Sensory Integration Education

This month at SIE we are delving deeper into the concept of Sensory Informed Practices, with this also being the theme of this month’s SIE online Conference. An essential part of sensory informed practice is taking into consideration the client’s needs and how their sensory differences impact their ability to carry out daily activities.

 For some individuals, sensory differences might mean that they have difficulties with coordination and motor planning or are irritated by certain sensory inputs. However, they cope by making choices around activities or situations they face. For others, the impact of sensory differences can be more severe and limit their ability to carry out daily activities as well as adversely affecting their mental health and wellbeing. It is important to point out that sensory informed strategies are not a ‘one size fits all’ approach.

The first step that needs to be taken is to appreciate that sensory experiences are complex, often subjective and that the context can influence how sensory experiences are perceived. Therefore, 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. For some, this may mean that an intervention to support sensory processing difficulties might not be the most appropriate option and other strategies should be considered.

Secondly, knowledge is power. For individuals to understand their sensory needs and how their sensory differences impact them can make a world of difference for their overall well-being. Many individuals of all ages might find that certain situations cause them stress and anxiety and may not be fully aware of what the cause is. Knowing their sensory needs and being able to identify when something is too much (or not enough) can help to inform their everyday choices and decisions. For children and young people, for example, this can guide their choice of play and leisure activities. For adults, being aware of their sensory needs and preferences can help them make decisions about socialising, shopping, cooking, travelling and even decorating their home to best meet their sensory needs. This contributes to healthier, happier individuals and it is important to share this information with all who would benefit from this knowledge, including parents and teachers in the case of children.

Finally, for those who require specific activities or interventions to support their sensory needs, carefully consider what they consider their barriers to participation in daily activities. Sensory informed practice should always address the needs of an individual, not the requests or demands of others. As with other areas of clinical practice, intervention should always be preceded by an assessment and goals and activities should be considered collaboratively to ensure that they are relevant and appropriate.

In summary, by considering the three points above, we can truly put the needs of individuals who have difficulties with sensory processing first and support them as best we can.

To learn more about how sensory processing differences can impact children and adults, take a look at our Day in the Life case studies.