Sensory Integration in Occupational Therapy Course

Lesson 1 • Theoretical Models Complementing SI

Compares SI theory with ecological, neurodevelopmental, and dynamic systems models. Enables practitioners to select and integrate frameworks contextually.

Lesson 2 • History and Origins of SI Theory

Traces Ayres's research from neuroscience roots to clinical application. Provides context for understanding why SI became central to pediatric OT practice.

Lesson 3 • Core Sensory Systems in OT Practice

Introduces tactile, proprioceptive, vestibular, visual, auditory, gustatory, and interoceptive systems. Establishes each system's role in daily occupational function.

Lesson 4 • Ayres Sensory Integration Constructs

Defines praxis, sensory modulation, and bilateral integration as core ASI constructs. Connects theoretical constructs to measurable clinical outcomes.

Lesson 1 • Lifespan Sensory Processing Variations

Addresses sensory processing differences from infancy through older adulthood. Prepares practitioners to adapt SI reasoning across developmental stages.

Lesson 2 • Sensory Processing Across Diagnoses

Examines SI challenges in autism, ADHD, developmental coordination disorder, and trauma. Supports differential reasoning when SI co-occurs with other diagnoses.

Lesson 3 • Sensory Discrimination Disorder

Examines impaired ability to interpret sensory qualities accurately. Connects discrimination deficits to motor, academic, and social participation challenges.

Lesson 4 • Sensory-Based Motor Disorders

Covers dyspraxia and postural disorder as motor outcomes of poor sensory integration. Links motor planning deficits to occupational performance limitations.

Lesson 1 • Integrating Multi-Source Assessment Data

Synthesizes questionnaire, performance, and observational data into a coherent SI profile. Prepares students to write assessment summaries and identify intervention priorities.

Lesson 2 • Performance-Based SI Assessments

Trains administration of clinical observation batteries and standardized performance tests. Connects observed motor and sensory behaviors to SI construct scores.

Lesson 3 • Structured Clinical Observation

Develops skills for systematic non-standardized observation during play and tasks. Teaches documentation of quality of movement, postural control, and sensory responses.

Lesson 4 • Principles of SI Assessment

Establishes psychometric concepts including reliability, validity, and standardization. Grounds tool selection in evidence-based measurement principles.

Lesson 1 • Occupational Profile and SI Linkage

Connects the client's occupational profile to sensory processing hypotheses. Ensures intervention targets are meaningful and occupation-centered.

Lesson 2 • Hypothesis Generation from Assessment

Teaches structured reasoning from assessment data to SI-based hypotheses. Builds the analytical bridge between evaluation findings and treatment planning.

Lesson 3 • Collaborative Goal Setting

Engages clients and caregivers in co-creating meaningful, measurable SI goals. Develops skills for translating clinical hypotheses into family-centered outcomes.

Lesson 4 • Evidence Appraisal for SI Decisions

Applies research literacy skills to evaluate SI intervention evidence. Teaches critical appraisal of RCTs, systematic reviews, and case studies.

Lesson 1 • Safety and Risk Management in SI Spaces

Covers risk assessment, equipment inspection, and emergency protocols in SI gyms. Ensures students maintain safe therapeutic environments for all clients.

Lesson 2 • Environmental Modifications for Sensory Needs

Addresses classroom, home, and workplace sensory modifications to reduce barriers. Prepares students to consult on environmental adaptations beyond the clinic.

Lesson 3 • Adapting Environments Across Settings

Extends SI environmental principles to schools, homes, and community settings. Builds competency for consultation beyond the dedicated therapy gym.

Lesson 4 • Sensory Diet Development

Teaches construction of individualized sensory diet plans for home and school contexts. Links sensory diet activities to modulation goals and daily routines.

Lesson 1 • Facilitating Adaptive Responses

Teaches recognition and facilitation of adaptive responses during SI sessions. Connects adaptive response quality to neural organization and skill development.

Lesson 2 • Tactile and Praxis Intervention Strategies

Addresses tactile discrimination, defensive response reduction, and motor planning activities. Links tactile and praxis techniques to functional skill acquisition.

Lesson 3 • Vestibular and Proprioceptive Techniques

Applies linear, rotary, and resistive input techniques to modulation and praxis goals. Teaches dosing, positioning, and monitoring of vestibular and proprioceptive activities.

Lesson 4 • Principles of ASI Intervention

Defines the eight fidelity elements of Ayres Sensory Integration intervention. Establishes the therapeutic relationship and child-directed play as foundational mechanisms.

Lesson 1 • SI with Infants and Toddlers

Applies SI principles to early intervention contexts with caregiver coaching as the primary vehicle. Addresses feeding, sleep, and sensory regulation in the first three years.

Lesson 2 • Adults with Sensory Processing Challenges

Applies SI reasoning to adult mental health, workplace, and daily living contexts. Addresses sensory processing in anxiety, trauma, and neurodivergent adult populations.

Lesson 3 • Culturally Responsive SI Practice

Integrates cultural humility into SI assessment, goal setting, and intervention delivery. Prepares students to adapt SI practice to diverse family values and contexts.

Lesson 4 • Adolescents and Sensory Processing

Addresses sensory processing in the context of identity, independence, and social participation. Adapts SI strategies to adolescent motivation and self-advocacy goals.

Lesson 1 • Contributing to SI Evidence Base

Introduces practice-based research methods including case reports and program evaluation. Empowers practitioners to generate and share SI outcome data.

Lesson 2 • Selecting Outcome Measures for SI

Matches outcome measures to SI goals across participation, performance, and quality-of-life domains. Teaches responsiveness, feasibility, and clinical utility criteria.

Lesson 3 • Goal Attainment and Progress Monitoring

Applies goal attainment scaling and session data to track SI intervention progress. Teaches decision rules for modifying or discontinuing intervention based on data.

Lesson 4 • Documenting SI Services

Develops skills for writing defensible SI evaluation reports and progress notes. Ensures documentation meets professional, payer, and regulatory standards.