Jean Ayres was a Psychologist and Occupational Therapist who, in the 1950s began to develop sensory integration theory, as well as evaluation procedures and intervention strategies that were associated with this framework. Research into learning disorders and behaviour followed. Over the past decades there has been more and more research to indicate the validity of Ayres Sensory Integration and its success with children.

Ayres sensory integration will introduce parents to a new way of looking at learning and behaviour. It will help you to understand some aspects of being human that most people never consider. It will even help you to become ware of two additional senses - the vestibular sense and the proprioceptive sense - in additional to the five senses of sight, sound, taste, touch and smell, that you have been taught. You will begin to think about the brain as the director of all activity in the body and mind. Once you become aware of the process of sensory integration in your child, you will be able to notice a problem if one occurs. As you become more sensitive to sensory integrative functions in your child, you may be able to help them overcome those problems and lead a happier, more successful life.

*Credit to “Sensory Integration and the Child Understanding Hidden Sensory Challenges” by A. Jean Ayres, Ph. D., OTR.

Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI) treatment is provided by licensed Occupational Therapists (OTs) who have completed specialized post-graduate training and mentoring in ASI theory and intervention techniques.

At this time, Jeanmarie Breault-Towsley is one in seven Canadians who have completed this training. By November 2026, there will be 8 more in Canada and those 8 are located in CPRI in London, Ontario.

When looking for a trained ASI therapist, look for the CLASI-CASI badge.

Occupational therapists trained in Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI) strive to provide intervention that adheres to the Ayres Sensory Integration Fidelity Measure, the internationally recognized standard for delivering evidence-based ASI intervention. To meet these fidelity standards, five essential pieces of suspended equipment are required. The Fidelity Measure also specifies criteria for the installation, placement, and therapeutic use of this equipment to ensure both safety and clinical effectiveness.

For these reasons, ASI intervention sould initially be provided in a fully equipped sensory integration gym or clinic specifically designed for this approach. This specialized environment enables the therapist to deliver intervention with fidelity while providing the individualized sensory-motor experiences necessary to support the child’s development and achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes.

Sensory Integration Occupational Therapy can benefit individuals across the lifespan. Sensory processing begins developing before birth and continues to mature throughout childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. When sensory processing difficulties interfere with daily functioning, targeted intervention can help individuals develop the skills needed to participate more successfully in everyday life.

Early intervention provides an opportunity to strengthen the foundational skills that support future learning and development, including self-regulation, motor planning, body awareness, attention, and emotional regulation. Building these skills early can have a lasting positive impact on a child’s ability to engage at home, in school, and within the community.

School-aged children often benefit when sensory processing challenges begin to affect attention, behaviour, coordination, peer relationships, or participation in daily routines. Sensory integration therapy helps children develop the skills needed to meet increasing academic, social, and functional demands while fostering greater independence and confidence.

Older children and adolescents can also make significant gains through intervention. As environments become more complex and expectations increase, sensory integration therapy supports improved self-regulation, adaptability, organization, participation, and resilience across home, school, and community settings.

Adults may also experience sensory processing challenges that affect work performance, relationships, daily responsibilities, and emotional well-being. Sensory integration occupational therapy helps adults better understand their sensory needs while developing pratical strategies to manage sensory sensitivities, reduce stress, improve concentration, and enhance overall quality of life.

At any age, improving the brain’s ability to process and organize sensory information can lead to greater participation, increased independence, and improved well-being.