Sensory Modulation Resource Manual

14/06/2026

https://bioengineer.org/new-study-uncovers-how-the-brain-revises-its-predictions/

In the fleeting moment following an unexpected noise, the brain performs a critical computational feat: swiftly determining whether the sound originated from one’s own action or from an external s

12/06/2026

Loved hearing from Belinda at about new research released from Scotland this week, perfectly timed with the International Day of Play.

Using nationally representative longitudinal data it provides the first evidence that early outdoor play predicts better mental health trajectories across childhood. The researchers say these findings highlight the need to incorporate outdoor play into the preventative public mental health agenda.

So wonderful when research validates what we intuitively know! Little ones need to play outside in nature.

Read the full paper here:

https://acamh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jcpp.70175

Photo courtesy of Birdwings Forest School as featured in our nature play gallery (https://www.maggiedent.com/nature-play)

04/06/2026

Great to see Sensory Modulation being the focus of an article from India

Be it in crowded metros, noisy cafes or overstimulating public spaces, many people today carry tiny personal ‘anxiety toolkits’, with things that may appear ins

27/05/2026

Sensory Modulation interventions in practice when working with trauma chapter explores:

* advances in the neurological understanding of trauma
* insights from Occupational Therapy
* OT frameworks
* DIN model for using sensory modulation intervention for working w people w trauma
* detailed examples highlighting the application of these concepts and strategies

to mental health practice

24/05/2026

Julie and Carolyn have written "Sensory Modulation interventions in practice when working with trauma".

This is available as a separate chapter or in the book Sensory Approaches to Mental Health Practice.

This is the abstract

Sensory modulation interventions are invaluable for individuals with trauma experience due to being grounded in trauma-informed, neuro-diversity affirming, strengths-based, and person-centered practice.

This chapter explores the utilization of sensory modulation interventions in the context of working with people with a trauma history, with consideration of their unique sensory presentations, the environment, and their occupations.

It provides an overview of trauma and its impact on occupational participation, arising from the complex interplay of factors, including sensory factors. Advances in the neurological understanding of trauma and insights from occupational therapy, including relevant frameworks, are discussed.

A model* for using sensory modulation as an intervention for working with people with trauma is comprehensively described, and detailed examples highlighting the application of these concepts and strategies are outlined.

We plan to share more posts on this chapter.

* The model discussed is the DIN model

24/05/2026

Some great tips in here for low energy bed time preparation and bed time needs.

Thanks to supporter Chakae for sharing this with us

04/05/2026

04/05/2026

A simple, practical group design focused on helping people explore Sensory Modulation strategies to use when distressed.

Distress can include:
• Stress
• Anxiety, Anger and other intense emotions
• Dissociation/shutdown/meltdown
• Craving for substances
• Pain
• Challenges with focusing or engaging in a task

This group design introduces brief sensory modulation strategies such as:
• Strong/pungent tastes
• Cold water (dive reflex)
• Deep pressure (e.g. weighted items)
• Scent linked to a safe person or place

Participants are supported to choose what feels right for them with no prior sensory assessment required.

Groups can be brief (e.g. 15 minutes) or extended, and can include a discussion on the practicalities of using these strategies to support daily activities.

This group program has been trialled in several places including alcohol and drug detox unit, inpatient and community groups.

This group structure is useful for both mental health and wellbeing focus.
Important considerations:

• Group facilitators benefit from being able to explain the underlying mechanisms. Sensory Modulation Brisbane has on demand courses to provide training.
• A sensory preferences screen is not needed prior to this group. Some people who dislike strong tastes will still benefit from trialling pungent tastes. Provide info to the person & they can decide
• Use clinical judgement and follow contraindications (e.g. pregnancy, eating disorders for certain strategies)
• Ensure organisational risk processes are followed when implementing
• These strategies are about trial, response, and individual fit, not assuming a single underlying mechanism.
• Group needs to follow neurodiversity affirming and trauma-informed principles.

Link to On Demand Courses are in comments.

This includes the use of Strong/pungent tastes,
•Cold water (dive reflex), • Deep pressure (e.g. weighted items) and scented items that are reminders of taste.

02/05/2026

Hopefully, these insights can make progress with treatment for schizophrenia. I am glad that there is a focus on predictive processing.

Understanding why people born blind never develop schizophrenia could transform how we think about and treat one of medicine’s most baffling conditions. https://ebx.sh/pkZDd3