Delivered by an Advanced Sensory Integration Practitioner, our therapy helps children who are overwhelmed, under-stimulated or struggling to regulate - so they can engage, learn and communicate.
Book a free call
WHAT IS SENSORY INTEGRATION
Sensory integration is the process by which our brains organise and interpret information from our senses - not just sight and hearing, but also touch, movement, body awareness and balance. When this process works well, children can focus, regulate and engage with the world.
When it doesn’t, everyday situations can feel overwhelming or confusing - and this often shows up as behaviour that looks like defiance, anxiety or attention difficulties when the root cause is sensory.
Easily overwhelmed in busy environments · Seeks intense sensory input · Struggles to regulate emotions · Difficulty with everyday tasks like dressing · Poor body awareness · Finds transitions very difficult
Julie Cota (SLT) and Shauna Garrity (OT) are Advanced Sensory Integration Practitioners - one of the highest levels of qualification available in the UK. This isn’t a bolt-on service. It’s a core clinical specialism.
Sensory regulation underpins participation, learning and communication. We integrate sensory integration with speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and autism assessment for a truly joined-up approach.
HOW WE HELP
Therapy takes place in The Hive - our movement-rich, sensory-informed clinic space designed specifically for this kind of work.
A tailored programme of sensory strategies for home and school, helping your child feel regulated, comfortable and ready to participate in everyday activities.
We advise on how to adapt home and school environments to reduce sensory overwhelm and support regulation.
We train parents and teachers to understand and respond to their child’s sensory needs - so therapy extends far beyond the clinic.
OUR TEAM
Julie CotaSenior Specialist Speech and Language Therapist and Advanced Sensory Integration Practitioner · Founder of Speech StuffJulie is an autistic Speech and Language Therapist, bringing both personal and professional insight into sensory needs, communication differences, and the lived experience of neurodivergence. She is deeply committed to providing compassionate, neurodiversity‑affirming support for children and families.
She qualified in 2011 after training at Newcastle University and has experience across the North East and Yorkshire in NHS and education settings. Her areas of interest include early language development, autism, Gestalt Language Development, speech sound difficulties, and selective mutism.
Julie holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Speech Sound Difficulties and a Postgraduate Diploma in Sensory Integration, and is an Advanced Sensory Integration Practitioner. She leads the service with a strong focus on care, connection, and understanding, supporting families through assessment and therapy, including multidisciplinary autism assessments.
Shauna GarrityHighly Specialist Occupational Therapist and Advanced Sensory Integration PractitionerShauna has been a practising Occupational Therapist for over 10 years within Special Needs Education. She has a profound understanding of how to support the needs of children with learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder and sensory processing difficulties.
Shauna is most passionate about supporting the sensory needs of children with complex needs and is an Advanced Sensory Integration Practitioner. She is a confident administrator of sensory‑based equipment and has a breadth of experience in the provision of sensory assessments and interventions for young people.
Shauna thrives on building therapeutic rapport with others and working to provide a holistic approach to support children and young people to live a happy and meaningful life.
COMMON QUESTIONS
No diagnosis is needed. We assess each child’s sensory profile and tailor therapy to their individual needs.
Closely. Sensory regulation underpins communication - a child who is dysregulated can’t engage or learn. We integrate both approaches seamlessly.
This varies. Some children benefit from a short block of 6-8 sessions; others need longer-term support. We review progress regularly.
Yes. Many autistic children have significant sensory processing differences. SI therapy is a core part of our assessment and therapy offering.
GET STARTED
Book a free call and tell us about your child. We’ll help you understand whether SI therapy is the right fit.
Book a free call