Authored by Kath Smith & Katie Crowfoot
Sensory Integration is a fundamental process that supports how we interact with the world. Sensory integration and processing challenges can significantly impact daily life, participation, and well-being. Understanding and assessing these differences across the lifespan is crucial. This supports individuals in developing adaptive responses, enhancing function, and engaging meaningfully in their environments.
At ASI Wise, we use a range of evidence-based assessments and co-produced tools to evaluate sensory integration challenges and guide interventions. These assessments consider sensory modulation, discrimination, praxis, and functional participation across all ages. They are used from childhood through to adulthood.
Advancing Assessment and Care Pathways in Occupational Therapy Delivering Ayres’ Sensory Integration across the Lifespan
Over the past 25 years, the Sensory Project team has dedicated itself to developing a comprehensive and adaptable assessment framework and care pathway. This is for occupational therapists who use sensory integration across their lifespan. Our approach draws from a rich array of tools co-created with individuals, adapted from paediatric models; grounded in adult neurological observations. Many of Ayres’ original tool ideas were rooted in adult neurological testing. We have refined and expanded these through practice, audit and early research.
Our approach ensures that assessments are driven by the individual’s unique needs and strengths. Initial evaluations involve screening tools that often begin with an analysis of participation challenges and strengths-based observations. For example, a person’s ability to complete forms, follow verbal instructions, or engage in structured tasks guides our selection of assessment methods.
Data gathered between 2003 and 2004 provided robust evidence for using these tools as part of the care pathway. We have since replicated this evidence in 2023 and 2024. It positively influences intervention planning across different sites and clinical groups.
Research Findings
These findings reinforce the reliability and effectiveness of our assessment care pathways. They provide the right data to underpin interventions supporting individuals across a wide age range, from 12 to 65 years. Notably, more than 60% of therapists training with ASI Wise on our modular programme are applying these tools, using them in their practice with individuals in this age group, demonstrating the broad relevance of sensory integration principles beyond paediatric populations.
Additionally, the landscape of service provision continues to evolve; approximately 85% of therapists attending our training modules now work within NHS-commissioned services. The remaining 15% are based in private Sensory Integration clinics or with other providers. This shift highlights the increasing integration of sensory-based assessments and interventions within mainstream NHS services. This further embeds these approaches into routine care.
Sharing and Dissemination – Impacting Practice
To further disseminate these insights, we are considering multiple avenues for publication and knowledge-sharing. This includes submitting our research for formal publication and making key lectures publicly available. We also collaborate with professional bodies such as ISIC to ensure these findings reach a wider audience. By leveraging multiple platforms, we aim to accelerate the integration of evidence-based sensory assessment and intervention practices into both NHS and private healthcare settings.
Why Sensory Integration Assessment Matters
Sensory integration assessments help us:
✅ Identify strengths and challenges in how sensory input is processed and integrated.
✅ Understand sensory-motor and praxis difficulties that may impact movement, coordination, and daily activities.
✅ Guide intervention planning to provide individualised, meaningful, and evidence-based support.
✅ Empower individuals to recognise and regulate their own sensory experiences.
By using standardised assessments, structured observation, and person-centred tools, occupational therapists can gain a comprehensive picture of sensory processing at different life stages.
Key Assessments for Sensory Integration Across the Lifespan
Early Childhood & School-Age Assessments
📌 SIPT (Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests) – A comprehensive but older standardised assessment used to evaluate sensory discrimination, motor planning, and praxis.
📌 EASI (Evaluation in Ayres Sensory Integration™) – A global standardised tool designed to assess sensory integration function. It is currently being developed for use across different age groups.
📌 SPM -2 (Sensory Processing Measure) – Provides insights into sensory processing in daily environments, such as home and school.
Adolescents & Adults
📌 AASH (Adult/Adolescent Sensory History) – A structured history-taking tool to explore lifelong sensory processing patterns.
📌 Sensory Integration Inventory – Developed to assess sensory integration difficulties in individuals with learning disabilities. It provides insight into modulation, discrimination, and praxis challenges.
📌 SPM -2 (Sensory Processing Measure) – Provides insights into sensory processing in daily environments, such as home and work
📌 EASI (Evaluation in Ayres Sensory Integration™) – A global standardised tool designed to assess sensory integration function. It is currently being developed for use across different age groups.
📌Sensory Choices Checklist: A Tool for Personalised Sensory Support
Family & Functional Impact Assessments
📌 FLIQ (Family Life Impact Questionnaire) – A valuable tool that assesses how sensory integration challenges impact family life, helping professionals understand the broader effects on daily routines, relationships, and overall family well-being.
Tools for Understanding & Supporting Self-Regulation
📌 Sensory Profile – A parent-report or self-report questionnaire that identifies sensory processing patterns related to modulation while also assessing their impact on participation in everyday life.
📌 Sensory Ladders – Co-produced visual tools that help individuals recognise, communicate, and regulate their sensory states, particularly valuable for self-awareness and co-regulation.
📌 Sensory Spiders – A structured “mind-map” framework that helps map sensory integration preferences to alter self-states.
📌 Sensory Grids & Co-Produced Visuals/About Me Plans – Designed with individuals to create meaningful representations of sensory patterns, strengths, and needs.
Assessment as a Foundation for Person-Centred Support
A comprehensive assessment is the foundation of effective intervention. Understanding how sensory integration differences affect daily life allows professionals to create tailored strategies that are meaningful, functional, and empowering.
At ASI Wise, we focus on evidence-based, co-produced approaches to assessing sensory integration. We also support individuals in understanding and navigating their sensory world.
📢 Which sensory assessments do you use in your practice? Let’s continue the conversation on sensory integration and evidence-based assessment!
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