Neural Foundations of Ayres Sensory Integration®

Abstract

Sensory integration, now trademarked as Ayres Sensory Integration® or ASI, is based on principles of neuroscience and provides a framework for understanding the contributions of the sensory and motor foundations of human behavior. The theory and practice of ASI continues to evolve as greater understanding of the neurobiology of human behavior emerges. In this paper we examine core constructs of ASI identified in the seminal work of Dr. Jean Ayres, and present current neuroscience research that underlies the main patterns of sensory integration function and dysfunction. We consider how current research verifies and clarifies Ayres’ propositions by describing functions of the vestibular, proprioceptive, and tactile sensory systems, and exploring their relationships to ocular, postural, bilateral integration, praxis, and sensory modulation. We close by proposing neuroplasticity as the mechanisms underlying change as a result of ASI intervention.

Efectividad de un programa estructurado de integración sensorial con un grupo de escolares con dificultades de aprendizaje: Estudio retrospectivo en Bogotá

“…La intervención en IS controla el desafío justo, la respuesta adaptativa, la participación y la auto dirección por el niño (Bundy et al, 2002). La práctica clínica basada en IS sustenta la capacidad de cambio del sistema nervioso (SN) a través de la información sensorial organizada y usada frente a los desafíos ambientales en entornos físicos enriquecidos, motivación intrínseca y tareas graduadas (Lane, et al, 2019;Blanche, 2005). La medida de fidelidad resalta elementos centrales en la intervención basada en IS (Parham, et al, 2011).…”

Translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the performance-based test – Evaluation in Ayres Sensory Integration®

“…These, in turn, interact with the tactile sense to provide a foundation for adequate body awareness, coordination of the two body sides and praxis. Together, these functions lay the ground for eye-hand coordination, visual-perceptual skills and engagement in purposeful activity and academic learning [2,6].…”

“…When the brain is not processing sensory information smoothly or correctly, it will likely lead to sensory integration difficulties [1,2,6,7]. Jean Ayres [1,7] described as early as the 1970s that these types of difficulties can generate a variety of problems in everyday life and others have thereafter confirmed it [3,5,8,9].…”

“…No information has been found about the prevalence of sensory integration difficulties in Swedish children. Moreover, no official number of occupational therapists with postgraduate training in sensory integration theory, now referred to as Ayres Sensory Integration V R (ASI) [2,6,10], has been found. Estimations made by the authors together with the Swedish Association of Ayres Sensory Integration showed that no more than 10 actively working therapists have undergone qualified training.…”

Vestibular stimulation and primitive reflex integration may drive multisensory processing: putative principles for a Targeted sensorimotor therapy (TSMT)

“…While sensory organs develop in utero, higher order sensory processing is yet to mature in the full-term neonate [2]. Sequential motor development driven by primitive survival re exes sets the appropriate framework for development of sensory processing including multisensory processing [3,4]. Multisensory processing, a fundamental mechanism for disambiguating complex environmental signals [5], may contribute to a multitude of diseases and disorders if impaired.…”