Evidence and research

Ayres, A.J. (1972). Sensory Integration and Learning Disorders. Western Psychological Services.

The foundational text that introduced sensory integration theory and its relationship to learning and behaviour.

Bundy, A.C. & Lane, S.J. (2020). Sensory Integration: Theory and Practice (3rd ed.). F.A. Davis.

The current standard textbook on sensory integration for students and practitioners.

Miller, L.J., Anzalone, M.E., Lane, S.J., Cermak, S.A., & Osten, E.T. (2007). "Concept Evolution in Sensory Integration." American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 61(2), 135-140.

Traces the development of sensory integration concepts from Ayres to modern understanding.

Dunn, W. (2014). Sensory Profile 2 Manual. Pearson.

Framework for understanding individual sensory processing patterns. Reference only; no content reproduced.

Ben-Sasson, A., Carter, A.S., & Briggs-Gowan, M.J. (2009). "Sensory Over-Responsivity in Elementary School: Prevalence and Social-Emotional Correlates." Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 37(5), 705-716.

Found approximately 1 in 6 children had sensory processing issues affecting learning and school function.

Bar-Shalita, T., Vatine, J.J., & Parush, S. (2008). "Sensory Modulation Disorder: A Risk Factor for Participation in Daily Life Activities." Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, 50(12), 932-937.

Demonstrated that sensory modulation difficulties are a risk factor for reduced participation in daily activities.

Brown, C., Tollefson, N., Dunn, W., Cromwell, R., & Filion, D. (2019). "The Adult Sensory Profile: Measuring Patterns of Sensory Processing." Brain Sciences, 9(2), 35.

Validation study for adult sensory processing patterns using self-report measures.

Evaluating the Long-Term Effectiveness of an Intensive OT Sensory Integration (OT-SI) Program for Children With Challenges in Sensory Processing and Integration. AJOT, 2022.

Examined long-term outcomes of intensive OT-SI programmes for children with sensory processing challenges.

Systematic Review of Sensory Processing in Preterm Children Reveals Abnormal Sensory Modulation, Somatosensory Processing and Sensory-Based Motor Processing. (2019).

Systematic review showing preterm children have higher rates of atypical sensory processing.

Occupational Therapy Using an Ayres Sensory Integration® Approach for School-Age Children — A Randomized Controlled Trial. (2022).

RCT showing positive outcomes from ASI-based occupational therapy in school-age children.

Sensory Processing Assessment and Feedback in the Treatment of Complex Developmental Trauma. (2023).

Explored sensory processing assessment as part of trauma-informed therapy for children.

Schaaf, R.C. et al. (2014). "An Intervention for Sensory Difficulties in Children with Autism: A Randomized Trial." Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 44(7), 1493-1506.

Landmark RCT showing OT using sensory integration principles improved goal attainment and reduced caregiver assistance in autistic children.

Green, D., Chandler, S., Charman, T., Simonoff, E., & Baird, G. (2016). "Brief Report: DSM-5 Sensory Behaviours in Children With and Without an Autism Spectrum Disorder." Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 46(11), 3597-3606.

Found 65-90% of autistic children show differences in sensory behaviours, with 32% of non-autistic children with special educational needs also showing differences.

Pastor-Cerezuela, G., Fernández-Andrés, M.I., Sanz-Cervera, P., & Marín-Suelves, D. (2020). "The Impact of Sensory Processing on Executive and Cognitive Functions in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the School Context." Research in Developmental Disabilities, 96, 103540.

Found sensory processing difficulties in autistic children were associated with inhibitory control, auditory sustained attention, and short-term verbal memory.

NCAEP (National Clearinghouse on Autism Evidence and Practice). Evidence-Based Practices for Children, Youth, and Young Adults with Autism. Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute.

Recognised Ayres Sensory Integration as an evidence-based practice for autistic individuals.

Occupational Therapy Using Ayres Sensory Integration®: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Brazil. AJOT, 2022.

RCT from Brazil showing positive outcomes from ASI therapy for autistic children.

Sensory Processing Difficulties in Psychiatric Disorders: A Meta-Analysis. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 2022.

Meta-analysis finding sensory processing difficulties are common across psychiatric conditions.

Effectiveness of Sensory Modulation for People With Schizophrenia: A Multisite Quantitative Prospective Cohort Study. (2022).

Multi-site study showing sensory modulation approaches can be effective for people with schizophrenia.

Extreme Sensory Processing Patterns Show a Complex Association With Depression, and Impulsivity, Alexithymia, and Hopelessness. Journal of Affective Disorders, 2017.

Found complex links between extreme sensory processing patterns and depression, impulsivity, and alexithymia.

Are Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia Related to Sensory Processing? Applied Neuropsychology: Adult, 2023.

Explored the relationship between behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia and sensory processing differences.

Sensory Approaches for Adults With Severe or Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities: A Systematic Literature Review. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2023.

Systematic review of sensory-based approaches for adults with severe learning disabilities.

Chistol, L.T. et al. (2018). "Sensory Sensitivity and Food Selectivity in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder." Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 48, 583-591.

Found oral and tactile sensitivity significantly predicted food selectivity in autistic children.

Zobel-Lachiusa, J. et al. (2015). "Sensory Differences and Mealtime Behavior in Children With Autism." American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 69(5).

Demonstrated that sensory differences in oral processing affect mealtime behaviour and food acceptance in autistic children.

Naish, K.R. & Harris, G. (2012). "Food Intake Is Influenced by Sensory Sensitivity." PLoS ONE, 7(8), e43622.

Showed a direct link between general sensory sensitivity and food intake patterns.