EmphaSIze September 2025: Transitions and Routines
By Sensory Integration Education, 2 September 2025
Welcome to the September issue of EmphaSIze! This month we're focusing on Transitions and Routines.
With the new academic year already in place for most of us, this can be an exciting time for children and teens. However, for those with sensory processing issues, transitioning to a new school or college or starting back after a long summer break and adjusting to a new routine can bring a number of challenges that make it difficult for these individuals to succeed in a school or college setting.
In this month's EmphaSIze, we've put together useful information, research, articles, books, and product ideas to help better inform ourselves of how we can support these individuals navigate these transitions and changes in routines
Also for parents of children and teens with sensory processing differences, our Back to School Sensory Survival Kit is packed with helpful tips and product suggestions to help them help their child or teen feel organised and stress-free as a new school year starts.
News & Features
Boost Your Summer CPD – 6 Top LLP Webinars Back by Popular Demand This Month
Watch or rewatch these must-see webinars – available to LLP members throughout August only
If you’re looking to boost your CPD hours over the summer months, we’ve the perfect solution for you! Exclusively for LLP members only and throughout the month of August, we’re bringing back 6 of this year’s most popular webinars (so far!):
- Sensory Spotlight Talk: Womb to Tomb: Understanding Brain Development – Dr Varleisha Lyons
- Clinical Reasoning for Postural Control Challenges in Sensory Integration – Teresa May-Benson
- Sensory Processing & My Experience of an Eating Disorder – Rachael Thompson
- Gestalt Language Processing & Sensory Integration - Naomi Ash and Kate Jennings
- Neurodiversity & Sensory Needs in HMP Pentonville – Olivia Ward
- Sensory Processing & Dementia – Case Study Approach – Leanne Duggan
If you’re an existing LLP member, simply login to your dashboard and search ‘Summer CPD’ or if you’re interested in signing up to the Lifelong Learning programme, you can find out more here.
Save this Date in Your Diary!
Join us live online on Monday 6 October 2025, 10am–12 noon (UK time) for the SIE Sensory Symposium 2025: Sensory Integration Work Across the Multidisciplinary Team.
This free-to-attend event invites professionals from across health, education and social care to engage in a vital discussion about the future of sensory integration and sensory-informed practice within diverse professional roles.
Chaired by Amy Stephens, Consultant SLT and Advanced SI Practitioner, the Symposium will feature expert insights, cross-sector perspectives and opportunities to contribute your voice.
This timely event replaces our annual virtual conference and aims to shape a shared, evidence-informed roadmap for safe and equitable sensory support. Limited places available and booking is essential. A recording of the Symposium will be available to everyone who registers for 7 days following the event.
Self-Regulation Techniques for Sensory Teens
Published on our sister site Sensory Help Now, this blog looks at examples of practical age-appropriate self-regulation techniques for sensory teenagers.
Learning self-regulation techniques may not be at the top of many teenagers’ priority lists! But for those with sensory processing differences, self-regulation techniques can help them get into the ‘just right’ state for the activity they are about to do.
Thoughts from a Therapist: Be the Change You Want to See in the World
In her latest Thoughts from a Therapist blog, Anna Willis shines a light on the challenges teenagers face in a world that often misunderstands them. She explores how adolescence is a time of neurological and emotional upheaval, where the drive for independence and peer acceptance can push helpful sensory strategies aside.
With humour and honesty, Anna reflects on the power adults have to positively influence teens—not by insisting they use tools, but by confidently modelling the use of sensory supports themselves. She advocates that by embracing our own sensory needs, we can help to create a more accepting environment where young people feel safe to do the same.
A Day in the Life of 16 Year Old Rose
Taken from our A Day in the Life Of…series of sensory stories, this particular example focuses on Rose – a 16-year-old who experiences differences in sensory processing and integration. These differences can make it difficult for her to connect with others and her behaviour is often misunderstood by family members, teachers and those she interacts with day to day.
To better understand how sensory processing and integration differences can affect teenagers in everyday life, we take a look at a typical day in Rose’s life, highlighting areas where she may need support and adaptations to routines and environments.
Also see:
‘Fixing’ neurodivergent kids misses the point — it’s the schools that need to change
The rulebook I never got: A neurodivergent teacher’s journey from masking to belonging
Why Autistic, ADHD, and AuDHD Students Are Stressed at School
SEND community asked to help shape UK’s first mobile sensory public library
Developing a Sensory Design Tool for Everyday Environments
The impact of having ADHD and Autism
Resources
Take a look at our books and product recommendations for this month:
Oli’s Sensory Safari: This is a compelling and educational read for anyone interested in gaining an insight into sensory processing and autism, providing a gentle introduction to these topics. Inspired by the author's personal experiences with her son, the book is a heartwarming exploration of life through the eyes of Oli, a young boy with autism, as he embarks on a sensory safari field trip with his classmates. It's a story that invites young readers to step into Oli's shoes, offering a unique perspective on how he perceives and interacts with the world.
Suzie & Sammy go to Bristol City FC: Local author Charlotte Olson and illustrator Nick Roberts have collaborated with Bristol City Robins Foundation to produce a Bristol City themed storyboard book for children with autism and sensory needs. The book tells the story of characters Suzie, Sammy and their dad on a trip to Ashton Gate for a Bristol City match.
By detailing exactly what to expect from an experience, young people with autism and sensory needs can be put more at ease and feel able to attend opportunities such as live football where otherwise it may have been overwhelming. The book was funded by the Premier League Fans Fund, as part of the Robins Foundation’s ‘We are City’ project. The Robins Foundation is also donating copies of the book for free to primary schools, SEN schools, libraries and day centres across South and Central Bristol.
All About Autism: A Practical Guide for Secondary Teachers: This is an accessible and informative guide for secondary school teachers, designed to increase their knowledge and understanding of autism and enhance their toolkit with practical, adaptable strategies to support autistic learners in their care.
The book initially explores key traits and terminology, debunks myths and misconceptions, and shines a light on the strengths and abilities of autistic learners. It then introduces readers to a range of easy-to-implement ideas for practice and concrete solutions to provide further support, all with the child at the heart. It’s a useful read for all secondary school educators, SENCOs and parents who are supporting autistic learners aged 11-16.
LoveHugs Musical Star Teddy Sensory Light: This star cushion has been designed to help children of all ages including children with autism, ADHD, special needs or sleep issues. The product’s soft colour changing lights, cuddly exterior and calming “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” music helps to soothe and calm children. The cushion can be used as a night light, a cuddle toy or can also be hanged from the ceiling or door.
Textured Sensory Mats: These mats come in different colours and textures to help meet children's sensory development needs. Each sensory floor tile is backed with a non-slip design, each with an edging design to keep children safe while playing. By playing with the different textured mats, children can improve their hand eye coordination, dexterity, and motor skills in a fun and interactive way. By stimulating children's sensory nerves, these mats will also help to calm them and relax.
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:
Co-occurrence of ADHD and Motor Problems in Children: The Impact on Quality of Life
This new study investigated the co-occurrence of DCD and ADHD on the impact of the quality of life of young people. The researchers found that those with co-occurring ADHD and DCD often presented with lower quality of life than children with either ADHD or DCD and highlight the need for support to address these difficulties.
This new study investigated the impact of sensory processing differences on children's motor skills and physical fitness levels. The researchers found that children whose sensory differences impacted on their motor coordination presented with lower levels of speed and agility compared to peers without these difficulties, influencing participation in sporting and leisure activities.
Caregiver Coaching: Promoting Co-regulation with Toddlers in Early Intervention
This new study investigated the effect of parent coaching on promoting co-regulation between toddlers and their parents. The researchers found that caregiver participants demonstrated increased knowledge in several different topics, including co-regulation/dysregulation, sensory strategies for co-regulation, and the importance of self-regulation for caregivers following the coaching programme. Participants also learned to implement specific intervention strategies to foster co-regulation and improve child occupational engagement and indicated that parent coaching was a valuable intervention.
Inclusive Dining: Insights from Families of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
This new qualitative study investigated the obstacles faced by families with autistic children when dining out and discusses suggestions for service strategies that restaurants can implement to serve them better. Barriers identified included a lack of awareness from staff and environments that did not meet the sensory needs of the child.
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:
ØIntroduction to MYSET© - My Sensory Experiences Tool – 9 September 2025
ØSensoRSE- A Sensory Approach to Relationships and Sex Education – 15 September 2025
Ø(Sensory Spotlight Talk) Sensory Processing and Sleep in Autism with Dr Shelly Lane – 19 September 2025
Ø Introduction to Sensory Integration and Yoga - 13 October 2025
Ø Using the Adult/Adolescent Sensory History (ASH) In Clinical Practice – 20 October 2025
Ø Rethinking Mental Health Through Sensory Formulation – 22 October 2025
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.
