Information for parents - sensory processing services
We offer a three-tiered model of service delivery, which includes universal, targeted, and specialist support for children and families across Hertfordshire. The majority of children’s sensory needs can be met through universal and targeted support.
The most effective way to support your child’s participation is by applying strategies consistently within the context of everyday routines and activities.
Attending workshops at the universal and targeted levels ensures that families and schools receive up-to-date, evidence-based advice and strategies. A goal-oriented approach is used during targeted workshops to help families and schools work toward specific outcomes that support a child or young person’s sensory processing needs.
Universal: For everyone
This is the first level of provision for families and school and is provided virtually through a 90-minute workshop. A referral is not needed to access the universal workshop.
For parents/carers
This workshop is for parents and carers only and is designed as an introduction to sensory processing and sensory preferences. It offers practical advice and strategies that can be used at home to support your child or young person. This universal parent workshop can be accessed here.
We also work in partnership with several voluntary sector organisations and charities in Hertfordshire that offer universal sensory training. Anyone can access training from Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust or the following partner organisations:
After attending a universal sensory workshop, parents and carers need to implement the strategies consistently for a minimum of three months before seeking further targeted support.
For schools
We offer universal training for schools. We encourage you to liaise with your child’s school so that they can book onto this training. We also offer virtual drop-in sessions where school staff can consult with a sensory processing therapist regarding individual needs of children and young people. More information on universal support available to schools can be found here.
Targeted: For some
This is the second level of provision for families. After three months of implementing recommendations from universal workshop, some children and young people may need further support. If this is the case, a referral can be made for targeted level of support by a parent, carer or health/education professional.
The aim of targeted support is to build on existing knowledge and provide tailored guidance to help manage identified sensory processing differences that are impacting participation in daily activities. This is achieved using a goal-oriented, coaching-based approach.
What targeted support involves:
- An initial telephone assessment with the parent or carer
- Attendance at two 90-minute virtual workshops, selected based on the child’s needs
- A follow-up telephone appointment after both workshops are completed
- Parent/carers embedding strategies from the workshops for a minimum of three months
The virtual targeted workshops available are:
- Self-regulation
- Eating and drinking
- Toileting
- Sleep
- Self-care
- Transitions
- Interoception (our bodies internal sense)
In addition to the above targeted workshops, we offer a Positive Behaviour Support workshop titled ‘Understanding behaviour’ which parents can attend if needed.
After the workshops:
Following attendance to the two workshops, parents/carers will need to embed strategies with their child and young person for a minimum of 3 months. This 12-week period is important to enable strategies to be embedded into everyday life for self-management of sensory differences. If strategies are not consistently implemented, this may not bring about the change required to manage sensory challenges.
As part of our service, we offer parents additional advice and support when they are facing challenges related to behaviour management. This may include the opportunity to attend a targeted workshop or consult with a Positive Behaviour Analyst. These early steps help families better understand the underlying causes of behaviour and explore how Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) can be integrated effectively with the support provided by the Sensory Processing Team.
Patient Initiated Follow Up (PIFU) Pathway:
If after six months following the completion of the workshops and follow up telephone appointment, the service does not hear back from parents/carers, we will assume all is going well and the child and young person will be discharged from the service.
Click here to see this information in a targeted flow chart format.
Specialist: For few
This is the third level of provision for parents/carers and children and young people who have a defined clinical need. Your child or young person’s sensory needs will be reviewed collaboratively with parents/carers, following targeted support, to determine whether specialist intervention is required.
Specialist support includes an individual assessment carried out either at home or in school, depending on the identified needs. After the assessment, a sensory report will be provided, including specific recommendations and tailored advice. If intervention from the Sensory Processing Service is advised, up to six sessions may be offered. These may be direct (with the child or young person) and/or indirect (with parents/carers or school staff).
The aim of specialist-level intervention is to establish person-centred goals and outcomes focused on improving participation in everyday activities. Interventions will be time-limited and evidence-based.
Please note, not all children and young people will require specialist support, as it is anticipated that the guidance and support provided at universal and targeted levels will enable many to manage sensory processing differences effectively within daily life and routines.
Useful Resources and Information
- Printable activity sheet for parents/carers (to record which sensory activities have been trialled)
- Printable sensory checklist for parents/carers
- Services and charities in Hertfordshire
- Useful sensory resources for parents/carers
