Date Presented 04/03/2025
This presentation shares a newly completed systematic review of evidence for the effectiveness of Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI) for children and youth. Recent evidence will be reviewed, summarized, and applied.
Primary Author and Speaker: Aimee Piller
Additional Authors and Speakers: Tara Glennon, Lauren Andelin, Kelly Diane Auld-Wright, Jessica McHugh Conlin, Krysti Teng
PURPOSE: This systematic review aimed to examine the effectiveness of Ayres Sensory Integration®(ASI) to support functioning and participation of children with challenges in processing and integrating sensory information that interferes with participation in everyday life.
DESIGN: Systematic review encompassing peer-reviewed articles published between May 2015 and January 2024.
METHOD: We used six databases, Medline (PubMed), CINAHL, OTSeeker, Cochrane Reviews, and ERIC. Search terms were based on the research questions and performed using a Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) term search. Participants included children with documented sensory processing differences and/or disorders commonly associated with sensory processing differences such as autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and developmental coordination disorder, and 3) published in English, 4) have participation based outcomes. We used Johns Hopkins Nursing levels of evidence (2022) and included studies of levels I, II, and III and included single subject design studies We defined ASI as interventions adhering to the principles defined in ASI Fidelity Measure (Paraham et al., 2011).
RESULTS: Of the 12,135 records screened 13 met the inclusion criteria. Moderate to strong evidence supporting the effectiveness of ASI in improving occupational performance, individualized goal attainment, and socialization/communication. Moderate evidence supported the effectiveness of of ASI in functional motor skill development, functional regulation and participation, playfulness.
CONCLUSION: The results show the value of ASI as an effect intervention for many areas that pediatric occupational therapists address across a variety or ages and diagnosis. However, additional research is needed to examine specific impact of ASI on participation across childhood and adolescents.
IMPACT STATEMENT: Providing a review of evidence on ASI promotes high-quality, effective interventions.
References
Dang, D., Dearholt, S., Bissett, K., Ascenzi, J., & Whalen, M. (2022). Johns Hopkins evidence-based practice for nurses and healthcare professionals: Model and guidelines. 4th ed. Sigma Theta Tau International.
American Occupational Therapy Association. (2023). Position Statement: Sensory integration approaches for children and youth within occupational therapy practice. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 77(Suppl. 3), 7713410230. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2023.77S3004
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, 133–142. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2011.000745
