10 Essential Elements of an Effective Sensory Integration Session

There are many factors that are part of an effective sensory integration session. To start off with you need a qualified, experienced pediatric occupational or physical therapist to provide a comprehensive evaluation. The physical environment should be set up with the proper equipment if needed. Communication between the therapist, parents, and child is necessary to determine the overall functional goal of sensory integration therapy. The next step is to start sensory integration therapy sessions.

Here are 10 essential elements of an effective sensory integration session:

~ Provide physical safety – make sure that the environment is safe for the child including any equipment being used.

~ Offer 2 or more of the 3 types of sensory input ie proprioceptive, tactile, vestibular, etc.

~ Assist the child to attain and maintain an appropriate level of alertness to participate in the activities.

~ Challenge postural, ocular-motor, oral-motor or bilateral coordination.

~ Challenge praxis, motor planning, and organizational skills.

~ Provide activity choices for the child.

~ Offer just-right challenges by modifying the task based on the success of the child.

~ Make sure the child has an appropriate adaptive response to the challenge and is successful.

~ Present activities that the child is internally motivated to complete.

~ Establish a connection with the child.

This list of 10 process elements reflect key strategies from the Ayres Sensory Integration and was developed as part of the Ayres Sensory Integration Fidelity Measure. Read the complete study here Development of a fidelity measure for research on the effectiveness of the Ayres Sensory Integration® intervention.

Reference: Parham, L. D., Roley, S. S., May-Benson, T. A., Koomar, J., Brett-Green, B., Burke, J. P., … & Schaaf, R. C. (2011). Development of a fidelity measure for research on the effectiveness of the Ayres Sensory Integration® intervention. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 65(2), 133-142.

Do you need carryover sensory strategies for the classroom?

The Sensory Strategies for the Classroom Bundle includes 9 digital downloads to help students to be ready to learn or participate in functional tasks. Click on each link to view more information about the 9 titles:

Typical Classroom Sensory-Based Problem Behaviors & Suggested Therapeutic Interventions
Sensory Tools for the Classroom
Cut and Paste Sensory Diet for Home and School
Breathing Breaks
Classroom Activity Posters
Self-Calming Strategies
Calming Strategies for the Classroom
Calm Down Cards
Emotions Packet

All of the titles are digital documents and will be available immediately following payment.

FIND OUT MORE HERE.

Download your FREE Poster of the 10 Essential Elements of an Effective Sensory Session Here

Would you like a poster to hang up to remind you of the important elements of a sensory session? Download your copy here.

This poster is part of the The Effective Sensory Integration Session Planbook digital document provides step by step guidance to plan and reflect on effective sensory integration sessions. Whether you are a seasoned pediatric therapist or a beginner, it is important to always be prepared and to reflect on your sensory integration treatment sessions.