Sensory Integration Education

The longer I have worked in this field, the more I appreciate the value of a sensory ‘lens’ to inform my work. However, that might not be for the reasons people think. 

As a member of a multidisciplinary team, I play a role in a practice providing services to individuals with a range of concerns or health conditions. When individuals are referred to services, the main concerns are listed in their referrals; but it’s not always clear from the outset what bothers people the most or the most pressing issues they would like to address.

In many services, screening enables the gathering of further information before the next step is determined, including assessments required or the plan for intervention or other strategies as needed. When deciding the next step for the people we work with, asking the right questions at the screening stage is key to what happens next. Screening or assessment questions are often guided by a therapist’s professional experience and exposure to additional training or CPD. For example, a referral for somebody who struggles with paying attention and sitting still might be viewed differently by someone with a different professional background.

At the screening and assessment stage, it is of the utmost importance to ask the right questions to ascertain what other areas an individual might be having difficulties with and not just the main concerns listed by a client, parent or teacher. 

In my experience, many individuals are not always aware of how their difficulties can be connected or related, and for some, this is a useful part of understanding themselves and why they react a certain way. This is true regardless of whether you are an occupational therapist, psychologist, physiotherapist or speech and language therapist. Since completing my Sensory Integration training, I have been able to consider aspects that I might not have considered before.

Adding a sensory lens to your practice does not mean that Sensory Integration is the only intervention that you will offer individuals. In fact, it is not always appropriate for everyone. What it does offer you is the ability to see someone holistically and consider all aspects of their life in order to understand the everyday tasks they find difficult and why. So being able to ask the right questions so as to help individuals and their families better understand their preferences and needs is why I highly recommend adding a sensory lens to your practice.

Best wishes

Dr Lelanie Brewer

PS: If you work in  a health, care or community setting and are interested in finding out more about the benefits of adopting sensory informed approaches into your existing practice, why not take a look at our Certified Sensory Inclusion Facilitator course? This online course will equip with the tools and knowledge to recognise sensory processing differences across the lifespan and in workplaces, public spaces and community settings and how to make simple, effective changes that support comfort, participation and well-being.  Find out more here.