Current trends in the application of Ayres Sensory Integration® in school-based practice

Occupational therapy using Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI) is a widely recognized intervention; however, little is known about how it is being utilized in school-based practice. This study employed a descriptive survey design to assess the current use of ASI and application of its principles across the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support in school-based practice. Participants were occupational therapy practitioners currently working or who have worked in the school setting in the United States and completed 30 hours of training in sensory integration. Survey questions on demographics, training, and school-based practice, as well as the Guidelines for Occupational Therapy Using ASI in School-Based Practice tool, for which participants were asked whether they engaged across the tiers and how often they applied each guideline. One hundred eight practitioners responded to the survey, reporting utilization of ASI and its principles across all three tiers of support at varying frequencies. Overall, more use was observed in Tier 3, including pull-out support and comprehensive evaluation methods. Less engagement was noted in Tier 1 and 2. Gaps in mentoring, data collection, and space/equipment were also identified. There is an ongoing need for advocacy to support practitioners in more broadly applying ASI and its principles in the schools across all tiers.