Getting the right help is important if you suspect someone has sensory processing difficulties. This will usually involve three steps: referral, assessment, and therapy or intervention.
If you think a family member has sensory processing difficulties, ask your GP, Consultant, Teacher, or School SENCO for a referral to a therapist qualified in sensory integration.
What is Sensory Integration Therapy?
Sensory Integration Therapy involves individualised treatment based on the Ayres Sensory Integration® model. It's worth knowing that some school-based and group programmes — such as the Alert Programme, Henry Tools, or a Sensory Diet — draw on the sensory integration knowledge base but are not the same as Sensory Integration Therapy.
Finding a private practitioner
If you're looking for a therapist in private practice, you can search the professional body directories below:
Checking a therapist's qualifications
To verify the sensory integration qualifications of a therapist who has trained with SIE, visit the SI Practitioners Register →
What is a sensory integration assessment?
A sensory integration assessment should draw on information from a range of sources alongside clinical observations. A qualified therapist will use a combination of tools and methods suited to the individual — not every client will be able to complete every assessment, and a good therapist will explain their choices as part of their clinical reasoning.
The 'gold standard' standardised assessment is the Sensory Integration and Praxis Test (SIPT), though other tools may be used depending on the person's age, needs, and abilities.
SI practice is considered an extended scope of practice by the Royal College of Occupational Therapists — meaning it requires post-qualification training. Sensory Integration Education is one of the main recognised providers of this training in the UK.
Assessment tools for adults
For adults, therapists may use the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (self-report) or, where self-report isn't possible, the Sensory Integration Inventory — an observational tool completed by the therapist in conjunction with the wider team. Where an adult has significant learning disabilities, a therapist may cautiously use the Paediatric Caregiver Sensory Profile alongside clinical observations.
How much does it cost?
Private practice initial assessments and session fees vary depending on the therapist, location, and complexity of need. The figures below are indicative only and may not reflect current rates — always check directly with the practitioner and confirm what is included.
NHS therapy is provided free at the point of care, but SI therapy may not be available in all regions of the UK. If it isn't available in your area, see the private practice directory links above.
There are several ways to find a qualified SI practitioner, whether through the NHS or in private practice:
SIE's own directory
Search our growing list of qualified SI practitioners:
Find a local SI practitioner →
UK — Private Practice
Ireland — Private Practice
Search the Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland by keyword (sensory) and location.
Checking qualifications
To verify the sensory integration qualifications of a therapist who has trained with SIE, visit the SI Practitioners Register →
If you're concerned that your child's sensory needs aren't being well supported at school, there are a few steps that can help:
Talk to your occupational therapist
Your OT can communicate directly with the school about your child's sensory processing differences — explaining the likely impact in the classroom and suggesting practical strategies to support participation and learning.
Talk to the SENCO
Every school has a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) who can work with you and your child's therapist to put support in place. In England, this may include an EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan), which sets out your child's needs and the support the school must provide. In other parts of the UK, equivalent plans exist under different names.
Sensory Inclusive Schools
If your child's school would benefit from training and practical strategies to better support children with sensory processing differences, our specialist programme Sensory Inclusive Schools is designed for exactly this — helping teachers, TAs, and SEND teams create sensory-informed classrooms.
To access sensory integration assessment and intervention, you'll need a referral to an occupational therapist, physiotherapist, or speech and language therapist with postgraduate training in sensory integration.
Through the NHS or a school
Through private practice
If NHS SI therapy isn't available in your area, or you'd prefer not to wait, you can search for a qualified private practitioner directly:
Checking qualifications
To verify the sensory integration qualifications of a therapist who has trained with SIE, visit the SI Practitioners Register →
Before you begin, it's worth taking a few minutes to check what you'll be receiving and whether the therapist is appropriately qualified.
Is it Sensory Integration Therapy?Sensory Integration Therapy involves individualised treatment based on the Ayres Sensory Integration® model. Some programmes — such as the Alert Programme, Henry Tools, or a Sensory Diet — draw on the SI knowledge base but are not the same as Sensory Integration Therapy. It's worth asking your therapist to clarify exactly what approach they use.
Is the therapist state-registered?
In the UK, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and speech and language therapists must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), which can be checked online. In Ireland, check registration with CORU — Ireland's health and social care professionals regulator.
Has the therapist completed postgraduate SI training?
Postgraduate sensory integration training is available worldwide through Sensory Integration Education in partnership with Sheffield Hallam University. To verify a therapist's qualifications, visit the SI Practitioners Register →
What level of qualification should I look for?
SI Practitioner — requires successful completion of:
SI Practitioner (Advanced) — requires successful completion of:
SIE recommends that all independent practitioners hold at least SI Practitioner status (Module B or SI Module 3 level), with a preference for SI Practitioner (Advanced) status.
Is the therapist receiving regular supervision or mentoring?
All qualified therapists should be involved in an ongoing programme of clinical supervision or mentoring. It's reasonable to ask about this.
Is the therapist keeping their practice up to date?
Evidence of continuing professional development might include attendance at conferences and workshops, participation in SI peer support or supervision groups, and engagement with current SI research and literature — including SensorNet magazine and relevant OT, physiotherapy, and neuroscience publications.
