Education & Research
View Our Webinar Series "ASI Spaces Across The Globe"!
Webinar #1 was recorded on June 2, 2023 and shows two of our favorite ASI clinics (practices): an OT clinic on the West coast and a PT clinic on the East coast of the USA. Both are of course specialized in ASI.
Webinar #2 of this series was recorded on July 21, 2023 and will introduce you to one of our favorite ASI clinics in Spain.
Webinar #3 was recorded on August 11, 2023 and showcased playgrounds using ASI principles South Africa.
View Our Webinar Series "ASI Spaces Across The Globe"!
Webinar #4 was recorded on and shows two of our favorite ASI clinics (practices): an OT clinic on the West coast and a PT clinic on the East coast of the USA. Both are of course specialized in ASI.
Webinar #2 of this series was recorded on July 21, 2023 and will introduce you to one of our favorite ASI clinics in Spain.
Webinar #3 was recorded on August 11, 2023 and showcased playgrounds using ASI principles South Africa.
Register For An Upcoming Live Webinar!
There is a monthly live recording! Just click the button to secure your spot in the next live webinar that will showcase SI clinics around the world!
Pathways To Competence in ASI
Because of the complex nature of Sensory Integration theory and intervention, occupational
therapists and other professionals are seeking information to build their knowledge and skills in this area through postgraduate continuing education. This statement from the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute clarifies why ASI® as an evidence-based intervention for children with autism requires specialized training:
"Ayres Sensory Integration® requires specialized training with a certified provider to implement with fidelity. This training is most commonly completed by Occupational Therapists and, in some cases, other licensed therapists. This module is not intended to replace training in ASI and the certification process, but rather, to introduce basic knowledge of ASI as an evidence-based practice for learners with autism."
(Nowell et al., 2021)
ICE-ASI Minimal Educational Standards
ICE-ASI published the minimal standards for education in ASI® in AOTA's journal OT Practice in 2017. These standards are a result of the SI organizations' critical concern about how to maintain the integrity of the body of work of Dr Ayres's SI, and how to support best practice in occupational therapy using ASI®.
For the most up-to-date research and information on ASI education standards please see the following links:
1. The American Occupational Therapy Association's (AOTA) Guidelines for Children and Youth with Challenges in Sensory Integration and Sensory Processing
2. The National Clearing House on Autism Evidence and Practice's (NCAEP) Report on Evidence-Based Practices for Children, Youth, and Young Adults With Autism
discussing the evidence on Sensory Integration, and their ASI companion
Building Competency in SI
Proposed guidelines for building expertise in ASI include the following:
- Instructors are experienced OTs with acknowledged training in SI.
- Curricula are rigorous and research-based
- Development of SI theory by Ayres and her successors, including the neuro-physiological bases
- SI specific clinical reasoning based on knowledge of assessment and interpretation of the results
- Intervention approach as described by the ASI Fidelity Measure (Parham et al., 2011)
- Relationship between sensation, engagement in needed and desired occupations, and participation in life
- Based on empirical research and evidence, from Ayres’ research to current studies
- Emphasis on the OT perspective (i.e., strongly linking sensory integrative processes to health and participation via engagement in daily life occupations)
- Four levels of entry into the process of developing expertise in ASI (see table)
- Length and style of courses may vary depending on the program
- Individual mentorship and hands-on experience are highly recommended
For the most up-to-date research and information on ASI education standards
please see the following links:
The American Occupational Therapy Association's (AOTA) Guidelines for Children and Youth with Challenges in Sensory Integration and Sensory Processing
The National Clearing House on Autism Evidence and Practice's (NCAEP) Report on Evidence-Based Practices for Children, Youth, and Young Adults With Autism
discussing the evidence on Sensory Integration, and their ASI companion
Research
There is a plethora of research on Sensory Integration. We want to use this platform to educate the public about research from recent years that contributes to the theory and practice of ASI® according to the review of professionals.
This is work in progress.
Research Briefs
We are grateful to Dr Roseann Schaaf and CLASI for letting us share this most recent research update from Dec-2023 with you!
