Hello! My name is Carly, I am an Independent OT that predominantly works with children and family's (a bit like outreach/but also some private clinic work) and the occasional Adolescent/Adult.
I have a keen interest in the Ayre's Framework and Sensory Integration Therapy and wish to begin the journey of completing the modules to become an SI Practitioner. However.... this is proving to be difficult to do here in Australia and I have had to reach out to International OT/Groups to gather information.
I looked into becoming certified in SI Theory and Practice Techniques but noticed that it has been discontinued, and there longer seems to be any training in the SIPT (Sensory Integration, Praxis Test)? There is discussion that I have heard and read, that there is no longer enough evidence to support this approach and this is why it is being discontinued.
I have found that there seems to be a shift of focus to Motor Learning Theory due to its high evidence base and that SI, even though its increasing popularity states otherwise is taking a backbench whilst more literature and studies are being done to develop valid and reliable assessment/evaluation tools.
I have recently stumbled upon the SI Network that delivers the SI Modular Pathway online which is Ayre's Sensory Integration Therapy Practitioner Training delivered in collaboration with the Ulster University Health Science School in the UK.
1. I would like to know if anyone has had experience/completing these modules online in Australia (or abroad) or if anyone has information relating to the quality of this training ie: Is it recognized here?
2. I would like to link in with like minded practitioners because I am seeking answers on how I can build and develop my expertise in the area of SI and create discussion on this topic.
3. I am aware of the Ayres SI 2020 Vision and would like to make connections with those involved and therapists that currently deliver SI Therapy both in Australia and OS.
Warm Regards
Carly Treloar
Hi Carly,
I would contact the Sensory Integration Education if I was you; I don't see any reason why you couldn't do the modules online from another country. I know they are rather expensive but a few people I work with have done some, if not all of them, and they're very much worth it with the skills you acquire!
Kind Regards
Laura
Thanks for some interesting and thoroughly considered thoughts Shelli! Very helpful.
Carly - as you were one of the first to post in our Q&A Forum (at a time the Hub was known by only a few), it has taken some time for responses. But we hope Shelli's is useful to you :) In future, we will more readily promote the Forum - now to a bigger and growing audience. Do get in touch with any other questions in future!
Warm regards
The OT Hub Team
Hi Carly,
Your line of inquiry is interesting. I worked as a pediatric OT for about 35 years, now I teach OT students. There is a problem with Ayers intervention in research, however, there is plenty of research on sensory processing disorders being quite real. This issue isn't whether or not these disorders are real, this issue is what do we do about it? I have found both clinical anecdotal evidence and good research to support using more of a psycho-social approach. Specifically reduction of anxiety and incorporation of targeted joint attention (there are several specific methods in the literature). There is good evidence that anxiety accompanies sensory disorders and diagnoses that are co-morbid with anxiety such as autism. Interventions aimed at anxiety reduction are very successful with these populations. And there is ample evidence to support you. It isn't fancy, and it doesn't involve a special certification, but it works.
Thanks Jamie,
Appreciate it, putting the information/questions out there is the first step to finding answers
Warm Regards
Carly
Hi Carly.
Thanks for contributing your question to the Q&A Forum!
As The OT Hub is brand new, it may take a little time to get users to answer your question.
We will promote your question on our social media pages (using just your first name to promote confidentiality). We hope this will raise responses to your query.
Warm regards
Jamie
The OT Hub Founder