Sensory Integration Therapy Course

Lesson 1 • History and Evolution of SI Theory

Traces Ayres' original research through contemporary refinements. Establishes theoretical lineage students must reference when justifying clinical decisions.

Lesson 2 • Adaptive Response and Praxis

Explains adaptive responses as the measurable outcome of successful integration. Connects praxis development to motor planning, ideation, and sequencing capacities.

Lesson 3 • The Seven Sensory Systems

Defines tactile, vestibular, proprioceptive, auditory, visual, gustatory, and olfactory systems. Connects each system's function to integration challenges seen in clinical populations.

Lesson 4 • Neurological Basis of Sensory Processing

Examines brain structures mediating sensory integration, including the brainstem, thalamus, and cortex. Links neural anatomy to observable sensory processing behaviors.

Lesson 1 • Sensory Modulation Disorder Subtypes

Details over-responsivity, under-responsivity, and sensory seeking as distinct subtypes. Differentiates behavioral signatures to prevent misclassification during assessment.

Lesson 2 • SPD Classification Frameworks

Presents Miller's nosology and Ayres' original taxonomy side by side. Students use both frameworks to categorize client presentations with precision.

Lesson 3 • Sensory Discrimination Disorder

Examines impaired ability to interpret sensory quality, intensity, and location. Connects discrimination deficits to academic, self-care, and social participation challenges.

Lesson 4 • Sensory-Based Motor Disorder

Covers dyspraxia and postural disorder as motor-output failures rooted in poor sensory integration. Links proprioceptive and vestibular deficits to motor coordination problems.

Lesson 1 • Sensory History and Occupational Profile

Constructs a developmental sensory history and occupational profile for each client. Grounds assessment in the client's meaningful daily roles and participation goals.

Lesson 2 • Synthesizing Assessment Data

Integrates standardized scores, observations, and caregiver reports into a unified sensory profile. Trains pattern recognition to distinguish primary from secondary sensory issues.

Lesson 3 • Parent and Teacher Questionnaires

Guides administration and interpretation of caregiver-report measures across settings. Triangulates home, school, and clinic data to build ecological validity.

Lesson 4 • Standardized Assessment Tools

Reviews SIPT, SPM, SSP, and Sensory Profile instruments. Students select appropriate tools based on age, referral question, and clinical context.

Lesson 1 • Selecting Intervention Approaches

Compares direct SI therapy, consultation, and coaching models for different service contexts. Matches approach intensity to severity, setting, and family capacity.

Lesson 2 • Collaborative Goal Planning with Families

Facilitates family-centered goal planning using motivational interviewing techniques. Ensures intervention priorities reflect family values and daily routines.

Lesson 3 • Writing Measurable Sensory Goals

Applies SMART goal structure to sensory integration outcomes. Aligns goals with occupational performance areas and client-centered priorities.

Lesson 4 • Sensory Diet Design

Constructs individualized sensory diets using activity analysis and timing principles. Teaches caregivers to implement and monitor sensory diet effectiveness at home.

Lesson 1 • Adapting Environments Beyond the Clinic

Extends SI principles to classroom, home, and community settings. Students recommend low-cost environmental modifications that support sensory regulation.

Lesson 2 • Vestibular and Proprioceptive Equipment

Catalogs swings, bolsters, trampolines, and resistance equipment by sensory input type. Matches equipment selection to client's vestibular and proprioceptive needs.

Lesson 3 • Safety Protocols and Risk Management

Establishes equipment inspection, load limits, and emergency procedures for SI gyms. Trains students to conduct pre-session safety checks and document incidents.

Lesson 4 • Principles of Sensory Gym Design

Covers spatial layout, suspension systems, and zoning for different sensory inputs. Students design functional therapy spaces that maximize therapeutic affordances.

Lesson 1 • SI Intervention for School-Age Children

Focuses on academic participation, handwriting, and peer interaction as SI outcomes. Aligns therapy goals with school-based occupational performance demands.

Lesson 2 • Sensory Integration in Infancy

Addresses early sensory processing development and red flags in the first three years. Guides parent-mediated SI strategies for infants with regulatory difficulties.

Lesson 3 • SI Approaches for Adults

Applies SI principles to workplace, independent living, and mental health contexts for adults. Addresses late-identified SPD and its impact on adult occupational roles.

Lesson 4 • Aging and Sensory Processing Changes

Covers age-related sensory decline and its impact on balance, cognition, and participation. Adapts SI-informed strategies for older adults in rehabilitation contexts.

Lesson 1 • SI Therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorder

Addresses the high prevalence of SPD in autism and its impact on participation. Integrates SI with behavioral and communication supports for comprehensive care.

Lesson 2 • Premature Birth and Neonatal Populations

Applies SI principles to NICU and post-NICU intervention for premature infants. Addresses sensory defensiveness and regulatory challenges from early sensory exposure.

Lesson 3 • Trauma-Informed SI Practice

Integrates trauma-informed care principles into SI assessment and treatment. Prevents retraumatization through consent, predictability, and client control.

Lesson 4 • ADHD and Sensory Modulation

Distinguishes sensory modulation disorder from ADHD attention dysregulation. Designs combined sensory and executive function intervention strategies.

Lesson 1 • Research Foundations of SI Therapy

Reviews the evidence base for SI therapy including RCTs, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. Identifies research gaps and areas of ongoing scientific debate.

Lesson 2 • Standardized Outcome Measures

Selects and administers outcome measures aligned with SI intervention goals. Tracks change over time using GAS, COPM, and participation-based measures.

Lesson 3 • Applying Evidence to Clinical Decisions

Trains students to integrate research evidence with clinical expertise and client values. Uses PICO framework to formulate and answer clinical questions.

Lesson 4 • Program Evaluation and Quality Improvement

Designs program-level evaluation systems to monitor SI service quality and outcomes. Uses data to drive continuous improvement in clinical programs.