Sensory Integration Education

Over the past few months, I've had the privilege of being part of the SP3D data collection project in the UK. Today, I want to share my experiences and insights into this great learning opportunity. With the added bonus of being well compensated to participate in the project - even the training phase, with the participants you recruit also receiving generous Amazon vouchers too!

The SP3D is a new test of sensory processing created by occupational therapists for therapists. It is being developed by Western Psychological Services (WPS) and is a comprehensive assessment for children 3 years of age through to adulthood. Having completed a few administrations now I can safely say this will be my ‘go to’ tool when it’s released. The kit is easily portable and contains everything you need to start assessing, with manuals, score forms and test items all included. It can be used in any setting, with a table, 2 chairs and a small amount of space to move around. The only things you will need to add yourself are some A4 stickers, a therapy ball, and a plug adapter (US to UK). It’s fun to use and has been well received by the teenagers and young adults I have trialled it with so far.

WPS prepared me well for data collection- equipping me with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively administer and score the SP3D assessment. I found the calibration calls with the test authors, Dr. Sarah Schoen and Dr. Shelley Mulligan, particularly valuable as they provided a chance to share insights, ask questions, and learn from world class experts in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

What a privilege it has been to be part of this learning opportunity. If you're considering joining the SP3D data collection project, here are some of my top insights and tips;

●        Recruitment Strategy: Have an idea of who you might recruit early on. This will help you provide an accurate commitment to the project, ensuring you can meet your recruitment goals within the provided time frame.

●        Organise Your Schedule: this is key. Set aside dedicated time to complete the screening and training process. This takes 3-4 weeks and WPS provides a three-month window for recruiting and administering the assessment to participants. Planning ahead ensures you can fully commit to the project without stress.

●        Prepare for the Calibration Calls: Make the most of them by preparing questions or queries in advance. This is your opportunity to gain deeper insights and clarity on the assessment process from the test authors themselves - it’s a fantastic CPD experience!

●        Equipment and Forms: Ensure your kit is good to go by ordering a US to UK travel adapter for electrical items and organising the necessary forms for your participant ahead of time. This will save you time and streamline the data collection process.

●        Find a friend or family member to practise test administration on before embarking on sessions with clients. This will help you to familiarise yourself with using the test and boost your confidence for collecting your data.

In summary stay organised, prepare in advance, and take full advantage of the resources and support provided along the way. Enjoy the opportunity of being able to contribute to the development of  a fantastic new standardised assessment, suitable for children, teenagers and adults too. It really is a great experience and definitely not as daunting as you might think!

To find out more about joining the SP-3D Data Collection Project click here.

This article is written by Stephanie Ruppel Occupational Therapist, SI Practitioner & SP-3D Data Collector