Sensory Integration Activities and Interventions

The specific intervention approach of occupational therapy using a sensory integration approach has been trademarked as Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI) and is referred to as OT-SI. This occupational therapy approach to intervention involves specific parameters, which differentiate it from other sensory-based interventions.

The foundational components of occupational therapy using Ayres Sensory Integration have been defined and a fidelity to intervention measure has been developed which specifies the components of Ayres Sensory Integration that are in accordance with this scope of practice and practice guideline of sensory integration (Pathways.org, 2012)

The clinical practice of OT-SI intervention consists of:
    1)     Adequate specialized advanced education of the OT practitioner;

2)      Comprehensive assessment of occupational, sensory, motor, and skill-based functions;

3)      Availability of specialized intervention equipment; a specific process of therapist-child interaction during the intervention itself; and

4)      Consultation with the caregivers and family of the client.

The process of the sensory integration involves ten major components:
     1)Assurance of the physical and emotional safety of the client.

2)      Presentation of opportunities for the client to engage in a variety of activities which provide enhanced sensation, usually of a multi-sensory nature and usually emphasizing tactile, vestibular and proprioceptive inputs, can be achieved through sensory rooms.

3)      Facilitation of the client’s self-regulation of arousal level, attention and emotion through provision of organizing sensory inputs and activities.

4)      Provision of activity challenges which promote enhancement of postural and bilateral skill development.

5)      Provision of activity challenges which support and guide the client’s ability to motor plan, organize, and execute motor tasks.

6)      Activities that are challenging yet achievable for the child to promote success and engagement.

7)      The therapist ensures that the client’s responses are successful in order to promote the development of adaptive responses.

8)      The client and therapist collaborate on activity choices and a routine pre-determined set of activities is not used.

9)      The context of the activities are meaningful to the client and for children this usually means activities are in the context of play for children with Autism.

10)  The therapist fosters a therapeutic alliance with the client which engenders a climate of trust and emotional safety.

 References:

Pathways.org. (2012). For Healthcare Professionals: Sensory Integration. Retrieved from http://pathways.org/awareness/healthcare-professionals/sensory-integration/sensory-integration-theory/ on the 30/07/2012.

Schaaf RC, Schoen SA, Smith Roley S, Lane SJ, Koomar JA, May-Benson TA. (2009) A frame of reference for sensory integration. In Kramer & Hinojosa (Eds), Frames of reference for pediatric occupational therapy (3rd ed, pp 99-186).