Improving social participation outcomes using Ayres’ Sensory Integration®: A case report

According to the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Process, fourth edition (OTPF-4) (American Occupational Therapy Association [AOTA], 2020), social participation is a meaningful occupation within the purview of occupational therapy. It’s defined as effective use of verbal and nonverbal skills, including effective initiation and adapting within social interactions (AOTA, 2020). Differences processing and integrating sensation can contribute to challenges with social participation, including engaging in play and leisure activities (Bar-Shalita et al., 2008; Chien et al., 2016). Recent evidence supports the use of occupational therapy using Ayres Sensory Integration® (OT-ASI) to support outcomes in areas of social participation in children identified with sensory integrative deficits (Schaaf et al., 2018; Omairi et al., 2022; Whiting et al., 2023). This case report uses a data-driven decision-making model (Schaaf & Mailloux, 2015) to highlight how OT-ASI supported improved social participation outcomes with one child identified with social anxiety and sensory integration challenges.