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(G132) Sensory Inclusion Facilitator Certificate
BundleRecognise sensory processing differences and adapt your approach to support others. Online course + live drop-in sessions. Complete the assessment to become a Certified Sensory Inclusion Facilitator.
£395
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SI Training Funding Proposal Template
Digital downloadEasily customise this template to request full or part funding from your employer for your postgraduate training in sensory integration. Secure the support you need for your professional growth!
Free
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NHS Funding Proposal Template for Sensory Integration Training
Digital downloadUse this template to request NHS funding for your Postgraduate Sensory Integration Training starting September 2025. Copy and amend as appropriate - we've filled in the key details for you!
Free
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Transform Your Career with Sensory Integration
Digital downloadUnlock £100 off your Postgraduate Certificate in Sensory Integration! Start in September 2025 and transform your practice. Applications open now; secure your place before this offer expires on 29 August 2025.
Free
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Celebrate Neurodiversity with this Free Poster
Digital downloadDownload our free poster to celebrate neurodiversity! It's a vibrant reminder that every brain is unique, promoting appreciation for diverse thinking and learning styles. Share the message!
Free
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Lifelong Learning Programme
BundleAccess Engaging Learning and Live Support to Embed SI Into Your Practice. 25+ Courses. £195 pa
£195
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SI Practitioner Training
CourseSI Practitioner Training
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ASIP Alumni
BundleAssociation of Sensory Integration Practice, The SIE Alumni Club
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(G130) Discover Sensory Processing and Integration
CourseWe introduce you to the eight sensory systems and learn a clear definition of sensory processing and integration. You'll explore how sensory processing differences can present challenges and see examples of how they impact daily life.
Free
Sensory Integration Education
The Home of Sensory Training
As a not-for-profit organisation with over 30 years of experience, Sensory Integration Education is a trusted leader in sensory integration and processing education.
We offer comprehensive training for professionals across health, education, and social care – from introductory CPD to advanced postgraduate study. Our wide-ranging CPD programme includes expert-led live webinars, peer support events, and flexible on-demand courses tailored to meet the needs of busy practitioners.
For those seeking specialist qualifications, we deliver the world’s only UK university-accredited MSc in Advancing Practice in Sensory Integration – the recognised pathway to becoming a qualified sensory integration professional.
Whatever your profession or career stage, we’re here to support your sensory learning journey.
Sensory Integration Education is proudly Five-Star Rated.
Find Your Perfect Course!

Certified Sensory Inclusion Facilitator
Recognise. Support. Adapt.
Gain a solid grounding in Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI) and learn how to apply its principles using the Person–Environment–Occupation (PEO) model to support individuals with sensory processing differences across the lifespan.
Ideal for health, education, and care professionals, this course equips you to bring sensory-informed strategies into your everyday practice. Enhance your professional impact – start your journey today. Only £395

Lifelong Learning Programme
Stay current. Stay connected. Stay confident.
Empower your practice with ongoing learning and expert support designed to help you integrate sensory integration (SI) into your everyday work.
Join live online Peer Support Sessions and connect through our SI Network Community Forum, moderated by experienced SI practitioners. Access a growing library of short CPD courses, live webinars, and interactive events featuring inspirational guest experts.
Explore practical resources to deepen your understanding of sensory integration and processing. Keep your skills fresh – and your practice future-ready. Only £195 per year.
Courses and Resources
Frequently Asked Questions About Sensory Integration
Find answers to the most common questions we receive about sensory processing, sensory integration therapy, and our training courses.
Sensory integration, also known as sensory processing, refers to the neurological process by which the brain receives, organises, and interprets sensory information from the body and environment. This process helps us experience, understand, and respond appropriately to sensory inputs.
Key Points:
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Sensory integration involves senses such as:
- Vision
- Hearing (Auditory)
- Touch (Tactile)
- Taste (Gustatory)
- Smell (Olfactory)
- Body awareness (Proprioception)
- Balance and movement (Vestibular)
- Internal body sensations (Interoception)
It is an automatic process essential for everyday activities like dressing, eating, moving, socialising, learning, and working.
Sensory integration develops naturally through typical childhood activities, but some individuals experience difficulties processing sensory information, which can affect behaviour, learning, and daily participation.
Sensory integration difficulties (sometimes called sensory processing disorder or SPD) can be seen in individuals with various conditions, including autism, ADHD, and developmental coordination disorder.
The concept was first developed by Dr A Jean Ayres in the 1960s-70s, who defined it as:
“The neurological process that organises sensation from one’s own body and from the environment and makes it possible to use the body effectively with the environment.” (Ayres, 1972)Sensory Integration Therapy (Ayres Sensory Integration®) is a specialised, evidence-based therapy provided by qualified practitioners to help individuals with sensory integration challenges.
For more detailed information, you can visit https://www.sensoryintegrationeducation.com/pages/what-is-si
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), also often called sensory processing difficulties, refers to a decreased ability to process and integrate sensory information from the body and environment. This can result in difficulties producing appropriate actions and responses, which may interfere with learning, behaviour, and daily functioning.
Key Points:
- SPD involves challenges in how the brain receives, organises, and interprets sensory inputs from senses such as touch, sound, sight, proprioception (body awareness), vestibular (balance), taste, smell, and interoception (internal body sensations).
- Individuals with SPD may experience:
- Over-responsivity: Heightened or exaggerated reactions to sensory input (e.g., discomfort with touch, sensitivity to loud noises).
- Under-responsivity: Reduced or delayed responses to sensory input (e.g., not noticing pain, seeking extra sensory input).
- Mixed responses: Both over- and under-responsiveness depending on the sensory system or context.
- SPD can affect motor planning (dyspraxia), emotional regulation, attention, social participation, and learning.
- It is a long-term condition that impacts everyday life but can be supported through professional assessment and intervention.
- SPD is different from sensory impairments like hearing loss, although some behaviours may appear similar.
- SPD can occur alongside conditions like autism, ADHD, developmental coordination disorder, and others but can also present independently.
- The term SPD was modelled based on the foundational work of Dr A Jean Ayres, who developed the theory of sensory integration.
Professional Support
Sensory integration therapy, based on Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI), is an evidence-based intervention provided by qualified sensory integration practitioners (occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, or physiotherapists with specialised training).
Learn More
- Detailed explanation of sensory processing and integration:
https://www.sensoryintegrationeducation.com/pages/what-is-si - Resources for understanding sensory processing difficulties:
https://www.sensoryintegrationeducation.com/pages/resources - Find qualified sensory integration therapists:
https://www.sensoryintegrationeducation.com/pages/find-an-si-therapist
If you're wondering whether your child has sensory processing difficulties, here are some key points to consider based on sensory integration principles:
Useful links
- Learn more about sensory processing difficulties and signs:
https://www.sensoryintegrationeducation.com/pages/what-is-si - Find a qualified sensory integration therapist:
https://www.sensoryintegrationeducation.com/pages/find-an-si-therapist - Free sensory resources for parents:
https://www.sensoryintegrationeducation.com/pages/resources - Sensory Inclusion Facilitator Certificate course for understanding and supporting sensory differences:
https://www.sensoryintegrationeducation.com/pages/sensory-inclusion-facilitator-certificate
If you need specific guidance or support, consulting a sensory integration practitioner is recommended. They can provide an individualised assessment and intervention plan tailored to your child's needs.
Sensory processing issues can be diagnosed by qualified Sensory Integration (SI) Practitioners. These are typically:
- Qualified Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists, or Physiotherapists who have undertaken additional, rigorous postgraduate training in sensory integration.
- These professionals develop expertise in neuroscience, sensory integration theory, assessment, and therapeutic intervention.
- They use a range of standardised assessment tools and clinical reasoning to diagnose sensory integration difficulties and design personalised intervention plans.
Sensory integration therapy and diagnosis should only be carried out by these qualified practitioners who are often registered on specialised SI Practitioner Registers. They work collaboratively with clients, families, schools, and other professionals to support sensory processing differences.
For more information or to find a qualified therapist, you can visit:
https://www.sensoryintegrationeducation.com/pages/find-an-si-therapist
Ayres’ Sensory Integration® (ASI) is a theory and therapeutic approach developed by Dr A Jean Ayres in the late 1960s and 1970s. Here is an overview:
What is Ayres’ Sensory Integration® (ASI)?
Definition:
ASI is a neurological process that organises sensation from one’s own body and from the environment, making it possible to use the body effectively within the environment (Ayres, 1972).Core Concept:
It explains how the brain takes in sensory information from multiple senses (vision, auditory, tactile, gustatory, olfactory, proprioception, vestibular, and interoception), processes and integrates this information, then produces appropriate responses that enable participation in daily activities like dressing, eating, moving, learning, and socialising.Development:
Sensory integration develops naturally during childhood through ordinary activities. However, some individuals experience difficulties in processing and integrating sensory information, which can affect behaviour, learning, and participation.Therapeutic Approach:
ASI therapy is a structured, evidence-based intervention carried out by qualified sensory integration practitioners (occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, or physiotherapists with specialised postgraduate training). It includes carefully designed activities that provide sensory input in a way that supports the brain’s ability to process and integrate sensations.Fidelity and Adaptation:
ASI therapy follows specific principles and fidelity measures to ensure effectiveness, but practitioners creatively adapt interventions to fit different clinical settings and client needs.Legacy:
Dr Ayres was an occupational therapist and educational psychologist whose work forms the foundation for sensory integration therapy used worldwide today.
Learn More
You can find detailed information about sensory integration and Ayres’ Sensory Integration® here:
https://www.sensoryintegrationeducation.com/pages/what-is-si
If you want to explore training in ASI or learn about courses for professionals and families, visit:
https://www.sensoryintegrationeducation.com/pages/postgraduate-courses
Sensory integration therapy can indeed help individuals with autism who experience sensory processing difficulties.
- Many autistic individuals experience sensory processing differences, which can affect their behaviour, learning, and participation in everyday activities.
- Sensory Integration (SI) therapy, specifically Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI), is an evidence-based practice recognised for supporting people with autism.
- SI therapy is delivered by qualified SI practitioners—usually occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, or physiotherapists with specialised postgraduate training.
- Therapy includes structured sensory input, movement therapy, balance treatments, and customised activities that help the brain process sensory information more effectively.
- Practitioners often collaborate with families, schools, and other professionals to create a "sensory diet," a personalised set of activities and environmental modifications to support sensory needs throughout daily life.
- Research studies and systematic reviews support the effectiveness of ASI therapy in helping autistic children achieve meaningful improvements in sensory processing and related functions.
Important Points
- Sensory integration difficulties are common but not universal in autism.
- Therapy must be delivered by qualified SI practitioners trained in assessment and intervention.
- Small environmental or routine changes can significantly improve participation and comfort.
Useful Links
- Find qualified sensory integration therapists:
https://www.sensoryintegrationeducation.com/pages/find-an-si-therapist - Learn about sensory integration and autism:
https://www.sensoryintegrationeducation.com/pages/what-is-si - Postgraduate training for therapists in sensory integration:
https://www.sensoryintegrationeducation.com/pages/postgraduate-courses - Courses for parents and professionals on sensory informed practice and autism:
https://www.sensoryintegrationeducation.com/collections
Sensory Strategies for Classroom and Workplace
Understand Sensory Needs: Recognise that individuals may be over-sensitive, under-sensitive, or have mixed sensory processing differences affecting their comfort, focus, and participation.
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Create Sensory-Friendly Environments:
- Adjust lighting (e.g., use natural light or soft lighting instead of harsh fluorescents)
- Reduce noise levels or provide noise-cancelling headphones
- Offer quiet zones or low-stimulation spaces for breaks
- Use visual supports and clear signage for structure and predictability
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Incorporate Movement and Breaks:
- Allow regular movement breaks or opportunities for stretching
- Provide access to fidget tools or sensory toys to help self-regulation
- Use seating options like stability balls or wobble cushions if appropriate
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Personalise Sensory Diets:
- Collaborate with an SI Practitioner to develop a "sensory diet"—a tailored set of activities and accommodations to meet individual sensory needs throughout the day.
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Adapt Tasks and Routines:
- Break tasks into smaller, manageable steps
- Use multi-sensory teaching methods or work approaches
- Allow flexibility in how tasks are completed (e.g., standing vs sitting, preferred tools)
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Educate and Train Staff:
- Provide training for teachers, employers, and colleagues to understand sensory processing differences
- Promote awareness and acceptance to build inclusive, supportive cultures
Resources and Training
Sensory Inclusion Facilitator Certificate course helps professionals recognise, support, and adapt for sensory processing differences:
https://www.sensoryintegrationeducation.com/pages/sensory-inclusion-facilitator-certificateSensory Inclusive Schools resources and courses help educators and professionals create sensory-friendly learning environments:
https://www.sensoryinclusiveschools.org/Free sensory resources for practical tips and tools:
https://www.sensoryintegrationeducation.com/pages/resources
Small environmental changes and understanding sensory needs can make a huge difference in comfort, participation, and productivity at school or work.
Yes! Sensory Integration Education offers a range of courses specifically designed for parents, teachers, and other professionals to understand sensory integration difficulties and learn practical strategies to support individuals in everyday environments like home, school, and work.
Courses for Parents and Teachers
Sensory Inclusion Facilitator Certificate:
A course to help recognise sensory processing differences and adapt approaches to support others in school or the workplace. It includes an online course, live workshops, and an assessment to become a Certified Sensory Inclusion Facilitator.
More information here:
https://www.sensoryintegrationeducation.com/pages/sensory-inclusion-facilitator-certificateShort Courses and Webinars:
Sensory Integration Education offers various short courses, webinars, and workshops aimed at increasing awareness and practical skills in sensory-informed practice for educators, parents, and carers. These cover sensory strategies, sensory diets, and creating sensory-friendly environments.Resources and Support:
There are also free resources and guides available for parents and teachers to help understand and support sensory processing differences:
https://www.sensoryintegrationeducation.com/pages/resourcesSensory Inclusive Schools:
A programme providing resources and training to support sensory-friendly environments in educational settings:
https://www.sensoryinclusiveschools.org/Sensory Help Now:
FREE Expert Help for Parents and Carers from Sensory Experts
https://www.sensoryhelpnow.org/
These courses and resources empower non-therapists to better support sensory needs in children and adults in their daily lives and settings.
To become a certified practitioner, professionals such as occupational therapists must complete postgraduate training in sensory integration — our flagship courses offer this path.
See our Postgraduate Programme in Sensory Integration here: https://www.sensoryintegrationeducation.com/pages/postgraduate-courses
See the entry conditions here:
https://www.sensoryintegrationeducation.com/pages/si-postgraduate-entry-conditions
Yes, adults can have sensory processing difficulties too. Sensory integration challenges are not limited to children; they can affect people throughout their lives, including adolescents and adults.
Key Points About Sensory Processing Difficulties in Adults:
- Adults with sensory processing difficulties may experience over-responsivity (being overly sensitive) or under-responsivity (reduced sensitivity) to sensory inputs such as touch, sound, movement, or visual stimuli.
- These difficulties can affect daily life, work, social interactions, and emotional well-being.
- Some adults may have sensory processing difficulties alongside other conditions such as autism, ADHD, OCD, or learning disabilities, but sensory differences can also occur independently.
- Sensory integration practitioners use assessment tools and tailored interventions to support adults in managing sensory processing challenges.
- Strategies and accommodations can be recommended to improve functioning and comfort in home, work, and social environments.
Resources for Adults with Sensory Processing Difficulties:
- Learn more about managing sensory processing differences as an adult:
https://www.sensoryintegrationeducation.com/pages/news-managing-sensory-processing-differences-as-an-adult - Find qualified sensory integration practitioners who can assess and support adults:
https://www.sensoryintegrationeducation.com/pages/find-an-si-therapist - Explore courses and resources tailored to adults and sensory integration:
https://www.sensoryintegrationeducation.com/collections