Description
#01 with Dr Roseann Schaaf
Session summary
This session focused on the SENITA study, a large randomised controlled trial examining the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of sensory integration therapy for children with autism. The presentation reviewed the study’s design, measures, intervention model, results, and clinical implications. A major theme was that although the study was rigorous, its main outcome measures were not well aligned with the usual aims of occupational therapy using Ayres Sensory Integration. The strongest positive findings came from individualised goal-based outcomes and the qualitative feedback from parents and therapists, which suggested meaningful improvements in participation, daily life, and family functioning.
Key takeaways
The SENITA study was a rigorous randomised controlled trial with manualised intervention, fidelity monitoring, trained occupational therapists, blinded assessment, and detailed characterisation of participants.
The study did not show significant differences in its primary behaviour-focused outcome measures, such as the Aberrant Behaviour Checklist, or on broader measures like the Vineland and parent quality-of-life scales.
However, the study did show significant improvement in individualised participation-focused goals using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure within the sensory integration therapy group.
Parent and therapist interviews described positive changes in children’s regulation, coping, confidence, tolerance for daily activities, and participation in family and school life.
A central clinical message was that occupational therapy using Ayres Sensory Integration should be judged by occupation- and participation-based outcomes, rather than primarily by behaviour ratings that may not reflect the actual goals of intervention.
Learning outcomes:
- By the end of this session, participants should be able to:
- Describe the purpose, design, and main findings of the SENITA study.
- Identify the difference between behaviour-focused outcome measures and occupation-focused outcomes in occupational therapy.
- Explain why individualised goals showed meaningful improvement even when broader standardised measures did not.
- Reflect on the implications of the SENITA study for practice, advocacy, and future research in Ayres Sensory Integration.
CPD Summary for CPD Files:
In this session, Dr. Roseann Schaaf examines the SENITA study in depth, unpacking what the trial found, where it was strong, and where important limitations must be understood. She highlights the difference between behaviour-based outcome measures and occupation-focused goals, showing why this distinction matters when evaluating occupational therapy using Ayres Sensory Integration. This is an essential session for therapists, service leads, and educators who want a clearer understanding of how to interpret the SENITA findings and apply them in practice.
