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Sensory Integration Training in Canada

Occupational therapists across Canada — alongside speech-language pathologists, physiotherapists and other registered colleagues — are increasingly seeking in-depth, postgraduate-level sensory integration training that leads to an internationally recognised university qualification.

Sensory Integration Education (SIE) has been training Ayres Sensory Integration practitioners since 1994 and delivers its full postgraduate programme entirely online, in partnership with Sheffield Hallam University in the United Kingdom. Canadian clinicians can study with us from any province or territory and apply the learning directly to their own caseload.

What is Ayres Sensory Integration?

Ayres Sensory Integration® is an evidence-based clinical framework developed by Dr A. Jean Ayres for understanding how the nervous system organises sensory information for use.

It gives clinicians a structured way to assess and support people whose sensory processing develops differently, so that everyday activities — at home, at school, at work and in the community — become more accessible. The framework is used by qualified clinicians as one part of a full assessment, never as a stand-alone therapy.

Why Canadian OTs train with SIE

SIE is one of the longest-established providers of sensory integration training internationally, with a programme validated by Sheffield Hallam University.

You learn from experienced clinician-educators, study alongside an international cohort of allied health professionals, and apply each stage of learning directly to your own practice as you progress — without stepping away from clinical work to study.

Online delivery designed for Canadian time zones

The programme is delivered fully online, combining self-paced study, live small-group tutorials, supervised practical components and mentored clinical practice.

Live sessions are scheduled to suit international cohorts; Canadian participants across all time zones — from the Atlantic provinces to British Columbia — can typically join sessions during their working day or evening, and every live session is recorded so you never miss content.

You do not need to travel to the UK to complete the programme. Practical and clinical assessment elements can be evidenced through your own work in Canada, with mentor supervision arranged remotely via secure video.

The postgraduate pathway: PGCert, PGDip and MSc

The Sheffield Hallam-validated programme is designed so you can step on and step off at three recognised exit points:

  • PGCert in Sensory Integration — foundational theory and assessment. Many therapists begin confident clinical application of Ayres Sensory Integration at this point.
  • PGDip in Sensory Integration — advanced assessment, intervention planning and supervised practice.
  • MSc in Sensory Integration — a research module culminating in your own clinical research project, contributing to the global Ayres Sensory Integration evidence base.

Each stage is a fully recognised Sheffield Hallam University postgraduate qualification, awarded under the UK higher education framework.

Recognition for CAOT members and provincial OT colleges

Occupational therapists in Canada are required to maintain ongoing competence and professional development as a condition of registration with their provincial regulatory college. SIE's programme delivers structured CPD at postgraduate level, well above the threshold for self-directed continuing competence activities, and is held by Canadian OTs in clinical practice across the country.

While the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) and individual provincial colleges do not formally "approve" specific overseas courses, our Sheffield Hallam University qualifications are internationally recognised and routinely held by sensory integration specialists in clinical practice. We always recommend confirming your own provincial college and employer requirements before enrolling.

Who can apply

The programme is designed for qualified allied health professionals.

Most participants are occupational therapists, but speech-language pathologists, physiotherapists and other registered clinicians working with sensory-related populations are eligible. You will need a relevant first degree, current registration in your province or territory of practice, and access to a clinical caseload to apply the learning.

Next Steps

We are happy to talk through eligibility, timings and fees with any Canadian clinician considering postgraduate Ayres Sensory Integration training in Canada.