Sensory Integration Network

22/04/2026

Great initiative from ScotRail to support neurodivergent passengers who are nervous about travelling through tunnels

For our neurodivergent passengers, it can be distressing to travel through a tunnel unexpectedly.

That’s why we’ve put together this tunnel guide, so you never feel left in the dark. Visit the link below for more information ℹ️

https://orlo.uk/xJXJl

22/04/2026

Autism Acceptance Month 💜

What if sensory experiences aren’t separate… but connected in a constantly shifting rhythm?

In this reflective blog, late diagnosed AuDHD woman and Sensory Inclusion Facilitator, Teodora Byrne, shares a powerful, lived perspective on sensory processing as relational, dynamic and deeply personal.

With honesty and clarity, she challenges fixed sensory models, reframes regulation as rhythmic, and explores how noise, movement and sensory anchors shape not just participation—but wellbeing.

✨ From overwhelm to self-understanding
✨ From self-surveillance to self-compassion
✨ From fragmentation to rhythm

This Autism Acceptance Month, Teodora invites us to rethink what inclusion really means.

🔗 Read her story 👇

22/04/2026

April is Stress Awareness Month, a timely reminder that stress doesn’t exist in isolation, especially for families. 💙

Recent research found that when children experience differences in how they process sensory input both parents reported higher stress levels. From tactile sensitivity to difficulties filtering noise, these everyday challenges can quietly build pressure at home.

The takeaway? Supporting a child’s sensory needs and preferences means supporting the whole family. Early guidance, practical strategies, and family-centred care can make a real difference in reducing stress and improving wellbeing for everyone.



https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2025.051224

21/04/2026

Have you ever considered how sensory integration differences might affect the deaf children or adults you work with? 🤔

Join us on 29 April for a fascinating live webinar with Amy Stephens — Sensory Integration and Deafness — where Amy will explore exactly that, and leave you with practical tools to make a real difference in your setting.

From understanding how hearing loss and sensory processing interact, to supporting individuals with co-occurring conditions like autism or cerebral palsy, this is a webinar packed with insight and real-world strategies.

📅 29 April 2026 | 1:30–3:30 PM (UK Time)
💻 Live webinar + 30 days access to the recording
🏅 Certificate of completion included
👉 Open to all — no prior SI knowledge required (though a basic understanding helps!)

Already part of our Lifelong Learning Programme? This webinar is included in your subscription. 🎉

Or hit the link to grab your spot — we'd love to see you there!

🔗 https://www.sensoryintegrationeducation.com/courses/G143-Sensory-Integration-And-Deafness


https://youtu.be/r2OtFbI3II0

Sensory Integration and Deafness: 60 Seconds About This Webinar with Amy Stephens

21/04/2026

Sesame Street is helping to raise awareness and acceptance of autism from an early age through its character Julia and new family resources.

The initiative highlights that there’s no single “right” way to play, communicate, or connect, promoting inclusion, empathy, and flexible participation. By modelling real-life interactions, it helps children understand differences, build friendships, and embrace diverse ways of being one small moment at a time.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/jenniferpalumbo/2026/04/07/autism-and-sesame-street-a-new-model-for-autism-inclusion/

20/04/2026

Body representations (BR) are multidimensional constructs encompassing body schema (sensorimotor processes supporting action) and body image (perceptual, affective, and cognitive body experience).

This new systematic review (54 studies; N=2982) indicates a strong research bias toward body schema (81%), particularly interoception, proprioception, and multisensory integration, while body image remains comparatively underinvestigated despite links to body dissatisfaction and identity-related processes.

Across studies, autistic individuals most consistently differed in domains of bodily awareness, motor regulation, emotional processing, and self-referential perception. Methodological limitations, including construct heterogeneity and reliance on self-report, limit comparability.

Overall, more comprehensive, age-appropriate, and varied ways of assessing how autistic people experience their bodies are needed.

https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.70254

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

19/04/2026

The Comfort Café in Trowbridge has created a welcoming sanctuary for neurodivergent and socially anxious women to connect, relax, and simply be themselves. Founded by a mother and daughter inspired by their own journeys, the initiative is already growing, with new sessions and plans to reach even more communities.

A Trowbridge café is providing a sanctuary for neurodivergent women

18/04/2026

An informative read on what goes on behind the scenes to make a live theathre performance sensory inclusive gohttps://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/living/2026/04/01/what-happens-at-a-sensory-friendly-live-performance

Special theatre performances in Twin Cities, Minnesota help neurodivergent children enjoy live shows in a relaxed and inclusive environment.

17/04/2026

This new systematic review and meta-analysis of 23 randomised controlled trials demonstrated that Sensory Integration Therapy (SIT) leads to meaningful improvements in distal outcomes, such as daily functioning and individualised goal attainment, as well as in proximal outcomes related to motor skills. Overall, the synthesis of high-quality evidence suggests that SIT has beneficial effects on motor domains and facilitates greater participation in everyday activities.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2026.105269

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

16/04/2026

A new practical toolkit is available to support neurodivergent learners in higher education settings.

Strategies for making learning environments accessible by design, to the benefit of all students

15/04/2026

“I finally understood why I felt different.”

Receiving an autism diagnosis halfway through her Postgraduate studies in Sensory Integration changed everything for Senior OT Hannah Ross.

In this honest and moving guest blog, Hannah shares her personal journey of discovery — from moments of overwhelm to a powerful shift in self-understanding.

💡 The moment everything clicked
💡 The reality of unmasking and learning self-acceptance
💡 Why needing support is not a step backwards

Her story is a powerful reminder that self-awareness isn’t a weakness — it’s a strength.

As we mark Autism Acceptance Month, Hannah's journey reminds us of the value of understanding, compassion and lived experience.

💬 “The world is not designed with us in mind and you are allowed to find what works for you and to show up authentically.”

📖 Read her story in full here:
https://www.sensoryintegrationeducation.com/pages/news-my-pgcert-in-sensory-integration-the-journey-that-unlocked-my-autistic-identity

If this has inspired you to take the next step in your own sensory training journey, find out more about our Postgraduate Courses 👇

15/04/2026

This new pilot feasibility trial evaluated telehealth delivery of Ayres Sensory Integration® (OT–ASI) for autistic children (ages 4–12).

Results indicated high parent and therapist acceptability, with strong intervention fidelity. Children demonstrated progress toward individualised goals and across functional domains, as assessed by GAS and the PEDI–CAT. Improvements in daily activities, mobility, and responsibility indicate enhanced development of practical, age-appropriate skills following 10 sessions.

Findings support telehealth OT–ASI as a feasible, acceptable intervention model with potential to increase access to care; further research with larger samples is warranted.

https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2026.051508

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