The Cocoon Therapy Space

16/04/2026

Making & playing with slime is one of our favourite activities at The Cocoon Therapy Space. This post from The Playroom Lubbock: Therapy Solutions for Kids beautifully describes why it is so accessible and regulating for the children, young people and adults we work with 😊.

08/04/2026

So great to see that the British Association of Play Therapists embracing the theory of Ayres Sensory Integration.

Dr A. Jean Ayres was a pioneering Occupational Therapist and Educational Psychologist who's work from the 1960' & 70's continues to be explored today, helping us to understand the sensory-brain-body-emotion connections and support people experiencing sensory differences to participate as they wish and live their best lives.

At The Cocoon Therapy Space both Rachel and Laura are fully qualified Sensory Integration practitioners, with extensive post-graduate Masters level training in neuroscience, sensory processing and integration (as well as being hcpc-registered OT's and lived-experience SEND Mam's 😉)

Children experience the world through their bodies first.

Somatosensory experiences are how children make sense of touch, movement, pressure and physical sensation. These experiences play a vital role in how a child develops regulation, body awareness and a sense of safety.

For some children, especially those who have experienced stress or trauma, the body can feel overwhelming or unpredictable. Sensations may feel too much, too little or difficult to interpret. This can show up in behaviour, but it begins in the nervous system.

Play therapy works with the body, not just the mind.

Through carefully attuned somatosensory play, children are supported to explore and organise their sensory experiences in a safe and relational space. This is not random play. It is meaningful, responsive and guided by the child’s needs.

In play therapy, somatosensory activities might include:

• sand, water or messy play to explore texture and sensation
• squeezing, pushing or resistance play to support proprioceptive input
• rhythmic activities such as tapping, rolling or bouncing
• use of soft materials, blankets or weighted items for deep pressure
• movement based play that supports balance and coordination

These experiences help to:

• support nervous system regulation
• build body awareness and interoception
• create a sense of safety within the body
• process sensory and emotional experiences
• develop the foundation for learning, relating and self regulation

Play therapy offers children the space to reconnect with their bodies in ways that feel safe, supported and meaningful.

08/04/2026

Thank you for sharing Ayres' Sensory Integration WISE
Great to see more support for the use of Ayres Sensory Integration. At The Cocoon Therapy Space we see the significant benefits for children/young people and the families we work with 💚

Systematic Review: This new 2026 systematic review and meta-analysis adds something important to the conversation about sensory integration therapy that is important right now.

Across 23 randomised controlled trials, sensory integration therapy was associated with significant improvements in motor skills, daily functioning, and individualised goals in children. The strongest effects were seen for individualised goals, especially in studies aligned with Ayres’ principles. This is a pragmatic view, recognising fidelity is always aspirational to the benefit of the children in receipt of services, but perfection in practical application is sometimes restricted in reality. So this balanced reporting of ‘studies aligned to Ayres’ principles’ is both refreshing and very welcome right now.

This study matters.

They remind us that when sensory integration theory is understood clearly, delivered purposefully, and evaluated in relation to meaningful everyday life, the focussed outcomes we see are not just about isolated skills. They are about participation.

The review also highlights something many therapists have been saying for years. Not all so called ‘sensory approaches’ are the same. Critically studies that were more closely aligned with Ayres’ theory of Sensory Integration showed the clearest gains in meaningful outcomes.

Words matter.
Fidelity matters.
Participation matters.

For families, practitioners, and service leaders, this paper strengthens the case for carefully described, evidence informed, person centred sensory integration used in practice that supports real life doing, being, and belonging.

Reference:
Park, S. H., & Kim, E. Y. (2026). Effects of sensory integration therapy in children: A systematic review and meta analysis of randomized controlled trials. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 172, 105269.

Read full article here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2026.105269

31/03/2026

An AMAZING free opportunity. Munira is great at what she does. 💚

I'm horrible at asking for help.

My rejection sensitivity kicks in big time.

But I'm about to run my free Beyond Pencil Grasp workshop on 15th April and I really want it to reach lots of families and teachers that it can help.

Yes I do run my paid program afterwards but this workshop is standalone great and I've done it for 5 years now. It's so hard to believe but thousands of parents have now done this workshop which I'm so happy about.

So my favour to ask is because Facey doesn't like to put out info on this kind of stuff, I'd be massively grateful for any help beating the algorithm.

Hearts, comments, shares, anything would be so helpful for both my mission and ND brain whether you plan to join it or not. 🙏🏼

21/03/2026

We LOVE using the MYSET with our clients at The Cocoon Therapy Space. Rachel and Laura have found it especially helpful with autistic teens and adults as a qualitative tool to explore sensory preferences and challenges as part of a wider assessment.

My Sensory Experiences Tool (MYSET) is a picture-based card-sorting tool designed to help autistic individuals communicate their sensory experiences more easily. A new study involving autistic people, family members, and professionals found that MYSET helps gather personalised insights about sensory differences and how they affect everyday life. The tool is accessible for a wide range of ages and abilities and supports meaningful conversations that improve understanding and lead to practical, collaborative accommodations for sensory differences.

https://doi.org/10.1155/oti/4779496

Follow us to keep up to date on the latest research in Sensory Integration and Neurodiversity.

To learn more about supporting individuals with sensory differences across the lifespan see the link below:
https://www.sensoryintegrationeducation.com/bundles/Sensory-Inclusion-Facilitator-Certificate-B

10/03/2026

This piece says everything we have been thinking & articulates it so clearly.
Thank you Dr Natasha Holden - Clinical Psychologist & PDA mum. (Not that we don't enjoy the sweary posts too - thank you to everyone who has taken the time and effort to contribute to debunk the 'debate' that shouldn't even be happening 🙄)

22/02/2026

Join in and share the FREE training we offer with colleagues and families. We have invested in creating these spaces because people and their families asked.
from DAY 1. Shaped and created by lived experience voices together since 1999. .

https://www.facebook.com/sensoryladder

22/02/2026

"People could see, especially teenagers, you don't have to be wearing a uniform to be learning,"

"If you were taking your kids out on a Saturday to play, there is no way that you would choose the kind of clothes that we send children to school in,"

At The Cocoon Therapy Space we hear about AND live our own school uniform struggles every day. The evidence base is growing about the benefits of comfortable, flexible, active clothing in schools.

Proponents say relaxed uniforms make life easier for children and are much more practical for physical play.

18/02/2026

At The Cocoon Therapy Space both OTs are fully hcpc registered and have post-graduate (level 7) qualifications in Ayres Sensory Integration.

We are sooo lucky to have Laura Elliott Independent Occupational Therapist in the team, and a beautiful, calm, creative space to work.

There really is no substitute for authentic, in-person, skilled, meaningful 1:1 shared time together. 😍😍

11/02/2026

😍😍😍

11/02/2026

What does data really mean for teaching and planning in schools?

When we look at emerging UK data on sensory integration and processing differences, the message is clear.
Therapists need learning that helps them support participation, not just understand profiles.

For those working with children and young people under 18, teaching needs to include:

• Recognising sensory integration and praxis patterns over time, not relying on single scores
• Understanding development and key transitions, especially when school demands increase
• Placing praxis at the centre of learning, play, self care, and everyday school routines
• Building from strengths such as creativity, curiosity, physical competence, and motivation
• Analysing the environment and adult responses, not locating difficulty only within the child
• Using assessment data ethically to guide planning, adjustment, and inclusion

This kind of learning supports earlier understanding, better collaboration with schools and families, and a shift away from crisis driven responses.

Data matters when it helps us teach therapists how to think, not just what to do.

That is how evidence supports participation, belonging, and everyday school life.






participationmatters
praxis
neuroaffirmingpractice
sensoryinformed
childrensoccupationaltherapy

11/02/2026