Parenting Through The Senses Group
An introduction to the group experience and the learning developed with parents and carers.
Parenting Through the Senses · media and evidence
Watch, read and follow the learning.
The project archive brings together its three existing videos, historical parent feedback, research references and practical family resources.
Evidence matters. So do context, lived experience, consent and the outcomes that matter to each family.
Project videos
Three views of the developing programme.
The videos are presented as part of the project archive. They reflect the language and practice context of the time in which each was made.
2016 Chair’s Award
Parenting Through the Senses was highly commended for its contribution in Dorset.
Parenting Through the Senses
A further project film connecting sensory understanding with family life and practical support.
Historical acceptability feedback
What parents said in 2008.
These comments come from the eight-week workshop and support group in Malabar, Truro, Cornwall. They are preserved as historical participant feedback, not presented as controlled outcome evidence.
“I’ve become more aware and more patient.”Parent feedback, 2008
“I am now able to explain things to family and friends.”Parent feedback, 2008
“I love this course and have learnt so much.”Parent feedback, 2008
Reading the archive carefully
Some original materials use behaviour-focused or deficit-based language that reflected the period. The current approach is more explicitly neuroaffirming, co-produced and centred on regulation, relationships and participation.
Evidence and reflection
Research connected with the project.
The programme draws on sensory integration theory, occupational therapy, coaching and participation-focused practice. These links help readers distinguish published research from project commentary and practical resources.
Peer-reviewed research
Coaching mothers of children with autism
Foster, Dunn and Lawson explored occupational therapy coaching with mothers and the ways collaborative problem solving could support family life.
Project research reflection
Early online and telehealth development
A project article revisits Kath Smith’s 2013 postgraduate literature review and the development of remote sensory learning.
Research update
Brief online group coaching
The Sensory Project’s article about Sue Allen’s pilot work considers brief online coaching for parents and carers.
Evidence overview
Ayres’ Sensory Integration: sharing the evidence
An accessible Sensory Project overview of research and evidence relating to Ayres’ Sensory Integration.
Core references retained from the project materials
- Ayres, A. J. (1979). Sensory Integration and the Child. Los Angeles: Western Psychological Services.
- Foster, L., Dunn, W., & Lawson, L. M. (2013). Coaching mothers of children with autism: a qualitative study for occupational therapy practice. Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics, 33(2), 253–263. https://doi.org/10.3109/01942638.2012.747581
- Townsend, E. A., & Polatajko, H. J. (2007). Enabling Occupation II: Advancing an Occupational Therapy Vision for Health, Well-Being & Justice Through Occupation. Ottawa: CAOT Publications ACE.
- The Sensory Project (2008). Parenting Through the Senses: 8 Week Workshop and Support Group Parent Feedback, Malabar, Truro, Cornwall. Project archive.
Related family resources
Continue reading and learning.
Ayres’ Sensory Integration at homeOccupational therapy and telehealth considerations.
Occupational therapy resources for familiesAccessible information about occupational therapy.
Sensory integration is everyone’s businessCreating safer, more accessible spaces.
Parenting Through the Senses in 2020How the programme adapted during the pandemic.
Free Sensory Ladders® projectLearning, practical pages and the wider project story.
Free Sensory Ladders® coursesContinue into the open-access learning pathway.
Professional boundaries
Resources can support awareness and reflection. They cannot determine why a particular child is distressed or replace occupational therapy, medical, communication or other specialist assessment when these are needed.
Have a question about the project?
Contact The Sensory Project about parent learning, use of the archive or a resource that could support your next step.