Sensory Integration Education

Over 8,000 attendees participated in the SIE Conference hosted last week. The event delved into the "Sensory Inclusion: Empowering All" theme, focusing on co-creating sensory support and exploring inclusive and neuro-affirmative perspectives in sensory services.

Participants, including therapists, professionals, families, and individuals seeking insight and understanding, joined from various corners of the world. Sensory Integration Education, a not-for-profit training organisation, is committed to promoting awareness and understanding of sensory differences, our free online week-long conference is just one of the ways in which we do this.

Throughout the conference, attendees had the opportunity to watch longer presentations delivered by keynotes and speakers, as well as engage in virtual poster presentation section showcasing new research and clinical outcomes. The event concluded with an exclusive preview of an interview featuring Dr. Stephen Porges, co-founder of Polyvagal Theory now available to watch.

This year, Southpaw sponsored the conference, thank you to Southpaw for their contribution. For more information about Southpaw, please visit https://southpaw.co.uk/.

International trainer, coach and speaker Virginia Spielmann, OT and sought-after global speaker Kim Barthel, gave inspiring keynote speeches at the SIE conference. In addition, Emily Price (Lees), another keynote, presented a heartfelt talk drawing on her lived experience with autism.

Jayna Niblock’s presentation highlights Advocacy for Sensory Friendly Neurodivergent Educational Support, offering (but not limited to) strategies to support neurodivergent students and emphasising how neurodivergent students can understand their own learning style.

Author Lynn McCann discussed the critical aspect of "Allied Working in Sensory-friendly Schools." Continuing the educational discourse, Laura Kerby shed light on "Education for Young People with Pathological Demand Avoidance," drawing from her extensive experience in educational institutions and understanding the challenges and anxieties faced by students, parents, and staff affected by autism.

Moyna, an occupational therapist and Advanced Sensory Integration Practitioner, offered insights into "SI Assessment through a Neuro-Affirming Lens," and how we adopt one! Giving you time to reflect on your practice.

A must-see presentation is "Systemic Change" by Bob Christer, the SENsory Atelier Programme Manager at Attenborough Arts Centre and theatre maker. His sincere presentation highlighted an inclusive and focused approach to looking at things differently, questioning the neurotypical view of learning.

Rosalind Rogers, SIE Chair, comments: 

“We're over the moon with the success of this year's SIE Annual Virtual Conference. Hosting insightful speakers and research-driven presentations is an honour for our organisation and to see the many viewers interested reflects a growing eagerness to understand sensory differences, both within professional circles and among families. Our dedication to expanding our reach to practitioners and professionals remains resolute through our yearly conference, short courses, and university-accredited postgraduate training. We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who joined our 2023 conference. We look forward to hosting another in 2024”.

Access the Conference Materials with ASIP and our Unlimited Annual Pass

If you weren’t one of the thousands who participated in this year’s conference, you can access the conference materials and view them at your leisure by subscribing to SIE’s community of practice: ASIP or sign up to our Unlimited Annual Pass.

ASIP (Association of Sensory Integration Practice) is a community for professionals who use an SI perspective in some or all aspects of their work. Become part of a community of friendly, engaged and vibrant professionals!

SIE Unlimited Annual Pass is an all-access annual membership where you can receive over 100 hours of lessons and resources, new short courses added throughout the year, and open to all! 

We thank those who joined our conference and hope great insight has been received on Sensory Integration. Keep your eyes peeled more updates regarding SIE Virtual Free Conference 2024.