Who We Are
At Children’s Sensory Therapy, we are a team of approachable Occupational Therapists with specialist training in Paediatrics, Ayres Sensory Integration®, and trauma-informed practice based on the Sensory Attachment Intervention (SAI) model. Our therapists come from a range of backgrounds and experience levels, but all share a deep commitment to supporting children, young people, and some adults with sensory, emotional, and physical needs.
All of our therapists are either fully trained in Ayres Sensory Integration® or are enrolled in our in-house graduate training programme, where they are actively undergoing their training and working under close supervision from senior clinicians. Any work that specifically requires a fully qualified Ayres Sensory Integration® therapist will only be allocated to appropriately trained staff.
What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational Therapy (OT) is a science-based health and social care profession, regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). It takes a whole-person approach to physical and mental health, supporting individuals to participate in daily life and achieve their full potential (Royal College of Occupational Therapists).
Who We Work With
We primarily support children and young people from birth to 18 years across a range of settings, including home, school, and our purpose-built Ayres Sensory Integration® Clinic at the Midlands Child and Family Therapy Centre. We also work with some adults who have ongoing sensory, emotional, or physical needs related to neurodiversity or trauma.
Our team collaborates directly with families, as well as with professionals from local authorities, health and social care teams, special schools, charities, and other agencies.
Our Approach
Our services are personalised and carefully tailored to meet each individual’s sensory, emotional, and physical needs. We use a Sensory Integration or Sensory Attachment Intervention (SAI) approach, carefully tailored to the individual needs and presenting challenges of each child.
Our work is always trauma-informed and attachment-aware, underpinned by the SAI model. This helps children develop the ability to regulate more effectively and engage more confidently with the world around them.
Our approach is neurodiversity-affirming; we are not trying to change the child, but instead supporting them to feel more in sync with themselves and the world around them.
Interventions are thoughtfully adapted to suit each child, with a strong focus on developing functional everyday skills. We aim to empower children to participate more fully, comfortably, and joyfully in the things that matter most to them.
We also work closely with parents, carers, teachers, and other key adults, recognising the importance of shared understanding and co-regulation in supporting the child or young person.
How We Help
We recognise that sensory, emotional, or physical challenges can impact everyday life, relationships and learning. Our Occupational Therapists offer:
- Support with access to learning, play and functional activities
- Recommendations for adapting home or school environments
- Guidance on emotional regulation and independence skills
- A deeper understanding of sensory processing and co-regulation using Ayres Sensory Integration® and Sensory Attachment Intervention
Assessment and Intervention
Our assessments provide a thorough understanding of each individual’s sensory processing needs and how these interact with emotional and physical wellbeing.
All therapists are either trained in Ayres Sensory Integration® or are part of our in-house graduate pathway, working under close supervision as they complete their qualifications. Cases requiring a therapist with post graduate sensory training will always be matched accordingly. We also integrate the principles of Sensory Attachment Intervention in our work with children and families who have experienced trauma or difficulties in early relationships.
Clinical Expertise
Our team is dual-trained in both physical and mental health at graduate level. Many of our Paediatric Occupational Therapists are senior clinicians with additional training in both Ayres Sensory Integration® and Sensory Attachment Intervention. We also support some adults, particularly those who continue to experience sensory and emotional regulation difficulties.
We have experience supporting individuals with a range of needs, including:
- Autism
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)
- Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)
- Cerebral Palsy
- Global Developmental Delay
