Evidence-based practice in conducting comprehensive assessments in Ayres Sensory Integration®: A case study highlighting the Evaluation in Ayres Sensory Integration (EASI)

Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI) is recognized as a manualized, evidence-based intervention for autistic children (Hume et al., 2021; Schoen et al., 2018). To meet fidelity to this manualized approach, occupational therapists (OTs) must have postgraduate training in theory, assessment, and intervention, informing their clinical reasoning regarding the impact of sensory integration on engagement, participation, and success in daily occupations. ASI is a strengths-based approach, informed by comprehensive assessment, and individually tailored for the child’s unique needs (Schaaf & Mailloux, 2015). Comprehensive assessment, including interviews, questionnaires, observations, and performance-based measures, are integral to this approach, providing the foundation for intervention and measuring outcomes (Schaaf & Mailloux, 2015).