Comments on: The Real Truth About Sensory Integration Therapy

By: Kelly Auld-Wright

Kelly Auld-Wright — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 14:00:03 +0000

Hello-
Thanks for our post. I think many understanding the difference is important, but agree with Annie’s comments. AOTA’s 2023 position statement on sensory based interventions provides very clear definitions if anyone is looking for my detail. Referenced below.

Additionally, I would like to add that ASI is an evidenced based and manualized approach. Those wishing to learn more should pursue training, but the clinician’s guide referenced below is also a useful resource. Lastly, cl-asi.org has many free resources, including research briefs on ASI.

American Occupational Therapy Association. (2023). Position Statement: Sensory integration approaches for children and youth in occupational therapy practice. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 77 (Suppl. 3), 7713410230. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2023.77S3004

Schaaf, R. & Mailloux, Z. (2015). Clinicians guide for implementing Ayres Sensory Integration: Promoting participation for children with autism. Bethsida, MD: AOTA Press.

By: Annie Mori

Annie Mori — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 13:20:25 +0000

Thank you for your post. I would like to add that any sensory based intervention should only be conducted following a comprehensive evaluation documenting specific sensory difficulties(AOTA Best Practice Recommendations). While I agree both approaches are beneficial, I do not feel it is an either/or approach rather a ‘getting by and getting better’. I feel both ASI and sensory based strategies are most effective used in tandem. Lastly, I would say ASI is less of a prescribed protocol and more of an individually tailored approach (Schaaf, 2015).

By: How to Create an Effective Sensory Diet for Your Child at Home

How to Create an Effective Sensory Diet for Your Child at Home — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 22:03:38 +0000

[…] Many parents don’t realize that there is a difference between Sensory Integration Therapy and Sensory Techniques. ASI® stands for Ayers Sensory Integration Therapy. It has a formalized protocol and specific standards, meant to help children improve the way they perceive input from the environment (such as touch or sound) and then respond to it (Watling & Clark, 2011). Though ASI® is an excellent method to remediate sensory concerns, some therapists, children, and families may opt to benefit from a less intense, less structured, and potentially less costly approach. Other ‘sensory-based strategies’ to help a child adapt to unpleasant sensations in the environment. Imagine a child who has difficulty participating in school activities because he dislikes loud or unexpected noises. You can read more about the difference between ASI® and Sensory Techniques here. […]

By: How to Create an Effective Sensory Diet for Your Child at Home

How to Create an Effective Sensory Diet for Your Child at Home — Thu, 12 Apr 2018 10:54:37 +0000

By: Laura

Laura — Wed, 14 Feb 2018 20:29:33 +0000

Great post, very informative. I am a 2nd year student OT and did not know the difference between ASI and sensory based interventions. So, thank you very much!

By: Hope Caracci

Hope Caracci — Sun, 24 Jan 2016 15:11:26 +0000

Thanks Miss Jaime OT; let’s take a moment to use this comment to clarify – this post is intended to provide parents an understanding of various ways a SI frame of reference may be used. Personally, in my own practice, I use both ‘other sensory – based’ interventions and ASI, dependent upon the needs of a family and child (e.g., pragmatic reasoning). The important concept here is to ensure parents are well-informed so that they may make an educated decision, in collaboration with a therapist, regarding what types of interventions may work (even interventions that are not grounded in an SI framework). This post provides adequate information about the potential pros and cons of sensory – based strategies and the ASI protocol (and I agree, of course there is always room for flexibility within a session – based on context and the therapist’s ability to reflect in and on action). In conclusion, I advocate that parents are aware of the choices available to them – Meaning, I don’t advocate for a specific frame of reference, I advocate for parents to be well-informed. Again, I use many SI based strategies when providing therapeutic interventions, and have found many to be successful and worthy of consideration. Thanks for the comment, which has allowed us valuable discussion points!

By: Jaime S

Jaime S — Sun, 24 Jan 2016 14:50:11 +0000

In reply to Martha. Hi Martha. Thank you for your comment. I have to disagree that Hope's post only promotes ASI. The purpose of the post was to simply explain the difference between ASI and therapy using sensory strategies. Unfortunately, even many therapists don't know that ASI has a specific criteria.

By: Martha

Martha — Sun, 24 Jan 2016 14:34:40 +0000

I think your post is a disservice to parents. It creates an adversial position between parents and some very talented and experienced therapists. To promote only a trademark treatment takes away from the value of a well designed individual therapeutic treatment plan that takes into account the environment, the resources available and the child’s multi-faceted needs.

By: Hope Caracci

Hope Caracci — Fri, 15 May 2015 23:57:07 +0000

Thank you all for the thoughtful comments. I hope this blog reaches parents and helps them ask the right questions.

By: Jaime S

Jaime S — Fri, 15 May 2015 00:17:12 +0000

In reply to Heather G. @ Golden Reflections Blog. Thanks Heather! Hope did a great job!