Sensory Features in Diagnostic Groups:
Autism (ASD)

No and it's important to understand the relationship clearly. Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI) is the primary scientific knowledge base on which The SenseUp Approach™ is built. We begin with ASI theory, ASI research, and ASI principles because the evidence base that Jean Ayres and subsequent researchers have produced is robust and the best we have access to.

What The SenseUp Approach does is extend that ASI foundation into three areas that are not part of the original model: polyvagal theory and trauma-informed practice, the concept of the layered vulnerable nervous system, and an explicit occupation-centred and occupational justice lens. It is an approach that asks: what does every paediatric OT need to understand every child's nervous system and support their participation in the occupations that matter?

The SenseUp Approach Course (TSAC) is a different kind of programme. Rather than certifying OTs in the delivery of a single, fidelity-based model, it provides a comprehensive clinical framework and professional development pathway for all paediatric OTs applicable across every caseload, every setting, and every client presentation. The two are complementary, not competing.

Absolutely and many OTs who have completed CASI have gone on to complete The SenseUp Approach™ as well. CASI gives you rigorous, fidelity-based practice in the ASI model. The SenseUp Approach extends that into the areas CASI was not designed to cover: trauma-informed clinical reasoning, polyvagal theory, the layered vulnerable nervous system, and an occupation-centred framework that applies to every child on your caseload not only those presenting with sensory integration difficulties.

For CASI-trained OTs, The SenseUp Approach often provides the clinical reasoning layer that makes existing ASI skills applicable to the more complex presentations they are increasingly seeing: children with disability, trauma histories, and layered neurodevelopmental challenges.

This is one of the most important questions we get asked and the answer is no. The SenseUp Approach™ is designed for every paediatric OT, for every child on their caseload.

Every child has a nervous system. Every child's capacity to participate in the occupations of daily life (dressing, eating, learning, playing, connecting) can be influenced by how their autonomic nervous system is functioning. That is true whether your client is autistic, has ADHD, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, a complex medical history, developmental coordination disorder, or any other presentation. The SenseUp Approach gives you the framework to understand and respond to what is happening in that child's nervous system, and to connect it directly to the occupations that matter to them and their family.

No. One of the core intentions behind The SenseUp Approach™ is that it is accessible in any paediatric practice setting of clinic, school, home, or community. While a sensory gym is a wonderful resource if you have one, the clinical reasoning framework, the assessment tools, and the intervention principles of The SenseUp Approach can all be applied wherever you work.

This is one of the meaningful differences between The SenseUp Approach™ and the CASI pathway: CASI requires a specialised sensory gym for ASI fidelity. The SenseUp Approach does not.

Yes. The SenseUp Approach Course (TSAC-Lite) is designed to take you from the foundations of nervous system science through to confident clinical reasoning across all five levels of the SenseUp Model 360™. You do not need prior sensory integration training to begin. The programme builds your understanding from the ground up, starting with the neuroscience of the autonomic nervous system and sensory systems, through sensory-motor integration, and all the way to occupational participation and self-determination.

Many of our students tell us it is the first time the science has truly clicked into place, and that it has changed not just what they do in the therapy room but how they think about every child they work with. They also say that what they learn is truly applicable for their very next session and they love embedding their learning into practice as they go.

Absolutely. You are more than welcome to purchase a seat and attend any of our Masterclasses. While the training is structured primarily for occupational therapists, you may find a great deal of the content relevant to your own caseload, clinical reasoning and professional role.

Come and listen, consider the information through the lens of your own scope of practice, and take what you need from the session.

Unless a specific training event clearly states that educators and/or parents are invited, our professional Masterclasses are not the appropriate platform for individual sensory, occupational therapy or other clinical questions relating to a child.

You are, however, very welcome to contact our team at hello@senseup.org with a brief explanation of your query or challenge. One of our team members can help direct you to the most appropriate channel for support and/or further information related to your needs.

Please note that consultation fees may apply depending on the type of support required. Check in with the team first and we will see where we can help.

Recording available in the Portal 48 hours after the session with estimated 30-day access. You will receive an email to help you log into the portal and set your password. If you missed the Masterclass, we'll also be selling a Recorded Version 48 hours after the event.

30-day recording access. We strongly recommend attending if possible.

Your login will not expire, but your access to certain products may. Take note of the access notice during the purchase process. This information is displayed on the website and during checkout. We generally allow for 7-days to 30-days of access dependant on the specific offer, until content is moved. Refer to the offer for details about the replay access period.

Please contact hello@senseup.org. Try to share as much information about your problem as possible. Consider including screenshots of your challenge to help the team resolve your queries faster.

You need to (1) Attend or watch the Masterclasses and (2) Complete the Feedback Form - link available in your portal at the end of the Masterclass Series. The system will then send you an automated email with your certificate once complete.

Please ensure that your name and surname on the portal is correct - this will feature on your certificate.