Building Sensory Ladders as part of the delivery of Sensory Integration within Occupational Therapy Practice
Working together to build shared language and ideas
- learning about ourselves and others,
- creating unique and individual maps of our self-states in co-production
- internalising emerging self-awareness and reframing ideas of self
- developing ideas and ways to manage tricky tasks and events
- thinking about “what to do and how” in challenging environments
- building skills that are about self-awareness to support self-regulation skills through growing understanding
Creating Sensory Ladders is about slow and gentle, percolated ideas emerging through coaching and validation of the lived experience;
- while thinking about the sensory, motor and cognitive challenges,
- always building on and growing strengths, interests and motivation,
- while considering the unique individual and person, the environments and people in it, thinking about where people live, work and play,
- and with consideration of praxis within their tasks and daily occupations.
Sensory Ladders are active co-production; intentional and mindful creation of supporting strategies to enhance and enrich participation in everyday life.
Kath Smith 2021
Understanding Sensory Ladders: A Free Resource from ASI Wise & The Sensory Project
Co-Produced Tools for Emotional Regulation, Wellbeing and Neurodiversity Support | Rooted in Ayres’ Sensory Integration
At ASI Wise and The Sensory Project, we are passionate about making the world of Ayres’ Sensory Integration (ASI) more accessible, inclusive and empowering for everyone. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, carer, or therapist, our evidence-informed, practical tools like Sensory Ladders offer a relatable and compassionate way to understand what’s happening inside — and how we can support regulation, resilience and participation in everyday life.
Sensory Ladders are co-produced tools that help individuals of all ages visualise their changing states of arousal, emotion, and regulation throughout the day. Designed to be used in homes, classrooms, clinics, and community spaces, Sensory Ladders build a shared language that supports communication, safety and belonging. They are especially valuable when working with individuals who experience sensory differences, stress, anxiety, trauma, or complex emotional and behavioural presentations — and they’re just as powerful for supporting your own self-awareness and wellbeing.
Our free downloadable Starter Guide to Co-Creating Sensory Ladders is available to everyone, because we believe no one should be left behind.
This free sensory integration resource is designed to help you get started immediately, whether you’re exploring sensory awareness for the first time or looking for an adaptable tool for your work.
