Yes — there is a growing body of research supporting both the theory of sensory processing and integration, and the therapeutic approaches built on it. Notably, the US-based Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute, which leads the National Clearinghouse on Autism Evidence and Practice, recognises Ayres Sensory Integration® as an evidence-based practice in its review of interventions for autistic individuals.

Peer-reviewed studies show that clinic-based sensory integration interventions — and Ayres Sensory Integration® in particular — can support children, young people and adults to make progress towards individually meaningful goals. The evidence spans neurodevelopmental conditions, autism, complex developmental trauma, mental health, learning disabilities, and older adult care. For a curated reading list of relevant studies, see the evidence section of our What is Sensory Integration? page.

An SI Practitioner is a health or social care professional who has undertaken specialist postgraduate study to support people whose sensory processing and integration differences shape their everyday life. Using validated assessment tools and evidence-informed intervention approaches, they build a picture of how an individual takes in, organises and responds to sensory information — and use that picture to plan support around the goals that matter most to that person.

Because the title "SI Practitioner" is not legally protected in the UK, qualifications and course provider matter when choosing a practitioner. SIE-trained practitioners complete a UK university-accredited postgraduate pathway delivered in partnership with Sheffield Hallam University, and are listed on the SI Practitioners' Register.

SI Practitioners work with children, young people and adults whose sensory processing differences shape their participation in everyday activities. Areas of support typically include:

• Heightened or reduced responses to sensory input such as sound, touch, light, smell, or movement
• Coordination, balance, posture, and fine or gross motor skills
• Attention, self-regulation, and engagement in education, work, or community life
• Sensory differences that occur alongside conditions such as autism, ADHD, developmental coordination disorder (DCD), learning disability, attachment, or trauma

Support is highly individualised. A practitioner may combine direct, structured intervention with practical adaptations to the environment, routines or tasks, and will often work collaboratively with families, schools, employers or other professionals to embed sensory-informed strategies into daily life.

Sensory integration therapy should only be carried out by a qualified SI Practitioner — a regulated health or social care professional who has completed rigorous postgraduate training in sensory integration.

Eligible professions include occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, practitioner psychologists, art therapists, drama therapists, music therapists, nurses, and social workers. You can view the full SI postgraduate entry requirements here.

Sensory Integration Education delivers the UK's leading postgraduate pathway in sensory integration, accredited by Sheffield Hallam University. The route runs from Postgraduate Certificate through to MSc level, is delivered entirely online with mentored clinical practice, and is studied by therapists across the UK, Ireland and internationally.

Our courses are designed around best practice, include access to clinical supervision, and are widely regarded as a benchmark for sensory integration education. You can explore the full postgraduate pathway here.

Yes — sensory integration training is open to a range of regulated health and social care professions, not just occupational therapists. Eligible professions include physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, practitioner psychologists, art, drama and music therapists, nurses, and social workers. Full eligibility details are set out in our SI postgraduate entry requirements.

If your profession isn't on that list, there are still meaningful ways to bring a sensory-informed approach into your work, such as the Sensory Inclusion Facilitator Certificate course.

The time involved depends on the level of qualification you are working towards. SIE's postgraduate pathway is studied part-time and online, so it can be fitted around clinical work:

• Postgraduate Certificate in Sensory Integration (PGCert): typically completed in around a year of part-time study, leading to SI Practitioner status.
• Postgraduate Diploma in Sensory Integration (PGDip): usually a further year of part-time study after the PGCert, leading to SI Practitioner (Advanced) status.
• MSc in Sensory Integration: completed by adding a dissertation module to the PGDip, generally over a further year.

Many therapists choose to step through the pathway one qualification at a time, applying what they learn in practice as they progress. Shorter CPD courses are also available if you would like to develop sensory-informed skills without committing to the full postgraduate route.

For most therapists, the answer is yes — though postgraduate SI training is a meaningful commitment of time and study. Graduates consistently tell us it reshapes how they understand, assess and support their clients. SI training extends the range of presentations a clinician can confidently work with, deepens their grasp of the underlying neuroscience, and equips them with assessment tools and intervention approaches that complement their existing professional skills.

There are practical benefits too. Adding sensory integration expertise can open doors to specialist roles in the NHS, education and private practice, support progression into advanced clinical or service-development positions, and provide a strong foundation for independent practice. Whether the training is the right investment for you will depend on your caseload, career goals and the populations you work with — our team are happy to talk it through.

Sensory integration practice is not a standalone profession, but a specialist skill set added to an existing health or social care role. SI Practitioners come from a range of regulated backgrounds — including occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, psychology, the arts therapies, nursing, and social work — and have completed postgraduate training in sensory integration on top of their core qualification.

Earnings therefore vary depending on your core profession, level of experience, sector (e.g. NHS, education, private practice), and geographical location. Many practitioners find that having SI expertise enhances their career opportunities, opens doors to more specialist roles, and supports progression into advanced or independent practice.