Sensory Processing Training Course

Sensory processing affects how people experience and respond to the world around them. It influences how we move, learn, communicate, regulate emotions, and manage daily life. For some individuals, differences in sensory processing can make everyday environments overwhelming, confusing, or exhausting.

This free sensory processing online course provides a clear and practical introduction to sensory processing and sensory processing difficulties. It is designed to help health and social care workers understand sensory needs and respond in ways that support comfort, inclusion, and wellbeing.

Why Take This eLearning Course?

Sensory processing differences are common and can affect people of all ages, including autistic people, individuals with learning disabilities, mental health needs, or neurological conditions. When sensory needs are not understood, individuals may be labelled as “challenging” or “uncooperative”, rather than supported appropriately.

This free course will help you to:

• Understand sensory processing: Learn how the senses work together in daily life.
• Recognise sensory processing difficulties: Identify different types of sensory responses and behaviours.
• Understand sensory sensitivity: Explore how sensory overload or under-responsiveness affects individuals.
• Reduce distress and anxiety: Learn practical strategies to support sensory regulation.
• Create sensory-friendly environments: Make simple changes to improve comfort and accessibility.
• Support learning and behaviour: Understand how sensory needs affect engagement, learning, and behaviour.
• Apply learning in practice: Use tools and observations to identify and support sensory needs.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Explain what sensory processing is and why it is important in daily life.
• Identify the eight senses, including proprioception, vestibular, and interoception.
• Describe sensory integration and its role in functioning.
• Define sensory processing difficulties and common types of sensory responses.
• Recognise signs and symptoms of sensory processing difficulties.
• Explain sensory sensitivity and sensory seeking behaviours.
• Apply practical strategies to support sensory regulation.
• Create and adapt sensory-friendly environments.
• Understand the impact of sensory processing on learning and behaviour.
• Use simple tools and observations to support sensory needs in practice.

Sensory Processing Training Course

Module 1: Understanding Sensory Processing
This module introduces sensory processing and explains why it is essential for everyday functioning. Learners will explore the eight senses, including proprioception, vestibular sense, and interoception, and understand the concept of sensory integration and how the brain organises sensory information to support movement, behaviour, and wellbeing.

Module 2: Sensory Processing Difficulties
Learners will develop an understanding of sensory processing difficulties, including sensory processing disorder (SPD). This module explains different sensory response patterns such as hyperreactivity, hyporeactivity, and sensory seeking, alongside common signs and symptoms seen in children and adults.

Module 3: Sensory Sensitivity
This module focuses on sensory sensitivity and how it affects daily life. Learners will look at real-life examples of sensory overload and explore the differences between sensory sensitivity and sensory seeking behaviours, helping to build empathy and understanding.

Module 4: Strategies for Sensory Support
Learners will explore practical strategies to support individuals with sensory processing challenges. This includes sensory regulation techniques, reasonable adjustments, and ways to create calm, predictable, and sensory-friendly environments in care, education, and community settings.

Module 5: Impact of Sensory Processing on Learning and Behaviour
This module explains how sensory processing differences can influence learning, behaviour, and emotional regulation. Learners will consider examples from educational, workplace, and care environments and understand the importance of working collaboratively with professionals to support sensory needs.

Module 6: Practical Application of Sensory Support
The final module focuses on putting learning into practice. Learners will explore how to observe and assess sensory needs using checklists, create sensory maps for specific environments, and use practical tools and resources to support individuals effectively and safely.

Target Audience

This course is suitable for:

• Health and social care workers.
• Support workers and care assistants.
• Staff working with autistic people or people with learning disabilities.
• Education, residential, and community-based staff.
• Team leaders, supervisors, and managers.
• Anyone wanting to improve understanding of sensory needs.

No prior knowledge of sensory processing is required.

FAQ

Is this course relevant to health and social care settings?
Yes. The course reflects UK practice and uses recognised approaches and resources.

Is the course practical?
Yes. It focuses on real-life examples, strategies, and tools that can be applied immediately.

How long does the course take?
The course is self-paced and typically takes 1 hour to complete.

Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. A certificate is provided on successful completion.

Is this course CPD accredited?
Courses are not currently CPD accredited, but accreditation is planned.

Understanding sensory processing helps reduce distress, improve communication, and create more inclusive environments. By completing this course, you will build confidence in recognising sensory needs and supporting individuals in a respectful, person-centred way.

Enrol now to strengthen your sensory awareness and improve everyday care practice.