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A practical credential for professionals creating truly inclusive environments.
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Sensory Integration Work Across the Multidisciplinary Team. Live Online | 6th October 2025 | Recording available for 7 days
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SI Practitioner Training

Become a Sensory Integration Practitioner and Transform Lives with our Postgraduate Programme
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Access engaging education and training and friendly support to embed SI into your practice.
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Sensory Integration Education

The Home of Sensory Training

We provide flexible, evidence-based training to advance your skills in sensory integration and processing.

We established the world’s first UK university-accredited postgraduate pathway in sensory integration in 2000 – and continue to lead the way. Our learning options include a CPD programme of webinars and short courses, the Sensory Inclusion Facilitator certificate, and our globally-recognised postgraduate pathway – Postgraduate Certificate in SI, Postgraduate Diploma in SI, and the MSc in Advancing Practice in Sensory Integration.

Sensory Integration Education is proudly Five-Star Rated.

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Over 2,000 SI Practitioners have qualified with SIE

See what our students have to say about our courses:

We've helped +100,000 people learn about sensory needs

"I feel that the breadth and depth of the study topics, clinical hours and mentoring support for Module 4 has greatly enhanced both my clinical and professional skills enabling me to practice confidently as an Advanced Practitioner. By applying advanced knowledge of sensory integration theory and practice to my clinical field, I can respond more effectively to the diverse needs of the children with whom I work."

Winner of the The Elizabeth Stephenson Award for the Postgraduate Diploma in SI Outstanding Student of the Year

Kate Broughton
Occupational Therapist and Advanced SI Practitioner

"I'm extremely grateful and honoured to have won The Elizabeth Fairgrieve Award. Completing the postgraduate certificate in sensory integration was an exciting and rewarding experience and it's completely enhanced my professional practice."

Winner of the Elizabeth Fairgrieve Award for the Postgraduate Certificate in Sensory Integration Outstanding Student of the Year

Tina Judson
Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist and SI Practitioner

"After 21 years of using an SI frame of reference it is still incredibly valuable to take the time out to develop. It is such a rapidly developing field that there is always something new to learn, and its complexity means that any re-immersion in formal learning results in new connections and insights that will benefit clinical practice. And it is so interesting!

It's also really good to now introduce myself as an Advanced Practitioner after all these years! "

Karen Forrest
Occupational Therapist and Advanced SI Practitioner

"I was both nervous and excited at the prospect of studying for my advanced SI practitioner status. I found the whole experience, including the online teaching, rich in content and rewarding in terms of expanding my understanding and deepening my knowledge and skills. All of which I have had the opportunity to put into my current practice, in addition to supporting work colleagues on their SI journey."

Children's Occupational Therapist and Advanced SI Practitioner

"The Module 4 training has completely altered my practice in providing intervention following an ASI frame of reference. I am much more focused in pinpointing priorities for intervention, and I have become more creative in my use of theming and facilitating collaboration in activity choice and play. I also feel more confident with linking to the evidence base to guide my clinical reasoning and provision."

Jenny Shorter
Occupational Therapist and Advanced SI Practitioner

"Qualifying as an SI-SLT Advanced Practitioner has given me greater confidence to use my existing skills within SLCN. The course assignment meanwhile provided the opportunity to place SI on the local agenda for supporting communication."

Lisa Chapman
Speech and Language Therapist and Advanced SI Practitioner

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Postgraduate Programme

Become a Sensory Integration Practitioner

Gain university-accredited qualifications (PGCert, PGDip or MSc) in Sensory Integration and Processing, enabling you to practise Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI) therapy.

Delivered in partnership with Sheffield Hallam University – a leading provider of allied health education, awarded the maximum five stars in the QS Stars excellence rating in 2025, and ranked among the top 5 modern UK universities for world-leading research.

  • Expert-led
  • Practice-ready
  • Fully accredited
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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

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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.

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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:

  • 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

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


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

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.

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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)

  • 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


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-certificate

  • Short 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/resources

  • Sensory 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:

Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers!