ISIC2025/2026
Bridging the Gap | From Sensory-Motor Processing to Human Occupation with Sensory Ladders®
Authors: Kathryn Smith, Rosalind Urwin, Amanda Adamson, Melissa King, Jemma Smith, Katie Crowfoot, Bernike Maarsingh, Maggie Morton, Catherine Hauvette, Aniesa Blore, Liz Brown, Ana Sainz and Ammar Morad Alashkar
Bridging the Gap: From Sensory-Motor Processing to Human Occupation with Sensory Ladders®
This poster presents Sensory Ladders®, a co-produced, evidence-informed tool that operationalises Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI) in everyday occupational therapy practice. Sensory Ladders® support individuals, families, and clinicians to understand sensory processing patterns and connect sensory-motor foundations to meaningful participation, praxis, and daily occupations.
Grounded in audit data, peer-reviewed literature the poster demonstrates how Sensory Ladders®:
- honours and values a lived experience
- are relational through co-production and embodied evaluation
- informs clinical reflection
- ensures neuro-affirming, strengths-based framework for collaborative assessment
- enhances intervention planning
- as a visual support, it reduces cognitive load
- provides a shared language around the person
- can be used as a secure outcome-focused practice across the lifespan
Developed through long-standing partnerships in health, education, and community settings, the approach aligns with visual design-led innovation, co-production, and data-driven decision making, and is adaptable for both in-person and telehealth occupational therapy services.
If you are interested in Sensory Ladders®, you can check the following links:
Sensory Ladders | CPD Certificate | Optional Extra
Sensory Ladders® webinar including CPD
Sensory Ladders | Translation Project
Sensory Ladders® Translation Project (Sensory Ladders® being translated in different languages acorss the globe)