1979 · inspiration
A. Jean Ayres writes for parents
Sensory Integration and the Child helped bring sensory integration ideas into language intended for families. It remains an important part of the programme’s historical foundation.
The Sensory Project · project history
From a Cornwall parent group to open-access learning.
Parenting Through the Senses grew through parent questions, occupational therapy practice, co-production, peer support and a commitment to make sensory ideas easier to understand and use.
The format has changed. The purpose has remained: help families understand more and participate more fully.
The project journey
Learning developed with families over time.
This timeline distinguishes the early origins of Parenting Through the Senses and The Sensory Project from the later development of ASI Wise. Dates describe milestones in an evolving programme rather than a single launch.
2004 · the beginning
A parent psychoeducation group in Cornwall
While working in NHS services in Cornwall, Kath Smith began developing and piloting accessible sensory education with parents and carers. Families wanted help to understand what their children might be experiencing and what could support everyday life.
2005–2006 · The Sensory Project is established
A short session becomes an extended group
Resources were refined through delivery and parent feedback. What began as a shorter workshop expanded because families asked for more time to explore the senses, body and brain, individual patterns, practical ideas and peer support.
2007–2010 · wider sharing
Recognition and national learning
The programme was shared more widely through parent and carer workshops, professional events and national conferences. Sensory Ladders® ideas increasingly became part of teaching and practical resources.
2013–2015 · early digital development
Reaching rural and dispersed communities
Pilot and postgraduate work explored online access, remote delivery and ways to support families who could not readily attend in person. Sensory Live became an early online version of the learning.
Read the project reflection on early online and telehealth work →
2016 · partnership and recognition
Parenting Through the Senses in Dorset
Ros Urwin and colleagues developed local delivery in Dorset. The work was highly commended in the Poole Hospital Chair’s Awards, recognising a practical contribution to families and services.
2018 onwards · connected programmes
The Sensory Project and ASI Wise work together
Parenting Through the Senses became part of a wider family of learning and practice resources. This later partnership built on the project’s earlier parent-education history rather than replacing it.
2020 · connection during the pandemic
Sensory Stuck at Home and live online groups
Families needed accessible support while routines, services and environments changed rapidly. The Sensory Stuck at Home community and online Parenting Through the Senses groups offered connection, shared learning and practical ideas.
2021 onwards · free next steps
Sensory Ladders® shared openly
Free learning and paper resources created a practical next step for families and communities. The current Parenting Through the Senses pages preserve the longer project history while connecting people with that open-access pathway.
Images from the archive
The project in print, online and in services.
These existing project images have been retained in full, rather than cropped, to preserve the context and history they record.
Preserving history while updating language
Some archive materials use the terminology of their time. The current project is more explicitly neuroaffirming, co-produced and participation focused. Historical wording is retained only where it helps show how the work developed.
Continue into the media and evidence archive.
Watch all three existing project videos, read the original feedback in context and follow the research and family-resource links.