Dip. SNDT

Diploma in Sensory & Neurodevelopmental Therapy (SNDT)

18-Month Professional Diploma Developed to meet Level 6 QQI Standard (Awaiting aproval)

24- month Ordinary Bachelors Degree - being developed to meet Level 7 QQI Standard (Aproval based on QQI approval of Level 6)

This course is designed for professionals seeking to deepen their clinical expertise in supporting children with sensory processing challenges and neurodevelopmental delays. Grounded in evidence-based practice, the programme explores the dynamic relationship between sensory integration, primitive reflex retention, and neurological development — providing practical, targeted strategies for use across educational and therapeutic settings.

Key Learning Outcomes

Participants will:

• Develop clinical competencies in assessing and supporting children with sensory processing differences and neurodevelopmental delay.

• Understand the neurobiological foundations of early brain development and sensory system maturation.

• Examine the causes and presentation of Neurodevelopmental Delay (NDD) and its relationship with retained primitive reflexes.

• Master intervention techniques for integrating 11 core primitive reflexes, with direct application in both special education and clinical contexts.

• Learn and apply Brain Tune-Up techniques to reduce anxiety and promote sensory regulation.

• Understand the application of sensory integration and neurodevelopmental strategies within Special Education settings.

• Produce detailed sensory profiles and identify individualised strategies suited to each child’s sensory needs.

• Study evidence-based models of Primitive Reflex Integration shown to enhance motor coordination, bilateral integration, and overall neurological function.

• Gain practical tools for visual skills screening and implement strategies to support ocular efficiency and visual-motor integration.

• Complete four supervised case studies, applying learned methodologies in real-world practice.

• Recognise the importance of high-quality clinical resources and their role in effective therapeutic outcomes.

Programme Structure – Level 6
(Pending Evaluation by QQI Registration Body)

• Duration: 18 months
  Level: QQI Level 6 – Diploma

  Format:

  • Year 1: Eight core modules building key knowledge and practical skills

  • Final 6 Months: Four developmental modules focusing on consolidation and applied learning

  • Delivery Model:

    • One face-to-face weekend session per month

    • Monthly live webinars and online learning activities

Programme Structure – Level 7 (Subject to QQI Validation)
Duration: 24 months
Level: QQI Level 7 – Ordinary Bachelor Degree

Format:

• Year 1: Eight core modules focused on consolidating practical skills learnes to date, research-informed practice, and applied skills.

• Year 2: Eight advanced modules expanding clinical and educational practice. Focus areas include sensory-motor group work, integration of cross-disciplinary strategies, and preparation for complex, special eduaction setttings and consequently providing a wider base for practitioners clinica practice.

• Delivery:

  • One in-person weekend workshop per month (blended learning approach)

  • Monthly live interactive webinars and online tutorials

Who Should Attend?

This course is ideally suited for professionals working in primary teaching, special education teaching (SET), early childhood education, occupational therapy, special needs assistance (SNAs), paediatric physiotherapy, psychology, and play therapy.

Qualifications Awarded

• End of Year 1: Participants are qualified to practise Sensory and Neurodevelopmental Therapy under supervision. Level 6 Student Practitioner.

• End of Year 2: Stream 1 Graduates are fully qualified as Sensory and Neurodevelopmental Therapists. Level 6 Therapist.

• End of Year 2 Stream 2- Graduates are fully qualified as Sensory and Neurodevelopmental Therapists. with broader skill set for wider cliinical practice.

Please note: This is the inaugural delivery of the course in Ireland. Application for QQI accreditation at Level 7 is currently in progress. Final awarding at Level 6 or Level 7 will be determined by QQI following their assessment process, which will be ongoing throughout the duration of the programme

Fee: €3,200 per year for diploma course.

A non-refundable deposit of €1,000 is required to secure a place.

Closing date for application- July 31st 2025

For more information, please call 087 985 3554 or email info.dfltraining@gmail.com to request an application form.