauma and early experiences on sensory processing. It is very rewarding to see the lightbulbs come on as individuals learn about the huge impact of sensory processing and integration challenges and how these can impact on all aspects of life and learning.

Within Sensory Integration Education I am a Lead E-Mentor, an E-Mentor on some of the courses as well as being a clinical mentor.