Description
Understanding Sensory Integration Approaches in Functional Neurological Disorder
Contemporary, Person-Centred PracticeFunctional Neurological Disorder (FND) can affect movement, sensation, awareness, communication and participation in everyday activities. Understanding how sensory processing and body awareness may contribute to these experiences is an important consideration in developing individualised, person-centred approaches to care.
This course explores sensory integration approaches in Functional Neurological Disorder, drawing on contemporary neuroscience, occupational therapy and physiotherapy perspectives.
Exploring the Wider Picture
Participants will begin by examining current understandings of FND, moving beyond traditional distinctions between physical and psychological symptoms. The course highlights the importance of recognising symptoms as genuine experiences and using respectful, non-stigmatising language to support communication and therapeutic relationships.
The course then explores the role of sensory processing and integration in FND, including sensory registration, discrimination and integration. Particular attention is given to proprioception, interoception and tactile processing, and how sensory differences may influence movement, coordination and body awareness.
Participants will examine the relationship between sensory processing, arousal and changing self-states, including sensory overload, shutdown, dissociation and fluctuations in body awareness. The course also considers how neurodiversity and praxis may interact with these processes and influence participation in daily activities.
The principles of comprehensive, person-centred assessment are explored, including the value of developmental, sensory and occupational histories, structured observation and collaborative enquiry. Participants will consider how these approaches can contribute to clinical reasoning, individualised support planning and ongoing review.
Practical sensory tools, including Sensory Ladders®, Sensory Spider™ and Sensory Grids™, are introduced as ways to explore sensory experiences, recognise patterns and support communication. The course emphasises co-production, ensuring that tools reflect the individual’s own experiences, preferences and participation goals rather than relying on prescriptive sensory programmes.
The course concludes by examining the current evidence for sensory-informed approaches in FND, distinguishing emerging practices from established interventions. Participants will consider the limitations of existing research, the importance of appropriate specialist referrals and multidisciplinary collaboration, and how sensory-informed approaches may be considered responsibly within broader evidence-based care.
Throughout the course, practical examples, interactive learning activities and opportunities for reflection support a thoughtful understanding of FND, with an emphasis on respectful communication, collaborative practice and meaningful participation.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
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Describe Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) using contemporary, respectful language, recognising the impact of neurological symptoms on everyday participation and the importance of person-centred communication.
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Explain the role of sensory processing and integration in FND, including sensory registration, discrimination, proprioception and interoception, and their potential relationship to movement, coordination and body awareness.
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Recognise how sensory processing, arousal and body awareness interact, including how changes in self-states, sensory overload, shutdown and dissociation may influence regulation and everyday participation.
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Identify key principles of comprehensive, person-centred assessment, including the value of developmental, sensory and occupational histories, structured observation, collaborative enquiry and shared decision-making.
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Describe the purpose and potential applications of Sensory Ladders®, Sensory Spider™ and Sensory Grids™, including how personalised, co-produced tools may support recognition of sensory patterns, communication and participation.
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Distinguish between emerging sensory integration approaches and established FND interventions, recognising current evidence limitations, the importance of multidisciplinary working and when specialist assessment or referral may be appropriate.
Evidence-Informed, Collaborative Practice
The course examines the current evidence for sensory-informed approaches in FND, distinguishes emerging practices from established interventions, and considers how sensory-informed approaches may be incorporated responsibly within broader evidence-based, multidisciplinary care.
