EmphaSIze March 2026: Neurodiversity and Neuroscience
By Sensory Integration Education, 9th March 2026
Welcome to the March issue of EmphaSIze where this month we're focusing on Neuordiversity and Neurosicence!
It’s Neurodiversity Celebration Week next week – so in this issue of EmphaSIze we've put together useful articles, research, books, and product ideas to help better inform ourselves about neurodiversity so that we can put into practice actions to be more inclusive in our settings when working with clients.
Also if you’re looking to take the next step in your sensory training journey, applications for Module A of our Postgraduate Pathway are still open until 5pm on Friday 20th March. And if you identify as neurodivergent and want to find out what support you can expect if starting your postgraduate journey with us, read the article below ‘How We Help Neurodivergent and Disabled Postgraduate Students Thrive’ to find out more!
News & Features
How We Help Neurodivergent and Disabled Postgraduate Students Thrive
Starting a postgraduate qualification is an exciting and meaningful step in your professional journey. At SIE, we believe that every student should have the opportunity to thrive—not just academically, but as a valued member of a supportive learning community.
We recognise that some of our postgraduate learners are neurodivergent, disabled or managing long-term health conditions alongside their studies. That’s why – in partnership with our academic partner Sheffield Hallam University - we are committed to creating an inclusive, accessible environment where the right adjustments, guidance and encouragement are in place from the very beginning, empowering you to succeed with confidence.
Read our blog to find out more.
Discovering My Sensory Rhythm
In this powerful and deeply reflective blog, Teodora Byrne – a late-diagnosed AuDHD woman and Sensory Inclusion Facilitator – invites us into her lived experience of discovering her own sensory rhythm.
With honesty and clarity, Teodora challenges fixed sensory models, reframes regulation as relational and rhythmic, and highlights how noise, movement and sensory anchors shape not only access and participation but wellbeing too. Her journey moves beyond self-surveillance towards compassionate self-understanding.
Check out Teodora’s website here.
Finding Joy in Different Ways of Thinking: A Sensory Perspective
In conversations about neurodivergence, the focus so often rests on challenge — distraction, overload, social misunderstanding, burnout. These experiences are real and significant, shaping daily life in profound ways. Yet alongside them exists another quieter truth: the capacity for deep, sustaining joy that can arise from experiencing the world differently.
In her latest blog, Dr Lelanie Brewer explores the sensory dimension of neurodivergence — not to diminish the reality of distress, but to widen the lens. By looking through a sensory perspective, we can start to see how heightened perception, repetition, hyperfocus, and meaningful attachments can offer not just regulation, but genuine pleasure and richness in everyday life.
Also see:
6 ways to turn your home into a sensory-friendly space for neurodivergent kids
Paddington could host TfL’s first sensory-friendly “quiet space” for travellers
Six ways to create an autism-friendly learning environment
New sensory-friendly waiting room will support neurodivergent children
A simple 20-minute activity that may help ADHD children at school
Chronodiversity: A Forgotten Aspect of Neurodiversity
Upcoming Courses and Webinars
We have a number of live webinars that take place throughout the year covering a broad range of SI-related topics. Below is a snapshot of webinars happening in the first few months of 2026 or click here to view a summary of all the upcoming live events.
All these webinars are available to you by signing up to our Lifelong Learning Programme or can be purchased as individual courses:
- Viewing Eating and Drinking Through a Sensory Lens – 23 March 2026
- Advancing Sensory-based OT Through Play, Relationship and Embodiment – 15 April 2026
- Sensory Integration and Deafness – 29 April 2026
- Neurodivergence and the Perimenopause – 12 May 2026
- PANS/PANDA and Sensory Processing - 21 May 2026
SI Research Digest
Below are links to the most popular sensory integration and sensory processing research papers and findings published on our social channels last month:
This new study examined facial expression recognition in autistic individuals in relation to the alexithymia hypothesis, which proposes that difficulties recognising others’ emotions stem from challenges in understanding one’s own emotional states. The findings consistently did not support this hypothesis. Instead, emotion recognition difficulties were more strongly associated with autistic traits, particularly social communication differences, than with co-occurring alexithymia.
Neuro-cortical Signatures of Attention in Uni- and Multi-sensory Audio-visual Processing in Children
This new study examined the impact of attention on sensory-evoked cortical responses within the visual (occipital), auditory (temporal), and parietal cortices during multisensory audiovisual stimulation. Findings revealed attention-related differences in sensory processing among typically developing children aged 9–14 years. Children with shorter attention experienced more difficulties in sensory-related tasks and took longer to process visual and auditory information.
This new study explored self-esteem as a key factor linking physical activity (PA) and subjective well-being, with enjoyment of PA influencing this relationship. It also examined how motor difficulties affect these associations. The findings suggest that motor difficulties play a significant role, as individuals with greater motor challenges experienced fewer well-being benefits from time spent in physical activity.
Decoding the Neural Basis of Sensory Phenotypes in Autism
This new study investigated how sensory phenotypes in 146 autistic children and adolescents relate to differences in resting-state functional connectivity. The researchers drew on data from the Province of Ontario Neurodevelopmental Network (POND), which included both resting-state fMRI scans and Short Sensory Profile scores. The researchers found that many sensory phenotypes in autism can be statistically distinguished based on functional connectivity.
The study explored how anxiety, self-efficacy, resilience, and movement variability influence perceptions and actions in adults with and without Development Coordination Disorder (DCD), confirming the significant role of movement variability in the movement behaviour of adults with DCD.
Resources
Take a look at our books and product recommendations for this month:
The Mental Health and Wellbeing of Children and Young People with Learning Difficulties: By demystifying terms such as mental health, wellbeing, learning difficulties and the sensitivities surrounding labels, this practical and evidence-based guide helps you achieve an in-depth understanding of the children and young people you work with. It provides skills and knowledge for supporting their mental health and wellbeing in educational settings - from nursery to secondary school in both mainstream and specialist environments with talking and non-verbal communication approaches to accommodate varying needs.
The Kids' Guide to Staying Awesome and In Control: Packed with easy-to-use ideas to regulate emotions and senses, this book will help kids aged 7+ process difficult feelings so that they feel awesome and in control. The book is all about helping young people understand their feelings and learning tools to handle them such as everyday calming tricks (e.g., bubble breaths, pressure holds, or finger pulls-perfect for anywhere, anytime) and longer body breaks using moves such as the cross-crawl or the superman pose.
You Shine, Amazing Boy: A Collection of Inspiring Stories about Courage, Kindness, and Self-Confidence: This book brings together ten powerful short stories that inspire boys to lead with heart, make good choices, and grow from every challenge. Each story follows a relatable hero as he learns about honesty, teamwork, friendship, gratitude, and standing up for what’s right. Ideal for boys ages 7–10 and perfect for bedtime or independent reading.
Learning Resources Big Feelings Pineapple: For children aged 3 years+, this pineapple feels a lot of feelings and helps children identify and express emotions through creative play with mix-and-match face pieces. It also supports preschool social-emotional learning (SEL) development by encouraging children to identify and talk about different facial expressions with every face they make. The pieces are the perfect size for children developing their fine motor skills as they slot them into the holes.
Magnetic Sensory Balls: The tactile interaction with these magnetic balls helps improve fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. The bright colour schemes are not just visually appealing, but they also help boost focus and concentration and the unique textures offer a satisfying sensory experience, perfect for alleviating stress and anxiety.
Discounts & Special Offers
Please quote DISCOUNT CODE SIE20 for 10% discount on Southpaw orders up to £100. Orders must be placed by phone on +44 (0) 115 718 0020.
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Best wishes,
Sensory Integration Education
NB: Sensory Integration Education is not responsible for the content on external websites. Sharing a resource does not imply endorsement by Sensory Integration Education.
