Finding support
I am looking for a therapist
Sensory Project provides education, resources and professional development rather than an individual therapist referral service. We can, however, help you understand what to look for when choosing professional support.
Looking for an occupational therapist in the UK?
Occupational therapists are regulated health professionals. You can use the Royal College of Occupational Therapists’ directory to look for independent occupational therapists, and the HCPC Register to check professional registration.
Looking for Ayres Sensory Integration expertise?
If you are specifically seeking assessment or intervention informed by Ayres Sensory Integration, it is reasonable to ask a therapist about their professional background, postgraduate education and clinical experience.
Professional background
Ask about their profession, professional registration and scope of practice.
Postgraduate education
Ask about their education and continuing professional development in Ayres Sensory Integration.
Assessment
Ask what assessment methods they use, why they have chosen them and how different findings are brought together.
Everyday participation
Ask how the assessment and recommendations will connect with the person’s priorities and meaningful everyday life.
A sensory questionnaire is only one part of the picture
Questionnaires and descriptions of sensory preferences can provide useful information, but they are not the same as a comprehensive sensory integration assessment.
Where specialist assessment is needed, it should bring together appropriate assessment methods, observation, clinical reasoning and the person’s everyday participation.
The conversation should begin with the person
It is reasonable to ask how the therapist will work collaboratively with the person and those important to them, how strengths, preferences and priorities will be heard, and how decisions will be made together.
Sensory support should connect with participation, dignity and what matters in everyday life rather than reducing the person to a set of sensory scores.
Questions you might ask before arranging an appointment
Who will I see?
What is the therapist’s professional background and experience?
What will the assessment involve?
What information, observations or formal assessments might be used?
How will I be involved?
How will the person’s priorities and lived experience shape assessment and recommendations?
What happens afterwards?
Will there be feedback, a report, recommendations or support to make sense of the findings?
We do not recommend individual therapists
Because Sensory Project is an education and professional development service rather than a clinical referral service, we do not select or recommend an individual therapist for a particular person.
The independent professional directories and registration checks above are the best starting point when looking for local support.