A free introduction to sensory processing
Our free sensory course explores the basics of sensory processing and sensory needs. It is designed for teachers, parents and professionals who want an introduction to sensory processing disorder. At the end we hope that you will understand the eight senses and have a basic knowledge of sensory processing. The course explains why using sensory supports is much more complicated than you may have first thought and lays the foundations for Section 2. Section 2 (paid) helps you to identify sensory needs and identify relevant sensory strategies.
It’s free to watch Section 1, but if you need a CPD certificate for this training you can either become a member or purchase it separately at the end of the training. Our goal is to make sensory processing knowledge accessible to everyone who needs it, which is why access to Level 1 is free. The small fee for CPD certificates helps me maintain and improve the training while ensuring the core learning remains available to all.
Who is the online sensory area training course designed for?
How will this sensory training help me?
The training will help to improve your knowledge and confidence when supporting children with sensory needs. It will help you to understand the eight senses and give you an introduction to the different sensory processing/reactivity patterns. I also explore why using sensory strategies is more complicated than you may first think.
Our in depth review indicated positive changes in both knowledge and confidence even after the introduction. You can also read one teacher’s reflection of how she has used the training in her classroom here.
What’s in the covered in the Sensory Processing Disorder training?
The full list of videos is available here – GriffinOT Success with Sensory 2026. International purchases and group pricing are also available, see below. The training has been updated in January 2026. Anyone joining after the 1st Jan 2026 will be given access to the new version. If you joined prior to this, you will have access to the old and new versions.
Free Sensory Course – Frequently Asked Questions
When will I receive access to the training?
Once your join our community you will receive a link to access the training, both on screen and in your inbox. Sometimes the invite goes into spam so check there as well.
How long do I have access to the content?
Once enrolled you will have twelve months’ access to the course content.
Do I have to start at Section 1
Yes, we recommend completing Section 1 before continuing onto Section 2 or 3.
Is there a CPD certificate?
Yes, if you are a paying member. Alternatively, you can purchase a CPD certificate separately at the end of the training if you need one. We’d love to offer everything completely free, but there are real costs involved in hosting the website, maintaining the training platform, and developing quality content. The small CPD certificate fee helps us cover these costs while ensuring Level 1 remains free and accessible to everyone who needs it.
Can I upgrade to Section 2 & 3 after completing Section 1
Of course you can! You can see the pricing options here.
General questions – sensory training
Where can I learn about sensory processing for free?
You can learn more about sensory processing right here on the GriffinOT website. Our sensory blogs are free to access and you can sign up for the first Level of GriffinOT’s Success with Sensory Supports training for free here. There’s no credit card required and it’s open to everyone.
What are the 8 sensory systems and how do they affect daily life?
The extra “hidden” senses are vestibular (balance), proprioception (body position), and interoception (internal sensations). If you want to learn more about these, you can visit GriffinOT.com where there are numerous articles. To take your learning to the next step, you can also enrol in our free Level 1 training, where Kim explains all eighth senses.
How can I tell if a child’s behaviour is “sensory” or just “behaviour”?
The first step in understanding the difference is to increase your awareness of sensory needs. Level 1 of GriffinOT’s Success with Sensory Supports training provides a free introduction to the eighth senses. Increasing your awareness of the eight senses will help you to notice when sensations might be the trigger for a child’s behaviour.
How do I safely implement a sensory diet or sensory circuit?
Sensory needs are very complex, and there is no single answer to this as each child is an individual. The first step is to increase your understanding of the senses and how these impact an individual’s performance. Next, you need to consider contextual factors like the environment, task and relationships that might be impacting their performance. Then, it’s important to complete an assessment of the child’s individual needs so that you can identify what supports might be appropriate for their sensory diet or circuit. Finally, it’s important to be familiar with how to use equipment and activities safely with the individual. Kim covers all of these areas in her Success with Sensory Supports training.
Date last updated by Kim: 10th April 2026