EmphaSIze February 2025: Exploring Self-Regulation and Co-Regulation
By Sensory Integration Education, 3rd February 2025
It's Children's Mental Health Week and in this month's issue of EmphaSIze we're focusing on
Exploring Self-Regulation and Co-Regulation!
Self-regulation is the ability to manage our own emotions and behaviours. From infancy through adulthood, our ability to manage emotions, behaviours and sensory experiences is influenced by the presence of supportive relationships—a process known as co-regulation. This month, we explore why co-regulation is essential for emotional well-being, how it builds the foundation for self-regulation and why it’s particularly important for those with sensory challenges.
In this month's newsletter, you’ll find useful information, articles, books and product ideas to help understand the dynamic relationship between co-regulation and self-regulation so that we can better support individuals of all ages in their sensory and emotional well-being.
We're also thrilled to let you know that we're extending our Early Bird Offer for our Postgraduate Courses until the end of this month. So throughout February fees for our SIE Postgraduate Courses remain fixed at 2024 prices! Read the article below to find out more.
News & Features
2024 Price Freeze on all SIE Postgraduate Courses Extended to End of February!
Since announcing the price freeze on our SIE Postgraduate courses last month, we’ve been inundated with people wanting to apply for a place on one of our PG courses whilst taking advantage of only paying 2024 course prices. In response to this, we’re delighted to bring you news that we’ve extended the 2024 price freeze on our PG courses until the end of this month – which means you can still save you up to £400 on our highly regarded postgraduate qualifications in Sensory Integration!
All our postgraduate courses are accredited by Sheffield Hallam University, one of the UK’s largest education providers for allied health professions. This means when you book onto SIE’s PG Pathway, you also gain the benefits of being a Sheffield Hallam University student with all the support and services that entails including access to extensive university library services and e-copies of core textbooks
Don’t miss this opportunity to invest in your future! Start your journey to becoming an SI Practitioner or Advanced SI Practitioner today by visiting our Early Bird Booking page to secure your place.
Take a Look at Our New FREE Course 'Discover Sensory Processing and Integration'
Developed by our team of highly experienced Occupational Therapists who are Advanced Practitioners in Sensory Integration, this is a new and updated introductory level course ideal for sharing with clients and colleagues new to sensory processing and integration.
The course explores our eight senses and how we are all sensory beings with unique experiences; gives clear definitions and explanations of sensory processing and sensory processing differences; and looks at how sensory differences impact daily life including a series of six downloadable ‘A Day in the Life of’ case studies for you to keep and share which demonstrate sensory processing differences on a range of age groups from pre-schooler to older adults.
Self-Regulation in Context: Understanding the Critical Roles of Interoception and Co-Regulation
In her latest blog, Dr Lelanie Brewer delves deeper into the interplay of self-regulation, interoception and co-regulation and why regulation is a team effort.
She explains how self-regulation doesn't happen in isolation and both interoception and co-regulation have important roles to play. The blog discusses why interoception should be seen as a foundation for self-regulation and the vital role co-regulation plays too.
Thoughts from a Therapist: The Power of Together - Embracing the Importance of Co-Regulation
In this month’s Thoughts from a Therapist blog, Anna Willis explores why co-regulation is essential for emotional well-being, how it builds the foundation for self-regulation and why it’s particularly vital for those with a trauma background or sensory challenges.
She also discusses the importance of providing consistent co-regulation, especially for children, and how being a safe, attuned presence can make a world of difference.
Sensory Regulation: A Dynamic Choreography
Discover the intricate dance between our sensory systems and the world around us—a dance that shapes how we navigate each day, from the simplest routines to the most profound experiences.
Originally presented by Beth Smithson, Occupational Therapist and Advanced Sensory Integration Practitioner, at The OT Show in November 2024, this inspiring video 'Sensory Regulation: A Dynamic Choreography' uses the metaphor of dance to illustrate the beautiful and ever-changing relationship between our senses, our brain and the environment. This captivating video explores how our brains and nervous systems integrate and interpret sensory information, enabling us to maintain optimum arousal levels and how sensory regulation can empower or challenge us in our daily lives.
SensorNet Issue 64 is Here!
The latest issue of SensorNet is out! This issue’s Big Interview is with Dr Stacey Reynolds, Professor and Director of Research in the Department of Occupational Therapy at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), USA. In her Big Interview article, ‘Evolving ASI Research and Practice Through Improving Treatment Specificity’, Dr Reynolds talks about her work on considerations for the Rehabilitation Treatment Specification System Model when reporting on Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI).
Other highlights include: Sensory Informed Design by Liz Lavendar, an Interior Designer who talks about her experience, skills and knowledge as an interior designer in developing and creating therapeutic and relaxing spaces; An Occupational Therapist’s Guide to Sensory Integration in Mental Health by Rebecca Matson (Lecturer in Occupational Therapy at the University of Liverpool) & Leanne Duggan (Senior Occupational Therapist and Advanced SI Practitioner in Ireland); and Physiotherapy and SI in Dance Rehabilitation by physiotherapist Nicola Stephens, who shares with us how she has implemented ASI in her practice since starting SI module 1 with SIE this year as well as her unique practice experience in the area of dance rehabilitation.
Access to SensorNet is included in the Lifelong Learning Membership subscription. If you are a member, log on to your dashboard to read SensorNet. Also if you are a past or recent graduate from the SIE postgraduate pathway, you can enjoy free access to SensorNet via your complimentary ASIP the SIE Alumni Club membership.
Also see:
Special needs hub brings services under one roof in Wolverhampton
Sensory kits coming to ambulances across Vermont in the US
Simple tips to help children with sensory processing issues brush their teeth
Resources
Take a look at our books and products recommendations for this month:
The Adventures of Rose and Whizzle – The Magic Cloakroom: Written by SIE graduate Katie Simons, this fun and imaginative story helps children to understand the support a Sensory integration Occupational Therapist can provide and is a gentle introduction for parents, teachers and therapists to sensory friendly strategies that can make a difference to the neurodivergent experience in school.
Self-Regulation Workbook for Teens: With carefully curated exercises designed with the modern teen in mind, this is a practical, no-nonsense workbook that teaches teens to confidently navigate their emotions and actions.
Bouncyband Wiggle Feet Sensory Cushion: This is a great product for anyone who finds they need to move their feet in order to concentrate when working at a desk or table.
Fidget Pop Stationery Set: This stationery set is ideal for children who who seek out tactile sensory input when they work. For some individuals having a fidget can help them feel more regulated and better able to concentrate.
SI Research Digest
Below are links to the most popular sensory integration and sensory processing research papers and findings published on our social channels last month:
This new RCT carried out in Japan investigated the effectiveness of Sensory Integration therapy to address difficulties with Motor Coordination and Daily Activity Function in children with DCD aged 4-8 years. The researchers found that children who received SI therapy as opposed to group input at child development support centres showed significant improvement in motor coordination and ball skills when assessed on the Movement ABC.
Impact of Sensory Diets on Occupational Performance
This new MSc research study investigated the impact of sensory diets on children's performance in everyday activities in children with sensory processing differences. The researchers found that children who completed sensory diets alongside their regular therapy appointments demonstrated bigger gains in motor skills and self-care independence.
This recent study investigated the relationship between home environment affordances and sensory processing in infants. The researchers found that access to a space to play and appropriate toys played a positive role in sensory development in infants. This study highlights the need for community resources for infants who do not have access to these resources.
Follow us on our social channels to keep up-to-date with the latest SI and sensory processing research and findings.
Upcoming Courses and Webinars
We have a number of live webinars that take place throughout the year covering a broad range of SI-related topics. Below is a snapshot of webinars happening over the next few months or click here to view a summary of all the upcoming live events.
All these webinars are available to you by signing up to our Lifelong Learning Programme or can be purchased as individual courses:
- Sensory Processing and My Experience of an Eating Disorder - 17 February 2025
- Neurodiversity and Sensory Needs in HMP Pentonville - 26 February 2025
- Clinical Reasoning for Postural Control Challenges in SI – 12 March 2025
- Gestalt Language Processing and Sensory Integration - 21 March 2025
- An Introduction to Using the Sensory Processing Measure 2 (SPM-2) and Quick Tips in Clinical Practice – 31 March 2025 (FREE)
- An Introduction to Using the Adult/Adolescent Sensory History (ASH) in Clinical Practice – 7 April 2025
- Sensory Spotlight Talk: Inclusive Design with Sensory Intelligence® - 8 April 2025
Latest Job Listings
Are you thinking of making a career move this year? Check out our latest job listing:
Occupational Therapist, N.C. Therapy Services, London, UK
Sensory Integration Practitioner, Creative Occupational Therapy Solutions, Midlands, UK
Discounts & Special Offers
February Early Bird Offer! Enrol now on one of our SIE Postgraduate courses and save up to £400 on course fees. Offer closes at midnight on 28 February 2025. Visit our Early Bird Booking page to secure your place.
Please quote DISCOUNT CODE SIE20 for 10% discount on Southpaw orders up to £100. Orders must be placed by phone on +44 (0) 115 718 0020.
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Best wishes,
Sensory Integration Education
NB: Sensory Integration Education is not responsible for the content on external websites. Sharing a resource does not imply endorsement by Sensory Integration Education.
