When we talk about sensory integration, we often focus on what we see in practice behaviours, movement patterns, emotional responses, functional challenges, moments of connection or disconnection. However, behind every observable action lies a complex network of neural processes that shape how a person experiences their world. Understanding these neural foundations is not only fascinating, but it also elevates our clinical reasoning and strengthens the quality of the support we provide.

This is precisely what the upcoming Advanced Neuroscience Supporting Ayres’ Sensory Integration workshop offers. Led by internationally respected expert Dr Shelly J. Lane, this six-session live online series invites clinicians to deepen their knowledge of the sensory systems and explore the science that underpins Ayres Sensory Integration®.

Across six half-day sessions in February 2026, participants will dive into the neural mechanisms that drive the visual, auditory, olfactory and interoceptive systems. Dr Lane brings these systems to life, moving beyond anatomical diagrams into meaningful explanations of how they contribute to attention, emotion, motor control, memory, motivation and participation. You'll explore how the brain transforms sensations into actions, and how these processes influence everyday function across childhood, adulthood, and later life.

One of the strengths of this workshop is its blend of depth and practicality. Although the content is rooted in neuroscience, the emphasis is consistently on translating it into real-world practice. What does this neural network mean for a client with sensory-based anxiety? How do auditory pathways influence praxis? Where does interoception fit within trauma-informed care? How does olfactory processing relate to well-being, appetite and emotional memory? Dr Lane weaves clinical examples throughout, helping you integrate new knowledge into your existing skill set.

Participants will also explore the role of distributed brain networks, shifting from isolated sensory systems to the integrated, dynamic nature of the nervous system. This deeper understanding strengthens your ability to articulate why sensory integration matters, particularly in settings where you need to justify practice: adult mental health, learning disabilities, neurodiversity pathways, forensic environments and multidisciplinary teams.

The workshop has an experiential feel, despite being online. Through reflective tasks, case discussions and opportunities to share questions, you will connect the science to your own context. Practitioners from across the lifespan attend paediatric therapists, adult mental health OTs, neurodiversity specialists, learning disability teams and educators, creating rich, multidisciplinary dialogue.

For those progressing through the ASI Wise learning route, this workshop is an ideal complement to ASI 1–3 or to your ongoing professional development. For experienced clinicians, it offers intellectual nourishment and a rare opportunity to engage directly with the neuroscience underpinning the field.

By the end, you will have a clearer, more confident understanding of how sensory systems work, their influence on participation, and how to explain sensory integration theory with accuracy and authority. More importantly, you will walk away with renewed curiosity and a strengthened ability to advocate for sensory-informed, evidence-aligned approaches within your service.

If you're ready to expand your sensory integration lens and ground your practice in robust neuroscience, this workshop is a decisive next step. Join us live online and learn directly from one of the leading voices in the field. This is the kind of learning that stays with you and elevates your work long after the final session ends.