| 1. What is Sensory Integration Therapy? Sensory Integration Therapy involves individualized based treatment on the Ayres model of Sensory Integration. It is important to be aware that programmes (e.g. the Alert Programme, Henry Tools or use of a Sensory Diet) draw from the Sensory Integration knowledge base but are not Sensory Integration Therapy.
2. Is the therapist a State Registered Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist or Speech and Language Therapist? In the United Kingdom this will mean registration with the Health Professions Council, registration can be checked online at www.hpc-uk.org/ In Ireland it is expected that Physiotherapists will be registered in 2009 and Occupational Therapists and Speech and Language Therapist in 2010.
3. Has the therapist completed post-graduate training?
• Postgraduate education is offered in the UK through the Sensory Integration Network with the University of Cardiff. These modules have been developed in conjunction with the Western Psychological Services educators. This is a 4 module programme.
• On attendance at these courses participants will receive a Certificate of Attendance.
• On successful completion of an assignment the participant is awarded a Certificate of Accreditation.
• On successful accreditation of modules 1, 2, and 4 the therapist receives a certificate of Advanced Sensory Integration Practitioner Status from the Sensory Integration Network.
• On successful completion of module 3 (SIPT: Sensory Integration and Praxis Test Administration and interpretation) the therapist will receive a certificate that they are certified to administer and interpret the SIPT
• Education programme is available through Western Psychological Services in the USA. Programmes are also available in a number of other countries. Informal links are made with other programmes through the SIGN (Sensory Integration Global Network). The SIGN is a grouping of international organizations that value standards of education/ knowledge dissemination based on evidence-based research.
• Alternative courses are available but do not have an assessment component
• The Sensory Integration Network recommends that all independent practitioners are accredited to at least module 2 level with a preference for Advanced Practitioners Status.
4. Is the therapist involved in a mentoring or supervision programme? All Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapist and Speech and Language Therapists should be involved in a programme of supervision or mentoring. This should be regular and ongoing.
5. Is the therapist maintaining up to date training and evidence of continuing professional development(CPD? This may be evidenced through attendance at annual conferences, or use of reflective practice and reading of up to date literature. In Sensory Integration this may be evidenced by reading of Sensor Net Newsletter and American Journal of Occupational Therapy.
6. Who can use the Sensory Integration Network Logo? The logo is copyrighted and can only be used in conjunction with the work of the Sensory Integration Network (UK and Ireland)
References
College of Occupational Therapists. (2006). Occupational Therapists and Sensory Integration. London: College of Occupational Therapists
College of Occupational Therapists. (2005) Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct. London: College of Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapists in Independent Practice. (2005). Occupational Therapy in Private Practice
Code of Business Practice. London: Occupational Therapists in Independent Practice
Schaaf, R.C. and Smith Roley, S. (2006). SI: Applying Clinical Reasoning to Practice with Diverse Populations. USA: Harcourt
Authors: Sensory Integration Network Committee. December 2008
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