Sensory Integration Network

03/06/2026

⚠️ Practice without sensory insight leaves gaps.

Are you confident that your day-to-day practice truly meets the sensory needs of the people you support? Even small sensory barriers in tasks, routines or environments can affect participation, engagement and wellbeing.

Our Sensory Inclusion Facilitator course helps health and care professionals:
✔️ Recognise how sensory processing differences impact participation
✔️ Identify barriers in your practice that might be limiting engagement
✔️ Use practical, evidence-based strategies to support everyone with confidence

Start strengthening your practice with sensory insight — and create meaningful, inclusive experiences for those you work with.

Learn more and enrol 👇

03/06/2026

Childhood absence epilepsy (CAE) extends beyond seizure activity, with emerging evidence indicating broader neurodevelopmental implications.

This new study compared children with CAE to typically developing controls, demonstrating significant impairments in motor coordination and visual–motor integration within the CAE group. A markedly higher prevalence of developmental coordination disorder (DCD) was observed among children with CAE (73.68% vs 4.76%).

Furthermore, disease duration was positively associated with the severity of motor impairment, suggesting a potential cumulative neurodevelopmental effect. These associations were independent of demographic variables and intellectual functioning.

Overall, the findings underscore a clinically meaningful relationship between CAE and motor development deficits, highlighting the importance of early identification and multidisciplinary intervention to mitigate long-term functional impact.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seizure.2026.04.012

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

02/06/2026

🌿 Sensory integration doesn’t stop being important as we age.

This month’s issue of EmphaSIze shines a spotlight on the often-overlooked topic of sensory differences in older adults.

From changes in balance and mobility to communication, participation and overall wellbeing, sensory processing continues to play a vital role across the lifespan.

As therapists, understanding these sensory shifts can help us create supportive environments and enable older adults to remain engaged, safe and connected.

Discover practical insights, useful resources, recommended reading and product ideas in our latest issue.

Read it for free 👇

02/06/2026

A correct diagnosis of co-occurring Autism and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AuDHD) can be life-changing but it’s often missed due to overlapping or conflicting traits.

This article discusses how AuDHD can amplify challenges (socialising, focus, organisation) while pulling needs in opposite directions (routine vs novelty).

https://theconversation.com/audhd-means-being-autistic-and-having-adhd-and-it-can-look-very-different-to-a-single-diagnosis-278095

01/06/2026

💡Exciting news! It’s 1st June and the perfect time to share with you the fantastic live webinars we have coming up!

Take a look at what’s in store 👇

📅 15 June: Cortical Visual Impairment and Sensory Integration – Hosted by Dr Jayna Niblock
📅 2 July: PhD Research Update – Supporting Parents of Children with Sensory Differences – Hosted by Sue Allen
📅 14 July: Sensory Focused Assessment to Drive Functional Outcomes: From Impact Statements to Goal Attainment – Hosted by Dr Sarah A Schoen

We can’t wait to see you there! 🙌

All live webinars are included with the SIE Lifelong Learning Programme or you can purchase sessions individually.

Click the link in the comments to sign up to the SIE Lifelong Learning Programme 👇

01/06/2026

Findings from this new systematic review suggest a significant association between sleep disturbances and sensory processing differences in autistic children and adolescents. Insomnia symptoms and night wakings were most consistently linked with sensory sensitivity and avoidance, particularly within tactile and vestibular domains. Current evidence supports a meaningful relationship between sleep and sensory functioning in autism, although further longitudinal and intervention-based research using objective assessment measures is needed to clarify causality and therapeutic implications.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2026.102302

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

31/05/2026

A new sensory shed at Jenner Park Primary School is transforming learning for children with additional needs.

The Rainbow Sensory Shed offers a calming, immersive space with interactive lights, textures and sounds to help pupils regulate emotions, reduce anxiety and feel ready to learn.

Funded by Wooden Spoon, the project is already making a real difference for children and staff alike.

https://www.barryanddistrictnews.co.uk/news/26139671.rainbow-sensory-shed-making-difference-kids-barry/

30/05/2026

Aging and Parkinson’s push the brain into overdrive just to stay balanced yet this extra effort actually makes falls more likely. Instead of efficient responses, the body stiffens and overreacts, reducing recovery ability. Monitoring muscle reactions to small slips could help predict fall risk early and guide prevention.

https://neurosciencenews.com/aging-parkinsons-balance-brain-30365/

Why do we lose our balance as we age? New research shows that Parkinson's and aging cause the brain to over-engage during balance recovery, leading to muscle stiffness and increased fall risk. Learn how muscle testing could predict brain-related balance issues.

29/05/2026

This new study examines parental/carer perspectives on school attendance difficulties among neurodivergent children and young people (CYP) in the UK. Based on interviews with 44 participants, thematic analysis identified four key themes: (1) misalignment between mainstream educational demands and neurodivergent needs, (2) fragility and dysfunction within support systems, (3) pervasive family-level distress, and (4) advocacy for systemic reform in educational provision. Findings highlight how structural and environmental mismatches within mainstream schooling, compounded by inadequate support, contribute to significant adverse impacts on CYP and their families, and underscore the need for more inclusive and responsive educational practices.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rin.2026.100019

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

For more about our Sensory Inclusive Schools service check the link in the comments

28/05/2026

Pregnancy changes everything… including how the world feels.

Smells become stronger.
Noise feels sharper.
Touch can suddenly feel overwhelming.

In this insightful guest blog, Laura Spence explores the hidden sensory changes many women and birthing people experience during pregnancy — and why sensory overload is too often misunderstood as “just anxiety.”

Discover:
✨ How pregnancy impacts sensory processing
✨ The link between sensory overload and cognitive load
✨ Why maternity environments can feel overwhelming
✨ Simple sensory-informed changes that can improve care

Find out more 👇