Research Corner
New research articles
Evidence explored with care, context and curiosity.
Research Corner is our evolving article stream. We share new studies, accessible summaries and critical reflections about Ayres’ Sensory Integration and related fields—linking back to original sources wherever possible and staying clear about what the research can, and cannot, support us to say.
Latest research articles
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Research News | Effects of sensory integration therapy in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
A new 2026 systematic review and meta-analysis matters right now because it helps bring some much-needed clarity to an increasingly confused conversation. Across 23 randomised controlled trials, sensory integration therapy was associated with significant improvements in motor skills, daily functioning, and individualised goals in children. The strongest effects were seen for individualised goals, especially in […]
08 Apr, 26 
Research: How prison shapes inmates’ sense of agency and outcome processing
A thought provoking paper from Belgium invites us to think more deeply about what restrictive environments may do to the brain and to participation. The study explored sense of agency, the feeling that “I am the one doing this”, and outcome processing, how the brain registers what happens after an action, in people living in […]
26 Mar, 26 
Research: Sensory Reactivity Among School-Age Children and Parental Stress: Findings From the Population-Based InProS Study
ASI WISE explores AJOT’s Jan / Feb 2026 Special Section on Sensory Integration and Participation Sensory Reactivity Among School-Age Children and Parental Stress: Findings From the Population-Based InProS Study Authors: RocĂo Muñoz-Sánchez, Miriam Hurtado-Pomares, Iris Juárez-Leal, Sara Jorquera-Cabrera, Jessica Piñero, Eva-MarĂa Navarrete-Muñoz, DesirĂ©e Valera-Gran Occupational Therapists working with children who experience sensory reactivity and are […]
24 Mar, 26 
Research: Sensory Integration Sports Training & Autism
A recent 2025 paper in Scientific Reports explores the impact of a sensory integration informed sports programme on motor coordination and social responsiveness in children with autism. The authors report meaningful improvements following a 12 week intervention delivered with consistent intensity. What feels particularly positive is the clear recognition that movement, sensation and participation are […]
05 Mar, 26 
Research: Sensory Processing, Neurodivergence & Gender Congruence
A new paper published in the Journal of Eating Disorders this month explores the associations between sensory processing, eating disorder symptoms, neurodivergence and gender congruence through a lived experience lens. It adds growing weight to something many of us have recognised in practice for years: sensory integration and processing matter deeply in eating disorders. The […]
05 Mar, 26 
Research: ADHD and Sensory Processing
ADHD and sensory processing.The data is now impossible to ignore. This meta analysis in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry reviewed 30 studies and more than 5,000 participants. Across childhood and adulthood, individuals with ADHD showed significantly higher: Not small effects.Large effect sizes.Across multiple sensory domains. And yet most clinical […]
05 Mar, 26 
Neurodiversity & ASI Practice: Modern Understanding
Thank you for sharing your 2024 service statement outlining the ICAN Occupational Therapy Service position regarding sensory differences and Ayres’ Sensory Integration (ASI). We recognise and value your stated commitment to evidence based, participation focused occupational therapy, and to supporting children, families, and settings through collaborative and strengths based approaches. These principles are shared across […]
24 Dec, 25 
Research Update: Sensory Ladders in Cygnet Latest Study
We are delighted to see Sensory Ladders highlighted in the recent research article by colleagues at Cygnet; Reducing Challenging Behaviours with Sensory Modulation Strategies: A Quality Improvement Project in an Acute Mental Health Service by Fredericks et al, 2025. “Nine patients completed the evaluation forms. All of those surveyed (n = 9) enjoyed the sensory […]
05 Sep, 25 
Research: Psychological Strengths in Adults with ADHD
Ayres Sensory Integration® and Strengths-Based Practice in Adults with ADHD – Co-Producing Sensory Ladders, Sensory Spiders, and Sensory Grids Understanding adults with ADHD through a strengths-based lens is not new to occupational therapists working with Ayres Sensory Integration®. Dr. Jean Ayres always believed that therapy should build on a person’s inner drive, sensory preferences, and […]
26 Apr, 25 
Research: ADHD & Occupational Therapy in the MDT
ADHD, the Senses, and the future role of Occupational Therapy in the MDT. For those of us working with people with ADHD — and those of us living it — a brand new meta-analysis (April 2025) in JAACAP confirms what many have long known: Sensory integration and processing differences are a significant and common part […]
21 Apr, 25 
Research: Sensory integration Differences in people with ADHD
New research is clear: Sensory integration differences are real for people with ADHD. And as occupational therapists, we cannot overlook this. The 2025 meta-analysis confirms what many of us already know through practice: sensory processing challenges significantly affect participation, wellbeing, and regulation in ADHD. These are not just behavioural quirks — they’re neurobiological realities. The […]
21 Apr, 25 
Sensory Integration in Adult Neurology & Mental Health
While Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI) is most often associated with children, many therapists have quietly and consistently applied its principles with adults for decades. At ASI Wise & Sensory Project, our Director’s own journeys began in the early 1990s—initially in adult neurology from 1995, extending into learning disabilities and mental health from 1996, and into […]
19 Apr, 25