ASI WISE

Sharing and asking others who have been taught and practice the same way to add thoughts and comments…

In the early hours of Friday morning, from a borrowed desk in an Airbnb, I found myself reflecting on the three assessment focused days we had just completed, with one more still to come. Three days out of four dedicated to comprehensive assessment were completed - one to go. This matters! ASI2 is not about teaching quick answers. It is about disciplined observation, structured analysis and careful hypothesis building. We immersed ourselves in vestibular processing, proprioceptive integration and somatosensory foundations. We explored how head movement contributes to balance, how stretch receptors in muscles, ligaments and tendons inform body awareness, and how these systems underpin praxis and adaptive response. We examined patterns. We challenged assumptions. We linked data to participation. We distinguished screening from full assessment. We considered standardised measures alongside narrative, family voice and occupational profile. We asked how scores translate into lived experience in classrooms, mental health services and homes. We held fidelity to Ayres Sensory Integration carefully, recognising that without robust assessment, intervention risks becoming generic. From that borrowed desk, my reflection kept returning to research. Every paper that lands requires clinicians who understand assessment deeply enough to critique it, replicate it and build upon it. MSc learning activities and research projects at Level 7 projects depend on this foundation. They are not academic exercises. They are grounded in comprehensive assessment reasoning embedded in real services. So yesterday, as we moved into the final day, I asked that we take the photograph on purpose. Because what I had written about in the quiet of that early morning was standing in front of me. An inspiring cohort - brimming with research ideas- who had spent three full days leaning into complexity. Clinicians mapping how standardised findings to participation challenges. Exploring how tools such as Sensory Ladders® and Spiders™ can sit alongside formal measures within co produced reports. This photograph marks commitment and is filled with possibility. They showcased the best of what is means to be and AHP in their conversations and questions. And there were many! Commitment to rigour. Commitment to ethical reasoning. Commitment to carrying research forward responsibly. Three days of comprehensive assessment remind us of something simple. Strong participation outcomes begin with strong assessment thinking. #AyresSensoryIntegration #sensory #sensoryintegration #occupationaltherapy #Physiotherapy #physicaltherapy #speechandlanguagetherapy #speechtherapy #OT #PT #SLT #ASIWise #sensoryproject

It’s OT Week 2025 – #RightTimeOT A sensory integration informed human lens invites us to look and to notice how mind, body and brain work together to interpret the world, and how we can each participate within it and with others. This OT Week, let’s celebrate the value of relational practice, co-production and sensory understanding across every setting. Ayres’ Sensory Integration isn’t just for specialist paediatric services - it’s part of what it means to be human and supports how we can help people meet to positively embrace unique sensory patterns - differences and strengths across the lifespan. It’s the #RightTimeOT to recognise that when we connect through the senses, we make it possible for people to do, be, become and belong- together. Learn more about this year’s campaign at rcot.co.uk/latest-news/pu… #OTWeek25 #RightTimeOT #AyresSensoryIntegration #CoProduction #NeuroaffirmingPractice

Dear ICE-ASI Member, Don’t forget! PLEASE SHARE TO YOUR MEMBERS AND SOCIAL MEDIA! Our second ICE-ASI CONNECT Meeting begins October 8th at 7 PM (UTC). 🔗 Join us directly via Zoom – Registration required: us06web.zoom.us/meeting/regist… ⚠️ Please use an identifiable email address when entering Zoom; otherwise we won’t be able to let you in. Come connect with like-minded therapists from around the world! 🌎 Research aims to create knowledge – knowledge that can be transformed into real-life applications, improving the quality of life for all beings on Earth. In Ayres Sensory Integration®️, this means innovations, problem-solving, and informed decisions that make our clinical practice more meaningful. Join us for an inspiring discussion on how research can make a tangible impact in ASI intervention! 👥 Your hosts: • Valeria Isaac, Director of Programme Accreditation, Neurosens Chile • Carlyn Cooper, Director of Administration, ASI-AUS Australia 💬 We want to hear from you!

New Specialist Workshop for Allied Health Professionals ✨ We’re delighted to share details of our upcoming workshop: Clinical Observations Across the Lifespan This training is designed to strengthen clinical observation and reasoning skills through the lens of Ayres Sensory Integration. By moving from simply looking to truly seeing, we unlock deeper insights into human behaviour and participation – across every stage of life. 🗓 Day 1 (Online): 19 September 2025 – Theory and foundations 🗓 Days 2 & 3 (In person, London): 7–8 November 2025 – Hands-on, case-based learning 💷 Investment: £425 This is an invaluable opportunity for occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, and other allied health professionals to refine skills, grow confidence, and enhance practice. Find out more and register here: sensoryproject.org/product/clinic… #ayressensoryintegration #sensoryintegration #occupationaltherapy #physiotherapy #speechandlanguagetherapy #alliedhealth

Clinical Observations in Ayres Sensory Integration and AHP Practice Across the Lifespan - OT/PT and SLT. “…assessment identifies functional and sensory integration and processing patterns that may explain the person’s differences; difficulties and abilities. These patterns may co-occur with or resemble those seen in other conditions. While OTs, PT’s and SLT’s do not provide a medical diagnosis, the findings contribute to the differential understanding of the person’s needs and may inform further investigations by the wider multidisciplinary team.” Smith, 2024 youtu.be/OjjGRCkeHuc

Confused by posts saying the EASI is still in development. This update sets the record straight. The EASI is a published, standardised set of 20 tests in active clinical use, with ongoing international research that strengthens norms and scoring. It includes a direct statement from the test authors and links to the latest evidence. Please read and share with colleagues. sensoryproject.org/2025/08/23/eas… #ayressensoryintegration #EASI #AyresSI #SensoryIntegration #SensoryAssessment #SensoryProcessing #OccupationalTherapy #OT #PT #SLT #EvidenceBasedPractice #Research #UKOT #NHS #CPDAccredited #CPD Source for details: EASI UK and Ireland Project, “2025 Research Update: EASI Research,” 23 August 2025.

Research Update: Research Update: A Cascading Effects Model of Early Sensory Development in AutismSensory differences aren’t problems — they’re part of identity. For autistic people, the way the body hears, sees, moves, and feels is the foundation for learning, connection, and joy. So instead of “fixing” the person, we: ✔️Adapt environments ✔️Build on sensory strengths ✔️Honour stims and sensory interests ✔️Support regulation before expectation When we start with the senses, we unlock potential, reduce stress, and open doors to participation at every age. ✔️Let’s stop forcing change and start asking: “What helps you feel safe, calm, and ready to connect?” Read more here: sensoryproject.org/2025/06/13/rus… #AutismAcceptance #SensorySupport #PlayingToStrengths #ayressensoryintegration

ASI Wise Comment on EHC Plans – On Behalf of Our Therapists At ASI Wise, our therapists are deeply committed to ensuring that every assessment and recommendation they contribute is necessary, evidence-informed, and centred on the young person’s unique needs. No therapist we train or support would ever contribute to an EHC plan unless the evidence showed it was required to meet that child or young person’s needs. Our reports are not about ticking boxes, they are critical components of personalised, legally robust, and cost-effective care planning. When grounded in or informed by tools like the EASI (Evaluation in Ayres Sensory Integration) and completed by therapists with specialist training, these reports provide targeted insight into the links between participation challenges, sensory-motor strengths, and barriers to learning and development. This is precision care; not generic provision. It ensures that interventions are based on individual profiles, not labels or assumptions. When therapists understand how sensory integration affects regulation, relationships, engagement, and everyday functioning, they can recommend support that is not only effective but also meaningful, measurable, and resource-wise. In the UK and Ireland, only ASI Wise therapists are trained through a modular programme that is fully aligned with the standards of ICE-ASI – the International Council for Education in Ayres Sensory Integration. As the only UK and Ireland provider of sensory integration education to meet ICE-ASI standards; we have deliberately invested doing this. We were established in 2017 to ensure UK and Ireland therapists would continue to have access to the in face-to-face training, tutoring live and assignments that ensure our therapists are not just able to be internationally accredited, but most importantly educated to apply the theory, assessment, and intervention of Ayres’ Sensory Integration with the highest levels of clinical reasoning and fidelity. This means our therapists plans are targetted and specific, with clear outcome measurement and evidence informed reporting on results from gold-standard assessment. We join IPSEA in calling for protection of children’s legal rights and the continuation of individualised, needs-led planning, grounded in evidence, not politics. ASI Wise Team #settingstandards #integrity #quality #investinginchange #changinglives #AyresSensoryIntegration #EHCplans #SENDsupport #PersonCentredCare #EvidenceBasedPractice #ICEASI #SaveOurChildrensRights

We are feeling deeply thankful today. What began back in 1999 as Sensory Levels, and evolved into Sensory Ladders in 2002, has now travelled far beyond what I ever imagined. Created to support regulation and praxis, they were designed to help anyone, of any age, make sense of, express and communicate their self states, and find ways to feel more steady through the senses. From the very start, the intention was always to share, not to own. I’m so grateful to everyone who has embraced and passed them on, parents, teachers, therapists and organisations, especially SAISI and the Exposense community this week. Sensory Ladders were never meant to belong to one person. They are shaped by those who use them, together. Thank you to everyone who keeps the spirit of #InfectiousGenerosity alive. #SensoryLadders #AyresSensoryIntegration #SelfRegulation #Praxis #OccupationalTherapy #SensoryIntegration #SensoryProcessing #NeurodiversityAffirming #GlobalOT #FreeResources #RegulationThroughTheSenses #SensoryHealth #MentalHealth #CoProduction #OpenAccessTools #OTCommunity #SharedWithLove #PracticeThroughTheSenses #FromTheBodyUp #SAISI #Exposense #OTForLife #EmbodiedParticipation #GratitudeInPractice #InnovationInSharing #SelfAwareness #BodyMindConnection #EmotionalLiteracy #AccessibleTools #EveryoneABody

We’re Hiring! Are you an organised, creative, and people-focused individual who loves building community and making things run smoothly? ASI Wise is looking for a new Administrator with special responsibilities for Community Engagement and Membership to join our dynamic team! You'll help us: ✅ Deliver person-centred support ✅ Develop creative resources and communications ✅ Coordinate events and social media ✅ Strengthen connections with our vibrant community Come work with a passionate team making a difference in sensory integration. 📩 Find out more and apply via: sensoryproject.org/join-the-asi-w… 💬 Questions? Get in touch — we’d love to hear from you! #Hiring #AdminJob #JoinOurTeam #ASIWise #AyresSensoryIntegration #CommunityEngagement #InclusiveWorkplace

Is Touch Too Tricky in Mental Health Services? Let’s Talk. For many working in mental health, “touch” can feel like a no-go area—loaded with risk, boundaries, and safeguarding concerns. But what if that’s not the whole story? What if consensual, therapeutic, and trauma-informed touch has a role to play in recovery and wellbeing? At ASI Wise & The Sensory Project, we invite you to explore this question in our new workshop: “The Power of Touch in Mental Health Services – Exploring Its Role in Recovery and Wellbeing” View Workshop This isn’t about abandoning caution. It’s about expanding the conversation. Because sensory integration theory—and growing neuroscience evidence—reminds us that we are sensory beings. And safe, supported touch can activate core regulatory systems, support embodied safety, and begin to rewire patterns of disconnection. In this workshop, we: • Examine the evidence behind touch as a regulatory tool • Explore real-world examples from sensory integration-informed practice • Discuss ethics, boundaries, and how to navigate uncertainty • Offer creative, practical strategies for sensory-rich, relationship-based care—even when touch is indirect Whether you’re hands-off or hands-on, this is for all of us thinking about how to support people who are overwhelmed, disconnected, or dysregulated. Let’s move the conversation forward. #ThePowerOfTouch #MentalHealthOT #TraumaInformedCare #AyresSensoryIntegration #ASIWise #SensoryIntegration #OccupationalTherapy #TouchInTherapy #CoRegulation #EmbodiedSafety sensoryproject.org/product/worksh…

If you’re curious, learning, or just want to feel more grounded in your practice, we invite you to read and reflect with us. Read the post here: sensoryproject.org/2025/05/22/cla… #TheSensoryProject #SensoryLadders #SPD #ayressensoryintegration #occupationaltherapy #LearningTogether #SensoryInformedCare #NoOneLeftBehind #ThinkingHappensInTheBody