EmphaSIze October 2024: Sensory Informed Practices
By Sensory Integration Education, 3rd October 2024
Welcome to the October issue of EmphaSIze where this month we're focusing on Sensory Informed Practices!
As this month is Sensory Awareness Month, it serves as a valuable reminder of the significance sensory processing has in our day-to-day lives - from dressing, eating and moving to socialising, learning and working. Everyone experiences variations in sensory processing and what feels normal to one person might feel overwhelming or underwhelming to another.
An essential part of sensory informed practice is initially considering an individual’s needs and how their sensory differences may be impacting their ability to carry out daily activities. Sensory informed strategies are not a ‘one size fits all’ approach and, before any sensory strategies or therapy can be considered, it is important to consider the needs of the individual first and collaborate with them to support their differences in a way that best suits them.
In this month's EmphaSIze, we've put together useful information, research, articles, books, and product ideas to help better inform ourselves of the benefits of adopting a sensory informed approach in our practice when working with individuals who have sensory needs or differences.
News & Features
Sign Up This Month to Our Lifelong Learning Programme and Get 13 Months’ Membership for the Price of 12!
We’re excited to bring you news of a one-off offer we launched at our Conference last month and which we’re running until the end of this month. Throughout October, anyone who signs up to our Lifelong Learning Programme will receive 13 months’ membership for the price of 12 months only – that’s £195 for 13 months or £15 per month! To take advantage of this offer, click here and enter the discount code 13FOR12 when you sign up.
If you’re not already familiar with the SIE Lifelong Learning Programme (LLP), this is an annual membership programme we offer to our professional members that provides access to our training courses - including live webinars, Sensory Spotlight Talks and all our on-demand short courses – as well as our fortnightly live peer support sessions where you have the opportunity to share ideas and discuss sensory-related topics with other therapists.
The LLP is open to all, whether you are in the early stages of your career or a seasoned professional, and is a great learning and networking platform for anyone interested in sensory informed practice. Sign up here today using the 13FOR12 discount code!
Thank You to All of You Who Attended Last Month's SIE Virtual Conference
Last month we hosted our annual SIE online Conference where this year’s theme was ‘Sensory Informed Practice – Broadening Horizons’. Featuring an inspiring line-up of speakers, the conference was free to attend and included presentations highlighting the latest thinking on assessing sensory integration and processing as well as exploring sensory-friendly environments and sensory strategies across a number of diverse settings.
Over 6,700 people virtually attended the conference and visitors were drawn from all over the globe, representing both therapists and professionals looking to broaden their horizons in sensory informed practice. Throughout the week, participants were able to hear from speakers including Dr Sarah Schoen and Dr Shelley Mulligan, Dr Annemarie Lombard, Professor Heather Miller Kuhaneck, Michele Parkins, Sarah Lloyd, Anna Willis and Leanne Duggan.
This year for the first time we also ran several live interactive workshops that allowed participants to discuss and share ideas with their peers.
Thank you for all the lovely feedback we’ve received so far – we really appreciate people taking the time to let us know what they thought about the conference.
Read our conference highlights blog to find out more!
Welcome to Sensory Awareness Month!
This month, we shine a spotlight on the profound impact Sensory Integration (SI) can have on children, adults, and families. Embracing a sensory-informed approach has the power to transform lives. Whether helping a child stay alert through movement, calming sensory anxiety with deep pressure, or teaching a family how to embrace their loved one’s sensory needs, the possibilities are endless.
Sensory Integration provides the tools we need to navigate a world rich with sensory input, empowering individuals to thrive rather than just survive.
If you haven’t explored Sensory Integration yet, now is the perfect time to start!
Thoughts from a Therapist: Transforming Sensory Spaces with Versatile Multi-Purpose Equipment
Fresh from last month’s SIE Conference, in her latest Thoughts from a Therapist blog, Anna Willis takes a look at how sensory spaces can be transformed using versatile, multi-purpose equipment. Describing herself as a sensory equipment magpie at times, Anna is always on the lookout for equipment that’s affordable, innovative and can be repurposed.
In her blog, she highlights how it’s always helpful to have pieces of equipment that meet multiple needs and how gymnastic equipment companies can often offer up a treasure trove of pieces that can be used in a sensory integration therapy environment.
Sensory Informed Practice: A Collaborative Approach to Supporting Individuals with Sensory Differences
Everyone has unique sensory preferences—what feels normal to one person might feel overwhelming or underwhelming to another. Some may experience sensory overload, while others may be more sensitive or less sensitive to certain stimuli.
In her latest blog, Dr Lelanie Brewer takes a deeper dive into the concept of Sensory Informed Practice (the theme of SIE’s online Conference last month) and how, before any sensory informed strategies or therapy can be considered, it is crucial to consider the needs of individuals first and collaborate with them to support their differences in a way that best suits their needs.
Introducing the National Sensory Network
During Conference Week last month, we were thrilled to announce the launch of the National Sensory Network – a dedicated platform designed to support individuals interested in sensory integration and processing. Whether you're an Allied Health Professional, educator, mental health professional or involved in supporting individuals with sensory processing differences, this network is a hub for knowledge, resources, and collaboration.
From sensory guides to free courses, the platform provides evidence-based information to help you deepen your understanding and awareness of sensory integration and processing. You’ll also have the opportunity to engage with a vibrant community in our forum, where you can connect with peers, share your own sensory projects and discuss emerging trends and best practices.
Also see:
Northern Ireland special school fundraising for sensory areas as pupil numbers rise
Sensory overload: Study shows adults with ADHD have greater sensitivity to touch
Pittsburgh International Airport’s sensory room set to celebrate fifth anniversary
Autism team helping students to thrive at De Montfort University
Lambeth Council’s new All Age Autism Strategy focuses on supporting autistic residents
Resources
In this month’s SI Resources blog, we’ve put together articles, guides, books and products to help better inform ourselves of the benefits of applying a sensory approach in diverse settings when working with and supporting individuals with sensory needs and differences.
- Unlocking Potential: Sensory Integration Training for Occupational Therapists Guide
- Sensory Integration: Theory and Practice
- Sensory and Motor Strategies: Practical Ways to Help Autistic Children and Young People Learn and Achieve
- Southpaw Sensory Kit
See our latest resources ideas here.
SI Research Digest
Easy-to-read summaries of all the latest SI and sensory processing research papers and findings. Click here to view the summaries of the research and access the direct links to the published papers, including:
- Sensory processing in typically developing toddlers with and without sleep problems
- Evaluating handwriting in children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD)
- Sensory responsivity and its relation to alexithymia, social processing and restricted interests and repetitive behaviour in autistic children
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 over the next few months 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:
- Introduction to Sensory Integration and Yoga - Live webinar on 14 October 2024
- Connecting the Senses and Mental Health – Live webinar on 12 November 2024
- An Introduction to Using the Sensory Processing Measure 2 (SPM-2) and Quick Tips in Clinical Practice - Live webinar on 13 November 2024
- Using the Adult/Adolescent Sensory History (ASH) in Clinical Practice – Live webinar on 18 November 2024
- Sensory Spotlight Talk: Interoception: Neuroscience and Clinical Considerations – 20 November 2024
Latest Job Listings
Are you thinking of making a career move this year? Check out our latest job listings:
Speech and Language Therapist, The Deaf Academy, Exmouth, UK
Speech and Language Therapist, Phoenix School, London, UK
Paediatric Occupational Therapists with Sensory Integration, PACT (Parents And Children Together), Berkshire & London, UK
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.
