AYRES SENSORY INTEGRATION THERAPY

Therapy sessions based on Jean Ayres’ Theory of Sensory Integration may help a child with sensory difficulties. Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI®) follows a formal protocol and specific standards which support children to improve their ability to recognise and respond to sensory experiences (Watling & Clark, 2011). The purpose of ASI® is to provide opportunities for sensory input in a child centred way.

Ayres SI includes:

  1. Presenting opportunities within sessions which target multiple senses (e.g. movement, taste, smell, touch)

  2. Challenging the child’s muscle tone through different postures

  3. Promoting the use of two sides of the body together (for motor control and planning)

  4. Tailoring the child’s chosen activities so that they work together in a cooperative way

  5. Presenting activities that are not too easy or too hard ensuring that the child is successful

  6. It should motivate the child to play (Parham, et al., 2011)

  7. ASI® is a brilliant therapy technique to address sensory concerns