Sensory Integration Education

Recent papers supporting evidence for the use of SI Therapy, Ayres Sensory Integration® Therapy (ASI) and Sensory Modulation Approaches include:

Occupational Therapy Using Ayres Sensory Integration®: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Brazil 

Occupational therapy using Ayres Sensory Integration® was effective in enhancing self-care, socialisation, and goal attainment for children with ASD in a Brazilian cohort.

_{Claudia Omairi, Zoe Mailloux, Sérgio Antonio Antoniuk, Roseann Schaaf; Occupational Therapy Using Ayres Sensory Integration®: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Brazil. Am J Occup Ther July/August 2022, Vol. 76(4), 7604205160. doi: https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2022.048249}

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Occupational Therapy Using an Ayres Sensory Integration® Approach for School-Age Children – A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of occupational therapy, with ASI® interventions, for school-age children with SI problems through randomised controlled trials in Hong Kong. The results indicate that the ASI® intervention is effective in treating children with SI problems.

_{Phoebe L. C. Chan, Magdalene Y. C. Poon, Vivian Bux, Shiren K. F. Wong, Aileen W. Y. Chu, Frances T. M. Louie, Apple Q. L. Wang, Hellen L. C. Yang, Ellen L. M. Yu & Sanne S. L. Fong (2022) Occupational therapy using an Ayres Sensory integration® approach for school-age children – a randomized controlled trial, World Federation of Occupational Therapists Bulletin, DOI: 10.1080/14473828.2022.2097814}

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Sensory Integration Based Program Developed According to the Model of Creative Ability in an Individual with Schizophrenia: An Occupational Therapy Case Report

This study demonstrated that a developmental occupational therapy program, including sensory integration-based behaviours and abilities, can improve sensory processing skills, positive and negative symptoms, cognitive symptoms, and creative ability levels in individuals with schizophrenia who receive support.

_{Zengin, G., Yazıcı, M. R. & Huri, M. (2022). Sensory Integration Based Program Developed According to the Model of Creative Ability in an Individual with Schizophrenia: An Occupational Therapy Case Report . International Journal of Disabilities Sports and Health Sciences, 5 (1), 66-74 . DOI: 10.33438/ijdshs.1099222}

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Use of Sensory Modulation Approaches to Improve Compression Garment Adherence in Adults After Burn: An E-Delphi Study

This study sought expert consensus on the usefulness of, and recommendations for, sensory modulation strategies to improve compression garment adherence in sensory over-responsive adults after burn. The authors concluded that, with adequate therapist training and individualised assessment and treatment, sensory modulation strategies may be a useful clinical approach to improving compression garment adherence in those who are sensory over-responsive after burn.

_{Erin Crofton, Pamela Meredith, Paul Gray, Jennifer Strong, Use of sensory modulation approaches to improve compression garment adherence in adults after burn: An e-Delphi study, Burns, Volume 49, Issue 2, 2023, Pages 353-364, ISSN 0305-4179, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.burns.2022.04.001}

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Therapy Based on Sensory Integration in a Case of Autism Spectrum Disorder With Food Selectivity

This study aimed to analyse the relationship between food selectivity and sensory processing dysfunction in children with autism spectrum disorder and monitor their evolution with a therapeutic approach to sensory intervention. The authors found that the occupational therapy treatment with a sensory integration approach obtained favourable results in terms of food acceptance and decreased selectivity.

_{Oliveira, P. L., & Souza, A. P. R. (2022). Therapy based on sensory integration in a case of Autism Spectrum Disorder with food selectivity. Cadernos Brasileiros de Terapia Ocupacional, 30, e2824}

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Case Report: ASI Intervention on a Child With Autism in Saudi Arabia

This study documented the barriers associated with ASI in Saudi Arabia and assessed whether the intervention could improve process and participation skills. The authors found that despite the limited availability of resources (e.g., toys, treatment spaces) and Arabic measures, improvements were observed on motor and sensory tasks and in occupational performance.

_{Alkhalifah S, Allen S and Aldhalaan H. Case Report: ASI intervention on a child with autism in Saudi Arabia [version 2; peer review: 1 approved, 2 approved with reservations]. F1000Research 2022, 11:50. https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.74257.2}

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Effectiveness of Sensory Modulation for People With Schizophrenia: A Multisite Quantitative Prospective Cohort Study

This study provides evidence to suggest that sensory modulation interventions can be complementary to standard care when utilised appropriately in clinical settings. Findings also suggest that the sensory profile of people with schizophrenia differs from that of the general population, which may have clinical implications.

_{Machingura, T., Shum, D., Lloyd, C., Murphy, K., Rathbone, E., & Green, H. (2022). Effectiveness of sensory modulation for people with schizophrenia: A multisite quantitative prospective cohort study. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 69( 4), 424– 435. https://doi.org/10.1111/1440-1630.12803}

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Evaluating the Long-Term Effectiveness of an Intensive OT Sensory Integration (OT-SI) Program for Children With Challenges in Sensory Processing and Integration

This study aimed to explore whether children could maintain improvements after OT services ended and to understand parent perspectives of OT using a sensory integration approach. The results from this study showed that children who completed the OT-SI program at CCHMC maintained improvements 6-12 months after the intervention. Themes from parent/caregiver interviews identified strengths and perceived benefits of OT-SI programs as well as potential areas for improvement for OT-SI programs.

_{McQuiddy, V.A., Bates, A., Teeters, S., Strain-Riggs, S.R., Hoobler, A., Ramstetter, A. R., Hosp, M., Smith S., Vines, M. & Osterfeld, H. (2022). Evaluating the Long-Term Effectiveness of an Intensive OT Sensory Integration (OT-SI) Program for Children With Challenges in Sensory Processing and Integration. American Journal of Occupational Therapy 76(1), 1. doi: https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2022.76S1-PO215}

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Sensory Integrative-Based Occupational Therapy and Functional Outcomes in Young Children With Pervasive Developmental Disorders: A Single-Subject Study

This single-subject study explored the effects of sensory integrative-based occupational therapy provided in an outpatient clinic on the functional behaviours of two young children with pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) at home. The study’s findings support the application of sensory integrative-based occupational therapy as a part of the services provided to some children with PDD.

_{Linderman TM, Stewart KB. Sensory integrative-based occupational therapy and functional outcomes in young children with pervasive developmental disorders: a single-subject study. Am J Occup Ther. 1999 Mar-Apr;53(2):207-13. doi: 10.5014/ajot.53.2.207. PMID: 10200844}

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An Intervention for Sensory Difficulties in Children With Autism: A Randomized Trial

This study evaluated a manualised intervention for sensory difficulties for children with autism, ages 4-8 years, using a randomised trial design. Diagnosis of autism was confirmed using gold standard measures. Results showed that the children who received 30 sessions of the occupational therapy intervention scored significantly higher on Goal Attainment Scales. They also scored significantly better on measures of caregiver assistance in self-care and socialisation than the usual care control group. The study shows high rigour in its measurement of treatment fidelity and use of a manualised protocol, and provides support for the use of this intervention for children with autism.

_{Schaaf RC, Benevides T, Mailloux Z, Faller P, Hunt J, van Hooydonk E, Freeman R, Leiby B, Sendecki J, Kelly D. An intervention for sensory difficulties in children with autism: a randomized trial. J Autism Dev Disord. 2014 Jul;44(7):1493-506. doi: 10.1007/s10803-013-1983-8. PMID: 24214165; PMCID: PMC4057638.}

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The Effects of Occupational Therapy With Sensory Integration Emphasis on Preschool-age Children With Autism

Researchers examined the effects of an occupational therapy intervention that emphasised sensory integration on five preschool children with autism using a single-subject research design. The results support descriptions in the literature regarding the behavioural changes that children with autism can make when participating in intervention using a sensory integration approach.

_{Case-Smith J, Bryan T. The effects of occupational therapy with sensory integration emphasis on preschool-age children with autism. Am J Occup Ther. 1999 Sep-Oct;53(5):489-97. doi: 10.5014/ajot.53.5.489. PMID: 10500857.}

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Effectiveness of Sensory Integration Interventions in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Pilot Study

This pilot study aimed to establish a model for randomised controlled trial research, identify appropriate outcome measures, and address the effectiveness of sensory integration (SI) interventions in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Results identified significant positive changes in Goal Attainment Scaling scores for both groups; more significant changes occurred in the SI group, and a significant decrease in autistic mannerisms occurred in the SI group.

_{Pfeiffer, B. A., Koenig, K., Kinnealey, M., Sheppard, M., & Henderson, L. (2011). Effectiveness of Sensory Integration Interventions in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Pilot Study. The American Journal of occupational therapy: Official Publication of the American Occupational Therapy Association, 65(1), 76. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2011.09205}

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Systematic Review of Sensory Processing in Preterm Children Reveals Abnormal Sensory Modulation, Somatosensory Processing and Sensory-Based Motor Processing

This review aimed to systematically identify assessments, incidence, and nature of sensory processing disorder in preterm-born infants and children. The authors concluded that preterm-born children exhibited elevated risk for sensory processing disorder from infancy into school age. Routine screening of sensory processing, intervention intervals and parental consultations should be considered in ameliorating sensory processing and neurocognitive development.

_{Niutanen U, Harra T, Lano A, Metsäranta M. Systematic review of sensory processing in preterm children reveals abnormal sensory modulation, somatosensory processing and sensory-based motor processing. Acta Paediatr. 2020 Jan;109(1):45-55. doi: 10.1111/apa.14953. Epub 2019 Sep 9. PMID: 31350861.}

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What Tests Are Available for Sensory Assessment?

Clinicians use various sensory integration assessment tools to gather evidence to help make data-driven decisions when working with clients with sensory integration or sensory processing difficulties. Check out our page on Sensory Integration Assessment Tools.

How Can I Keep Up-To-Date With Sensory Research?

The principles underpinning a sensory integration approach build on research from diverse fields of study, including neurophysiology, psychology, and child development. Research in these areas (and sensory integration and processing research more specifically) is moving forward with speed. As the body of knowledge evolves and expands, our duty as educators and therapists is to critically examine and take the learning points into our research and practice.

Sensory Integration Education has supported and shared research into sensory integration and sensory processing, for nearly three decades. Here are the easy ways that you can keep up to date with sensory research:

Lifelong Learning Programme

Our Lifelong Learning Programme can be your trusted companion, supporting and informing you with expertise and peer support. Membership also includes access to the SI Research Knowledge Bank, an ever-growing searchable sensory research database.

SI Research Digests

SIE produces a monthly summary of recent and topic-related peer-reviewed papers via our monthly newsletter EmphaSIze. You can subscribe for free to EmphaSIze here or view previous Research Digests here.

SensorNet

SensorNet Magazine, established in 1996, is a twice-yearly free publication. It features in-depth interviews with the practitioners and researchers pushing the frontiers of sensory integration theory and practice.

SIE Annual Conference

Join us at our free virtual conference each year to watch presentations from leading international practitioners and experts by experience. Our popular conference includes updates from research authors and poster presentations from early career researchers. If you are not a member, join SIE for free and look out for emails about the upcoming free conference. Find out more about the free SIE Annual Conference here.