Occupational Therapy Interventions Using Ayres Sensory Integration® for Children and Youth (May 2015-January 2024)

Area of Science:

• Occupational therapy
• Pediatric evidence-based practice
• Sensory integration therapy

Background:

• Systematic review briefs summarize evidence for the American Occupational Therapy Association's Evidence-Based Practice Program.
• This brief focuses on interventions utilizing Ayres Sensory Integration®.
• Evidence is synthesized for children and youth aged 0-21 years.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the findings on the effectiveness of Ayres Sensory Integration® interventions.
• To evaluate the evidence base for sensory integration therapy in pediatric populations.
• To inform occupational therapy practice with current research findings.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of existing literature.
• Evaluation of studies focusing on Ayres Sensory Integration®.
• Synthesis of evidence for children and youth (0-21 years).

Main Results:

• Findings related to the effectiveness of Ayres Sensory Integration® interventions are presented.
• The evidence base for specific outcomes is summarized.
• The review addresses the application of sensory integration principles in pediatric occupational therapy.

Conclusions:

• The effectiveness of Ayres Sensory Integration® interventions for children and youth is discussed.
• Implications for evidence-based occupational therapy practice are highlighted.
• Further research directions may be suggested based on the evidence synthesis.