Trauma, Sensory Integration and Recovery

“Kath, you taught me about the links between sensory integration and trauma 15 years ago, it was great to come back and have a refresher. Hearing how recent research and evidence now supports this work has been amazing. Thank you. Then it really helped me think about how to influence and change care in our hospital, now it is inspiring me to want to know even more. I have signed up to do the modules.”

Senior Occupational Therapist, CAMHS secure inpatient service

In Occupational Therapy, we use the tools in our OT Toolbox and combine tools and learning about early development, Ayres’ theory of sensory integration, and psychological approaches to inform our work with children, teens, adults, and older adults with trauma so that they can more easily participate in their everyday lives.

Someone asked us why sensory modulation alone is not enough for those with trauma. Surely they asked, isn’t it just about hyper-reactivity to triggers from the trauma?

The answer is complex and depends on many factors. Trauma significantly impacts the development and functioning of the mind, body, and brain. The earlier the trauma occurs, the more difficult it may be for the brain to be adaptive, impacting lifelong adaptation and recovery responses. For some of our clients, particularly those with sensory, motor, or neurological differences, this neurological diversity can make healing and recovery even more challenging.

In clinical practice, we often observe that individuals with significant sensory integration and processing challenges struggle to cope and manage after experiencing trauma. Many factors can influence their complex responses to trauma and their efforts to move forward. Occupational Therapy provides a holistic, person-centred approach, collaborating with individuals affected by trauma as partners in their journey. This partnership helps them learn to adapt and adjust to everyday life and the challenges it presents.

ASI Wise lecturers have researched and taught about the links between sensory integration, attachment difficulties and trauma since 2005, including with clients beyond childhood.

To read more, you can access these articles about trauma and sensory integration:

Sensory-based interventions with adult and adolescent trauma survivors: An integrative review of the occupational therapy literature

Occupational Therapy’s Role in Mental Health Promotion, Prevention, & Intervention With Children & Youth
Childhood Trauma

Understanding and Applying Trauma-Informed Approaches Across Occupational Therapy Settings

Read more about what people said about our workshop here:

“You learn how trauma impacts on development and how it changes the brain and body – I’d never thought about how important the senses are to everything we do.”

“I loved hearing about the links between trauma, sensory integration difficulties and the massive impact this has on participation in daily life.”

“Amazing workshop”

“Kath is a very effective trainer. She is able to explain complex concepts is a clear understandable way and relate this to occupation and current research. Her courses are well presented and very enjoyable. She uses case studies to help understanding very well.”