Ayres Sensory Integration for Children with Autism

Autism Research published a review to evaluate the effectiveness of Ayres Sensory Integration for children with autism.  Using the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Standards for Evidence-based Practices in Special Education, a systemic review was conducted from 2006 to 2017 on Ayres Sensory Integration for children with autism.

Methodology of the Review on Ayres Sensory Integration for Children with Autism

The research review was completed in three different stages:

1. Nineteen studies were found after an extensive database search using search terms related to sensory integration and autism, interventions suggesting a sensory integration approach, and high-quality study designs.
2. Six studies met the inclusion criteria using intervention consistent with ASI intervention and were evaluated.  Three studies of the six were excluded after further evaluation because the interventions were not consistent with the core principals of ASI or major methodological flaws.
3. The three studies were then evaluated using the CEC standards to determine evidence-based practices.

Results of the Review on Ayres Sensory Integration for Children with Autism

Upon further evaluation of the three studies, the following was determined:

• Two randomized controlled trials respectively met 100% and 85% of the CEC criteria items.
• One additional study met more than 50% of the criteria. 

Therefore, according to the criteria by the Council for Exceptional Children, Ayres Sensory Integration for children with autism ages 4-12 years old, is an evidence-based practice.

Reference:  Schoen, S. A., Lane, S. J., Mailloux, Z., May‐Benson, T., Parham, L. D., Smith Roley, S., & Schaaf, R. C. (2018). A Systematic Review of Ayres Sensory Integration Intervention for Children with Autism. Autism Research.

Read more on Sensory Integration Therapy

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SENSORY OVER-RESPONSIVITY, AUTISM AND SLEEP

SENSORY INTEGRATION THERAPY AND OCCUPATIONAL PERFORMANCE IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM

SENSORY PROCESSING AT HOME VERSUS SCHOOL IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM

Resources for Sensory Processing

The Sensory Lifestyle Handbook (digital download) is your strategy guide for turning sensory diets and sensory activities into a sensory lifestyle.  Written by Occupational Therapist, Colleen Beck, The Sensory Lifestyle Handbook includes a 133 page PDF document filled with information on the sensory system and the whole child, sensory diets and how to create a lifestyle for sensory success.  This book is suitable for therapists, parents, teachers or anyone who wants to help children with their sensory needs.

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.