Abstract Title: Ayres Sensory Integration and Occupation: The Senses and Their Impact on Participation in Everyday Life
Abstract:
This workshop aims to provide an overview of Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI) theory, assessment, and therapy, focusing on the implications for individuals experiencing sensory processing and integration differences. Participants will explore the relationship between sensory integration and occupational performance, emphasising how difficulties in sensory processing can significantly affect participation in everyday life.
Through interactive discussions and practical activities, the workshop will delve into the fidelity to treatment approaches, contextualised within the Person-Environment-Occupation (PEO) model. Participants will gain insights into various resources, including Sensory Ladders as discussed by Brown, Shankar, and Smith (2009), and evidence-based papers that support the integration of ASI in occupational therapy practice.
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand the fundamental concepts of Ayres Sensory Integration and its relevance to occupational therapy.
- Identify the impact of sensory processing differences on occupational performance and participation in daily activities.
- Explore fidelity to treatment approaches within the PEO model of occupation.
- Utilise practical resources, such as Sensory Ladders and relevant evidence, to enhance therapeutic interventions.
References:
- Ayres, A. J. (1979). Sensory Integration and the Child. Western Psychological Services.
- Dunn, W. (1997). The Sensory Profile: User’s Manual. Psychological Corporation.
- Bundy, A. C., & Lane, A. E. (2020). Sensory Integration: Theory and Practice. F.A. Davis Company.
- Brown, S.W., Shankar, R., & Smith, K. (2009). Borderline personality disorder and sensory processing impairment. Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry, 13.
- Lane, S. J., Mailloux, Z., Schoen, S., Bundy, A., May-Benson, T. A., Parham, L. D., Smith Roley, S., & Schaaf, R. C. (2019). Neural Foundations of Ayres Sensory Integration®. Brain sciences, 9(7), 153. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci9070153
About Ros Urwin, DipCOT MSc MRCOT:
Ros is a retired Occupational Therapist (OT) who previously served as a Director at MindSenseAbility and continues her leadership role at ASI Wise. With over 30 years of experience in the NHS, she has held positions such as Professional Lead OT and Head OT for Intellectual Disabilities in Dorset and Hampshire, where she developed and implemented services for individuals across the lifespan.
A founding Director of ASI Wise, established in 2017, Ros is dedicated to delivering Ayres’ Sensory Integration education throughout the UK and Ireland. Her extensive teaching experience includes workshops and training on sensory integration for both adults and children, and she has co-written educational modules for practitioners.
Ros has also been actively involved in international projects, volunteering in Romania to support occupational therapy students and disadvantaged young people with disabilities. Her commitment to mentorship and supervision has inspired many colleagues and students, and she continues to advocate for high-quality educational opportunities in sensory integration.
Through her presentations at national and international conferences, Ros has contributed significantly to the field, ensuring that Occupational Therapists are well-equipped with the knowledge and skills needed for evidence-based practice.
To read more about Ros, please visit: https://sensoryproject.org/staff/ros-urwin/