SENDcast Episode
Are you a Sensory Elephant or Mouse?
with Ali Neal
In our latest podcast, Ali Neal, an occupational therapist specialising in sensory processing, joins Dale to discuss the intriguing concept of sensory profiles, exploring the differences between being a “sensory elephant” and a “sensory mouse.” Ali provides valuable insights into how these profiles affect children’s experiences in school and everyday life.
Key topics include:
- Understanding sensory needs and how they manifest in different individuals.
- Practical strategies for supporting children based on their sensory profiles.
- Finding a balance and understanding that needs can shift depending on the environment.
- The importance of recognising and responding to sensory processing challenges in educational settings.
“You might find it the other way around as well, that if you’re worn out, you get overloaded more quickly because your window of tolerance is smaller.”
— Ali Neal
This conversation is a must-listen for anyone involved in supporting children, especially those with sensory processing difficulties.
Watch on YouTube
About the guest
Ali Neal
Ali Neal is a specialist Occupational Therapist with advanced training in sensory processing. She runs School Sensory Solutions which provides regular and cost effective training for all educators supporting SEN and neurodivergent pupils in schools via an online learning platform. Ali prides herself in finding solutions to everyday problems experienced by children and young people at school that actually work and supporting teachers to incorporate these in their already busy days.
Ali presents regularly at national level on the topic of Occupational Therapy and sensory processing for a number of organisations across the country including at both The Autism Show and The OT Show. She has written a book on Sensory Movement Breaks and has written an award winning program for developing motor skills for children with special educational needs.
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