Collaborative for Leadership in Ayres Sensory Integration (CLASI)

Certificate in Ayres Sensory Integration (CASI)

Module 1- Ayres Sensory Integration Theory

M1 Knowledge and Skills in AYRES SENSORY INTEGRATION THEORY

The latest advancements in neuroscience support the application of the theory of sensory integration as
an approach to dealing with children, adolescents, adults and older adults. This module will provide the
therapists a theoretical basis for the application of the theory of sensory integration for the clinical
practice.
The trainings for the first module will provide a study to the theory of sensory integration, to the central
nervous system, the neuroscience of sensory systems, modulation, the praxis and the principles of the
evaluation and intervention in sensory integration.

Learning Objectives
After the course, participants will be able to:
1. Define scientific theory, model and frame of reference
2. Recognize core principles and concepts of Ayres Sensory Integration® Theory
3. Describe the common patterns of sensory integration dysfunction and their proposed neural
correlates.
4. the neurological structures and their functions involved in the process of sensory integration;
5. Describe the relationship between sensory integration, and participation in every-day activities
and occupations
6. Describe the functional implications and occupational factors on the basis of the changes of
sensory impairments;
7. Discuss the praxis and its role in performance and behavior

Content
• Historical review of the work of Dr. A. Jean Ayres
• Interpretative models of the theory of sensory integration;
• Neurological structures in sensory integrative process;
• The sensory systems, sensory perception, sensory reactivity, motor skills, and praxis.
• Impact on occupation and co-occupations includign self-regulation of behavior, organization, and
social skills

CLASI CASI M1 Syllabus

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 M1 Syllabus
Section and Lesson Titles Assignment Suggested Supplemental
Readings Video
Section I: Overview of Ayres Sensory Intro to SI
Integration® https://www.youtube
Lesson 1: Introduction to Ayres Sensory .com/watch?v=4-
Integration® Theory jqtlwfw5M
1.1 The making of a theory Schaaf &
1.1.1 The historical work of Dr. A. Mailloux, Ayres Pioneer DVD
Jean Ayres 2015 part I
1.1.2 The evolution of ASI theory, Schaaf &
models, assessment, and Smith Roley,
intervention methods 2006 chapter
1
1.1.3 Ayres Sensory Smith Roley,
Integration(R) Trademark et al, 2007
defined
1.2 Basic principles of ASI theory Ayres, 2005, Intro to SI
Chapters 1-3 https://www.youtube
.com/watch?v=1_Iuj
8dr9oY
1.2.1 Definition of Sensory
Integration (SI)
1.2.2 Neuroscience perspective
of SI
1.2.3 Therapeutic perspective of
SI
1.3 Development of Sensory Integration SI Development
in Early Childhood https://pathways.org/
topics-of-
development/7-
senses/video/
1.4 Models of sensory Integration Ayres, 2005, SI and ASD
Function and Dysfunction pg 55; Smith https://www.youtube
Roley, .com/watch?v=oXx
Spitzer, WMjPziZs
& Green,
2001; Bundy http://www.interactin
& Lane, in gwithautism.com/se
press. ction/treating/occupa
tion
Ayres, 2005
Chapter 9
1.4.1 Models of sensory Schaaf & Early Assessment
integrative functions Mailloux, and Intervention for
2015 part II SI
https://www.youtube
.com/watch?v=ygE
WrYCubKg

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 1.4.2 Models of sensory
integrative dysfunction

1.4.3 Models of individual

sensory integration
constructs
1.4.4 Models derived from ASI Smith Roley
theory & Spitzer
2001 (p. 5
model)
1.5 Patterns of SI Function and Ayres, 2005,
Dysfunction Chapter 4
1.5.1 Refining ASI theory from Mailloux, et
research al 2011
1.5.2 FactorAnalyses and Clustr Ayres, 2005 SI Intervention
Analyses Chapter 10 & https://www.youtube
11 .com/watch?v=02Jln
qUhXeU

Section II
Review of Functional Neuroanatomy as Bear et al.,
Related to Sensory Integration 2016,
Chapter 1
Lesson 2: Function of major neural structures
2.1 Organization of the nervous system
2.2 Neuroplasticity as a foundation for ASI Bear et al., Neuroplasticity
2016, https://www.ted.com
Chapter 23 /talks/michael_merz
enich_on_the_elasti
c_brain?language=e
n

https://www.youtube
.com/watch?v=iAzm
yB9PFt4
2.3 Sensory Integration: Receptor to Bear et al.,
cortex 2016,
Chapter 4
2.3a review of receptors and the pathway(s) from
receptor to cortex

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2.3b representation of sensation (and motor) in Bear et al., Multisensory
the brain 2016, processing
Chapter 8, https://www.eurekal
9, 10, 11 and ert.org/pub_releases
12 /2010-08/aeco-
arf081310.php

https://www.youtube
.com/watch?v=vvGE
I4U8ia8
2.3c facilitation and inhibition
2.4 Action potentials as the mechanism for White Matter Action Potentials
transmitting information and a bit on Article; https://www.youtube
neurotransmitters Chang et al., .com/watch?v=TAzT
2014 FgPSPiU

2.5 Brain structures associated with ASSIGNMENT Bear et al.,

sensory perception #1: 2016,
Find and post Chapter 7
2.5.1 Spinal Cord a media
2.5.2 Reticular Formation resource (for
2.5.3 Brain Stem including cranial example a
nerves you-tube
2.5.4 Cerebellum video,
2.5.5 Hypothalamus including podcast, or Gustation
ANS website) https://www.yout
that ube.com/watch?v
exemplifies =SJvY5-ZxXaY
the
2.5.6 Thalamus
relationship
2.5.7 Limbic System Olfactory
between
https://www.youtube
neuroscience
.com/watch?v=5-
and ASI.
Post on online McqAO8_Qw
2.5.8 Basal Ganglia discussion
2.5.9 Cerebral Cortex including board with a Ayres, 2005 Auditory
four lobes and both short chapter 8 https://www.yout
hemispheres, sensory and commentary ube.com/watch?v
motor homunculus on the =G7F_Wl2rV0I
reasoning for
your choice Vision
https://www.yout
ube.com/watch?v
=EskTnxBoPoI

Blindness and SI
https://www.yout
ube.com/watch?v
=A8lztr1tu4o
2.5.10 Cortical processing

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 2.6 Brain Processes Associated with
Sensory Reactivity
2.6.1 Proposed neural substrates:
ANS, Retic system, HPA
axis; neurotransmitter
systems
2.6.2 Neuroendocrine functions,
white matter

Section III
Sensory Perception
Lesson 3: Tactile Perception
3.1 Tactile contributions and barriers to Montegue, https://www.youtube
participation in daily life 1986 .com/watch?v=bRkI
6GkfgSU
3.2 Tactile anatomy and neuroanatomy
3.1.1 Tactile receptors and how they
transmit information
3.1.2 Tactile pathways and their impact Tiffany Field
on function https://www.youtube
.com/watch?v=UixQ
Ls5Utc8
3.1.3 Dorsal column medial lemniscal
pathway as the substrate for
discriminative touch and body
awareness
3.1.4 Spino-thalamic pathway as a
substrate for light touch
3.3 Development
3.4 Relationship of tactile perception to self-
regulation, social, emotional, adaptive and
motor skills, and praxis
3.5 Assessment Schaaf &
3.6 Intervention Roley, 2006;
Schaaf &
Mailloux,
2015
Read
through

Lesson 4: Proprioception Loss of

Proprioception
https://www.youtube
.com/watch?v=FKxy
JfE831Q&t=2s
4.1 Proprioceptive contributions and barriers Smith Roley, Brain Highway
to participation in daily life Blanche & Proporioception:
Schaaf, 2001 https://www.yout
chapter 6 on ube.com/watch?v
proprioceptio =b2iOliN3fAE
n
CLASI CASI M1 Syllabus
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 4.2 proprioception receptors and how they work
4.3 Proprioception pathways and their impact Proprioception
on function versus
4.3.1 Spino-cerebellar pathways as Kinesthesia
substrate for muscle tone and body https://www.yout
awareness ube.com/watch?v
4.4 Development =yKfpBGicqNQ
4.5 Relationship of proprioception to self-
regulation, social, emotional, adaptive and
motor skills, and praxis
4.6 Assessment Schaaf &
4.7 Intervention Roley, 2006;
Schaaf &
Mailloux,
2015
Read
through

Lesson 5: Vestibular System

5.1 Vestibular contributions and barriers to Ayres, 2005
participation in daily life Chapter 5
5.2 Introduction to vestibular anatomy and http://www.dnatube.
functions com/video/8203/Sys
tem-and-balance-of-
the-Vestibular

5.3 Vestibular receptors and how they work https://www.youtube

.com/watch?v=lztjklq
jw08
5.4 Vestibular pathways and their impact on
function
5.4.1 Vestibular reticular and autonomic
pathways as a substrate for arousal
regulation
5.4.2 Vestibular spinal and vestibular-
cerebellar pathways as substrate
for muscle tone and balance
5.4.3 Vestibular-ocular pathways as a
substrate for head, neck and eye
coordination
5.4.4 Interhemispheral communication
and lateralization including laterality
of sensory and motor functions
5.5 Development
5.6 Relationship of vestibular processing to
self-regulation, social, emotional, adaptive
and motor skills, and praxis
5.7 Assessment Schaaf &
5.8 Intervention Roley, 2006;
Schaaf &
Mailloux,
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 2015
Read
through

Section IV
Bilateral Integration http://sequencewiz.o
rg/2014/08/13/integr
ating-right-and-left-
brain/
Lesson 6: Postural, Ocular, and Bilateral
Motor Functions
6.1 Postural Control Theories Shumway- https://www.youtube
Cook & .com/watch?v=sUO
Woollacott, 6baJ0FcA
6.2 Vestibular Ocular Reflex & Ocular Motor 2011
Control
6.3 Postural Control Bear et al.,
2016,
Chapter 14
6.4 Bilateral Motor Control https://www.youtube
.com/watch?v=OId8
e9uj240

Section V
Praxis Patterns
Lesson 7: Historical and Current Views of Ayres, 2005
Praxis and Dyspraxia chapter 6
7.1 Praxis contributions and barriers to Dyspraxia is a Pain
participation in daily life Ayres & https://www.youtube
Cermak, .com/watch?v=MNb
2011 Pf2Z_lTY
7.2 Neural substrates
7.3 Development Facial Imitation
Neonate
https://www.youtube
.com/watch?v=k2Yd
kQ1G5QI
7.4 Relationship of praxis to self-
regulation, social, emotional, adaptive
and motor skills, and executive
functions
7.5 Proposed neurological basis
7.6 Somatosensory-based praxis including Smith Roley, Ocular motor
Imitation and sequencing Blanche & apraxia
Schaaf, https://www.youtube
2001; .com/watch?v=KQjm
chapters 8. bc6j_es
9, & 10
7.7 Visual-based Praxis Sequencing
https://www.youtube
.com/watch?v=AVaI
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 TA7eBZE
7.7.1 Assessment
7.7.2 intervention
7.8 Language-Based Praxis Verbal apraxia
https://www.youtube
.com/watch?v=_n4C
Ec9HMXA
7.8.1 assessment
7.8.2 intervention
7.9 Ideational Praxis Tool Use
https://www.youtube
.com/watch?v=dg5dt
J7GfZU
7.9.1 assessment
7.9.2 intervention

Section VI
Sensory Reactivity Patterns
Lesson 8: Sensory reactivity and its impact on Ayres, 2005
self-regulation Chapter 7

8.1 Sensory Reactivity

8.1.1 Sensory Reactivity Contributions Bear et al.,
and Barriers to participation in daily life 2016,
Chapter 16
8.1.2 Sensory Reactivity Problems
8.1.2.1 Hyperreactivity (over Schaaf &
responsiveness) Roley, 2006;
8.1.2.2 Registration Problems i.e. Schaaf &
hyporeactivity (under responsiveness) Mailloux,
2015
8.2 Self-Regulation
8.2.1 Co-regulation Still Face
Experiment
https://www.youtube
.com/watch?v=apzX
GEbZht0
8.2.2 State
8.2.3 Arousal
8.2.4 Affect
8.2.5 Attention
8.2.6 Activity Level
8.2.7 Behavior and Executive
Functioning
8.3 Neural basis for modulating sensory reactivity
(sensory modulation)
8.4 Identification and Intervention of Sensory
Reactivity in Individual Sensory Systems
8.4.1 Tactile Reactivity
8.4.1.1 Registration Problem
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 (hyporeactivity)
8.4.1.2 Tactile Defensiveness Overreactivity
(hyperreactivity) https://www.youtube
.com/watch?v=QxM
eDumeXpY

8.4.2 Vestibular Reactivity

8.4.2.1 Registration Problem
(hyporeactivity)
8.4.2.2 Gravitational Insecurity
(fear) (hyperreactivity)
8.4.2.3 Aversion to Movement
(motion sickness) (hyperreactivity)
8.4.3 Proprioceptor as a regulator of
sensation and regulated functions
8.4.4 Auditory Reactivity
8.4.4.1 Registration Problem
(hyporeactivity)
8.4.4.2 Auditory Defensiveness
(hyperreactivity)
8.4.5 Visual
8.4.5.1 Registration Problem
(hyporeactivity)
8.4.5.2 Visual Aversion
(hyperreactivity
8.4.6 Taste/Smell
8.4.6.1 Registration Problem
(hyporeactivity)
8.4.6.2 Taste/Smell Aversion
(hyperreactivity

Section VII Application of ASI in Evidence- Suggested

Based Practice (1) Assignment:
Lesson 9: prepare and
present a 30-60
9.1 Data Driven Decision Making Schaaf &
minute
presentation, Mailloux,
in-service or 2015, Ch II.8
9.2 Reviews of current evidence and trends in lecture on ASI Parham et al,
practice to a self- 2007; 2011;
selected May-Benson
audience e.g. et al., 2014;
parents, Schaaf et al.,
teachers, 2015;
community Watling et
groups, etc.;
al., 2011
Share your
favorite slide(s)
on discussion
board and post
comments

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M1 Suggested Readings for ASI Theory
*Required for use in whole CLASI CASI program

*Ayres, A. J. (2005). Sensory Integration and the Child, 25th Anniversary Edition. Los Angeles, CA:
Western Psychological Services.

*Ayres, A.J. & Cermak, S. (2011). Ayres Dyspraxia Monograph 25th Anniversary Edition. Torrance, CA:
Pediatric Therapy Network.

Bear, M. F., Connors, B. W. and Paradiso, M. A. (2016). Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain 4th edition.
Philadelphia, PA:, Wolters Kluwer. (or other reputable neuro text)

Chang, Y, Owe, J.P., Desai, S.S., Hills, S.S., Arnett, A.B., Harris, J., Marco, E.J., & Mukherjee, P. (2014).
Autism and sensory processing disorders: Shared white matter disruption in sensory pathways but
divergent connectivity in social-emotional pathways. PLoS ONE 9(7): e 103038:
doi:10:1371journal.pone.0103038

Montegu, Ashley (1986). Touching: The human significance of the skin. NY: Columbia University Press.

*Schaaf, R.A. & Mailloux, Z. (2015). Clinician’s Guide for Implementing Ayres Sensory Integration. AOTA
Press, Bethesda, MD.

Schaaf, R.C., Schoen, S.A., May-Benson, T., Lane, S.J., Smith Roley, S., Mailloux, Z. (2015). The Issue
Is—State of the Science: A Roadmap for research in sensory integration. American Journal of Occupational
Therapy, 69, 6906360010. http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2015.019539

*Schaaf, R. A., and Smith Roley, S. (2006). SI: Applying clinical reasoning to practice with Diverse
Populations. Austin, TX: Pro-Ed.

Smith Roley, S., Blanche E. I., and Schaaf, R. C. (2001). Understanding the nature of sensory integration
with Diverse Populations. San Antonio, TX: Pro-Ed.

Smith Roley, S., Mailloux, Z. Miller-Kuhanek, H. & Glennon, T. (2007). Understanding Ayres Sensory
Integration®. OT Practice 12(17) CE1-CE-8.

Watling, R., Koenig, S, Davies, P.L., & Schaaf, R.C. (2011). Occupational therapy practice guidelines for
children and adolescents with challenges in sensory processing and sensory integration. Bethesda, MD:
AOTA Press.

Complementary Readings
AOTA (2014). Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Process: 3rd Edition Bethesda, MD:
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, March/April 2014, Vol. 68, 139. doi:10.5014/ajot.2014.682005

Ayres, A.J. (1972). Sensory integration and learning disorders. Los Angeles, CA: Western Psychological
Services.

Blanche, E. I., Bodison, S., Chang, M. C., & Reinoso Project, G. (2012). Development of the
comprehensive observations of proprioception (COP): Validity, reliability, and factor analysis. American
Journal of Occupational Therapy, 66, 691-698.

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Blanche-Keiffer, D. & Surfas, S. (2011). A. Jean Ayres: The Pioneer Behind Sensory Integration. (30 min.
DVD) Torrance, CA: Pediatric Therapy Network.

Calvert, G., Spence, C., & Stein, B.E. (2004). The handbook of multisensory processes. Boston MA: MIT.

Case-Smith, J. & O’Brien, J. (2015). Occupational Therapy for Children and Adolescents, 7th ed. St. Louis:
Elsevier Mosby.

DeGangi, G.A. (2017).Pediatric Disorders of Regulation in Affect and Behavior, Second Edition: A
Therapist's Guide to Assessment and Treatment. Rockville, MD: Academic Press.

Lane, S.J., Smith Roley, S. & Champagne, T. (2015). Sensory Integration and Processing: Theory and
Applications to Occupational Performance. Willard and Spackman’s Occupational Therapy: 12th Edition.
(B. Schell & G. Gillen Eds.) Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins.

Mailloux, Z., Mulligan, S., Roley, S., Blanche, E., Cermak, S., Coleman, G., . . . Lane, C. (2011). Verification
and Clarification of Patterns of Sensory Integrative Dysfunction. American Journal of Occupational Therapy.
65 (2). 143-151.

Parham, L.D., Cohn, E.S., Spitzer, S., Koomar, J., Miller, L.J., Burke, J.P., Brett-Green, B., Mailloux, Z.,
May-Benson, T., Smith Roley, S., Schaaf, R.C., Schoen, S., & Summers, C.A. (2007). Fidelity in sensory
integration intervention research. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 61, 2, 216-227.

Parham, L.D., Cohn, E.S., Spitzer, S., Koomar, J., Miller, L.J., Burke, J.P., Brett-Green, B., Mailloux, Z.,
May-Benson, T., Smith Roley, S., Schaaf, R.C., Schoen, S., & Summers, C.A. (2007). Fidelity in sensory
integration intervention research. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 61, 2, 216-227.

Parham, L. D., and Mailloux, Z. (2010). Sensory Integration. (pages 325-372) in J. Case-Smith, Allen & J.C.
O'Brien's Occupational Therapy for Children 6th edition. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier, Mosby, & Sanders Inc.

Pediatric Therapy Network (2003). Applying Sensory Integration Principles where children live, learn, and
Play (30 minute DVD). Torrance, CA: PTN

Schaaf, R.C., Schoen, S., Smith Roley, S., Lane, S., Koomar, J. & May-Benson, T. (2009). The frame of
reference for sensory integration. In P. Kramer & J. Hinojosa (EDS). Frames of reference for Pediatric
Occupational Therapy, 3rd Ed. Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 99-186

Schaaf, R. C., (2015) The Issue Is… Creating evidence for practice using data-driven decision making.
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 69 (2) 6902360010.http://dx.doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2015.010561

Shumway-Cook, A. and Woollacott, M. (2011). Motor Control: Theory & Practical Applications: 4th Edition.
Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins.

Williamson, G. G. and Anzalone, M. E. (2001). Sensory Integration and self-regulation in infants and
toddlers: Very young children helping them interact with their environment. Washington, DC: Zero to Three.

Wolfe, J.M. (2014) Sensation and Perception 4th Edition. Oxford University Press.

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