Sensory Integration Therapy

Sensory integration (SI) therapy is an evidence-based clinical intervention carried out by HCPC professionals with post graduate qualifications in SI.

Sensory integration, or sensory processing, refers to the processing, integration, and organisation of sensory information from the body and the environment.  It is important in all the things that we need to do on a daily basis, such as getting dressed, eating, moving around, socialising, learning and working.

Sensory processing difficulties can be described as 

“A decreased ability to process and integrate sensation [that results] in difficulty producing appropriate actions, which, in turn, may interfere with learning and behaviour” (Bundy and Lane, 2020). 

SI therapy (or SI interventions) includes structured exposure to sensory input, movement therapy, balance treatments, and carefully designed and customised physical activities and accommodations (e.g. changes to the environment or routine). 

SI Practitioners may work with the individual, their family, carers and school to create a ‘sensory diet’ for that person. A sensory diet is a recommended suite of activities and accommodations (that can be carried out both in therapy sessions and at home or school) to help give that individual the sensory input they need. 

SI therapeutic input is a part of a whole person approach to assessment and intervention that the therapist will draw upon as part of their HCPC qualification and experience.