Amanda Adamson (She/ Her)

Director | Instructor | Tutor

Mandy has worked as a Paediatric Occupational Therapist in Edinburgh, Scotland for the past 40 years. She has been an committed and active contributor of the Sensory Integration Community in the UK since the 1970’s. 

Learning from the first generation students of Dr Jean Ayres, and others bringing back and sharing their learning across Europe, Mandy was there at the beginnings of ASI in the UK.  Mandy has an interest and expertise in a range of neurodevelopmental disabilities of childhood, including Developmental Coordination Disorder/Dyspraxia and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Mandy is passionate about supporting education colleagues; creating strategies to support participation in education.

For several years Mandy worked as a research practitioner at QMU. Mandy has contributed to the evidence base of ASI with medical colleagues; some of the earliest research about sensory modulation in Autism, including a prevalence study.  Mandy’s uses her expertise and clinical insight in Ayres’ Sensory Integration on a daily basis, working with  children, young people and their families, addressing their participation challenges.  

Mandy has been responsible for delivering training in test administration and interpretation of the Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT) and related assessments that has supported many therapists in the UK and Ireland in the UK at the start of their ASI Journey. She is passionate in making sure they have the necessary skills and understanding to practice.

Mandy is the Scottish Lead for the EASI normative data, reliability, and validity studies, contributing to the training of the next generation of ASI Therapists. Mandy is a founding Director of ASI-Wise where she quietly continues to share her time and expertise; generously supporting and encouraging therapists on their journey in Ayres’ Sensory Integration. This includes through her patient teaching of test administration and gentle, encouraging support including for those she tutors and mentors.

Mandy’s leadership role in the community of practice is acknowledged by her peers, medical, academic and international colleagues; in recognition of her substantial contributions to ASI research, advocacy, education and practice.