Sensory Awareness

Level:

CPD

Duration:

3 hrs

Course code:

TD/2025/09076

Max group:

Enhance your understanding of sensory processing to support individuals with sensory needs

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Individual at our venue:

£69.00

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Group at your venue:

£449.00

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Available via:

Classroom course
Onsite at your venue
Live online learning

Course Summary

Sensory Awareness

The Sensory Awareness Course is designed to provide professionals with a deeper understanding of sensory processing and how it impacts individuals in various settings, particularly those with sensory sensitivities or sensory processing disorders. This course explores how sensory experiences affect behavior, learning, and emotional regulation, and offers practical strategies for supporting individuals who experience sensory overload or under-stimulation. Participants will learn to identify sensory needs, adapt environments, and implement sensory-based interventions to enhance communication, well-being, and overall quality of life for individuals of all ages. Key Learning Objectives: By the end of this course, participants will be able to: Understand Sensory Processing and Its Impact Define sensory processing and sensory processing disorders (SPD). Identify the different types of sensory stimuli (e.g., visual, auditory, tactile, proprioceptive, and vestibular). Understand how sensory sensitivities can impact behavior, communication, and emotional regulation. Recognize Signs of Sensory Sensitivities and Processing Issues Identify common signs of sensory overload, under-sensitivity, and seeking behaviors. Learn to recognize when an individual may be experiencing sensory distress or discomfort. Understand how sensory challenges can manifest in different environments, such as school, work, or home. Implement Sensory Strategies and Interventions Explore practical techniques and tools to help regulate sensory input, such as sensory breaks, calming activities, and environmental modifications. Learn how to use sensory-friendly spaces and sensory aids to reduce anxiety and promote focus. Understand how to create personalized sensory plans tailored to the needs of individuals. Adapt Environments to Support Sensory Needs Learn to adjust physical spaces (lighting, noise levels, textures) to make them more sensory-friendly. Understand the role of sensory-rich environments in fostering positive behaviors and engagement. Explore the use of sensory tools like fidget items, noise-canceling headphones, and weighted blankets. Enhance Communication Through Sensory Awareness Develop strategies to enhance communication for individuals with sensory processing issues, including the use of visual supports, sign language, and alternative communication methods. Understand the link between sensory experiences and social-emotional development. Learn how to incorporate sensory-based activities into social and educational settings. Promote Emotional Regulation and Self-Management Teach individuals how to self-regulate and identify their sensory needs and triggers. Develop techniques to help manage emotional outbursts or meltdowns related to sensory overload. Use calming strategies, including deep pressure, breathing exercises, and mindful movements, to help individuals manage sensory input. Understand the Role of Sensory Awareness in Autism and Other Conditions Recognize the connection between sensory processing difficulties and conditions such as autism, ADHD, and anxiety disorders. Learn how sensory strategies can improve daily functioning and quality of life for individuals with neurodevelopmental or mental health conditions. Understand the importance of a holistic approach when working with individuals who have sensory processing challenges. Evaluate and Reflect on Sensory Approaches in Practice Assess the effectiveness of sensory strategies in real-life scenarios. Reflect on personal experiences with sensory approaches and how to continuously adapt techniques to better meet individual needs. Share experiences and best practices with peers to foster a community of support.

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Course Contents

Module 1: Introduction to Sensory Processing

What is sensory processing?
Overview of sensory processing theory and everyday functioning
The sensory system: sight, sound, touch, taste, smell, proprioception, vestibular senses
Concept of sensory integration and brain processing of sensory information
Sensory Processing Disorders (SPD):
Definition and impact on behavior, emotions, social interactions
Common misconceptions and myths
Differentiating sensory sensitivities, overload, and under-sensitivity

Module 2: The Spectrum of Sensory Sensitivities

Types of sensory sensitivities:
Hyper-sensitivity (overreaction to stimuli)
Hypo-sensitivity (underreaction to stimuli)
Sensory seeking and avoiding behaviors
Sensory processing across the lifespan:
Childhood, adolescence, adulthood variations
Differences in neurodivergent populations (autism, ADHD, anxiety)
Role of sensory awareness in emotional and behavioral regulation

Module 3: Identifying Sensory Needs

Recognizing sensory symptoms:
Signs of sensory overload or under-stimulation in different settings
Common behaviors linked to sensitivities (covering ears, fidgeting)
Techniques for sensory assessments
Using sensory profiles:
Creating and using profiles to understand individual sensory needs
Assessing and documenting preferences, sensitivities, aversions
Tailoring interventions based on sensory profiles

Module 4: Practical Strategies for Sensory Regulation

Environmental modifications:
Sensory-friendly environments (lighting, noise, seating)
Role of color, texture, and space
Use of sensory tools and aids (fidget toys, noise-canceling headphones, weighted blankets)
Sensory breaks and activities:
Designing breaks to reduce stress and enhance focus
Sensory-based calming and stimulating activities (deep pressure, movement)
Integrating breaks into daily routines

Module 5: Supporting Communication and Emotional Regulation

Linking sensory processing and behavior:
How sensitivities contribute to behavioral challenges (meltdowns, withdrawal)
Using sensory strategies to support communication (especially non-verbal or speech-delayed individuals)
Emotional regulation through sensory awareness:
Teaching emotional self-regulation with sensory techniques
Mindfulness, breathing, grounding to manage overload
Helping individuals recognize and express sensory needs and emotions

Module 6: Adapting Sensory Strategies for Specific Populations

Working with neurodivergent individuals:
Sensory needs of people with autism, ADHD, SPD
Sensory supports in classrooms, workplaces, communities
Adapting interventions by developmental stage or challenge
Supporting individuals with mental health conditions:
Links between sensory sensitivities and anxiety, depression, PTSD
Using sensory strategies to reduce stress in mental health settings

Module 7: Implementing Sensory Strategies in Everyday Settings

Sensory integration in schools and education:
Designing sensory-friendly classrooms
Adapting teaching methods and environments
Collaborating with special education teams and families
Sensory supports in workplaces and community:
Creating sensory-inclusive workspaces
Workplace accommodations (noise reduction, flexible seating, sensory breaks)
Building sensory awareness in community spaces (libraries, public transport, shopping)

Module 8: Monitoring and Evaluating Sensory Interventions

Assessing effectiveness of sensory strategies:
Tracking and evaluating impact
Collecting feedback from individuals, caregivers, professionals
Adjusting interventions based on observations and feedback
Promoting continuous sensory awareness:
Systems for ongoing monitoring in various environments
Encouraging ongoing training for staff and caregivers
Creating sensory-inclusive cultures in homes, schools, workplaces

Module 9: Self-Care and Reflection for Professionals

Caring for yourself while supporting others:
Recognizing emotional toll and risk of burnout
Developing personal self-care strategies
Importance of reflection and seeking support
Creating sensory-friendly environments for caregivers and professionals:
Practical strategies for sensory-friendly workspaces
Balancing personal sensory needs with professional duties

Assessment

The instructor conducts a single written assessments at the end of the course. Upon successful completion, learners will receive a three-year Level 3 Award in Principles of Safeguarding and Protecting Children, Young People or Vulnerable Adults (Level 6 in Scotland). No external assessors are required for this qualification.

Duration

The course requires a minimum of 7 hours, distributed over the day. While it is ideal to complete the course in one day, we can adjust the schedule to suit your specific needs, as long as the course is completed within 3 weeks of starting and each training session lasts at least two hours.