Sensory Integration Therapy for DCD

1. Quick Overview: Sensory Integration Therapy for DCD

What is Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI)?

Ayres Sensory Integration is a child-centred, play-based therapy that re-trains the brain to process touch, movement, body position, sight and sound more efficiently. Developed by Dr. A. Jean Ayres, ASI uses suspended equipment, tactile bins and obstacle courses to give the nervous system the exact “diet” of sensory input it needs.

How ASI Helps Children with DCD

- Improves body awareness – fewer bumps and bruises
- Sharpens motor planning – smoother dressing, handwriting, sports
- Regulates emotions – calmer transitions, less meltdowns
- Boosts attention – longer focus at school and home

Evidence of Effectiveness

Systematic reviews (2022, American Journal of OT) show that children receiving ASI score significantly better on:
- Movement ABC-2 (motor skills)
- Sensory Profile 2 (sensory processing)
- Goal Attainment Scaling (parent-set goals)

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2. Signs Your Child May Benefit from ASI for DCD

Sensory Processing Red Flags

Parents often notice:
- Over-sensitive to clothing seams, food textures, loud sounds
- Seeks crashing, spinning or constant movement
- Appears floppy or “too rough” during play
- Trouble knowing where limbs are without looking

Impact on Daily Participation

- Morning routine: 30-minute meltdown over socks
- School: avoids PE, messy art, lunch hall noise
- Playground: last picked for teams, prefers solitary play

Screening & Assessment Indicators

Cadabams CDC offers a free 20-minute phone screen. We recommend a full Sensory Profile Assessment if your child shows three or more red flags above.

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3. Our 4-Step Sensory Integration Therapy Process

Step 1: Sensory Profile Assessment

Standardised tools (Sensory Profile 2, SIPT) reveal:
- Which sensory systems are under- or over-reactive
- How sensory issues link to motor challenges

Step 2: Custom Goal Setting

Parents, child and therapist co-create 3–5 SMART goals, e.g.:
- “Tie shoelaces in under two minutes.”
- “Ride a bicycle around the park without stopping.”

Step 3: Structured Play-Based Therapy

Weekly 45-minute sessions in our sensory gym include:
- Suspended swings for vestibular input
- Crash pads for proprioceptive feedback
- Tactile bins with rice, beans or slime

Step 4: Home & School Carry-Over

We provide:
- 10-minute daily “sensory diet” handouts
- Teacher tip sheets for classroom seating, fidgets and movement breaks
- Monthly parent coaching calls to tweak strategies

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4. What a Typical ASI Session Looks Like

Therapy Environment & Equipment

Colour-coded zones guide kids through:
- Alerting: therapy balls, trampolines
- Organising: balance beams, scooter boards
- Calming: weighted blankets, dim-lit teepee

Key Activities (Swing, Obstacle Course, Tactile Bins)

Example circuit:
1. Swing: prone superman swing to build core stability
2. Obstacle course: crawl under net, jump over hurdles, balance on beam
3. Tactile bin: find hidden dinosaurs in kinetic sand to desensitise touch

Parent Observation & Feedback Loop

Parents watch via one-way mirror or Zoom. Therapists explain:
- What each activity targets
- How to spot progress (e.g., longer swing time = better vestibular tolerance)

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5. Expected Outcomes & Timeline

Short-Term Gains (4–8 weeks)

- Less resistance to grooming or dressing
- Improved sitting posture for homework
- Fewer sensory-seeking crashes into furniture

Long-Term Improvements (3–6 months)

- Handwriting legibility jumps 1–2 grade levels
- Independent bike riding or swimming strokes
- Joins birthday parties without ear defenders

Success Metrics We Track

- Movement ABC-2 every 12 weeks
- Goal Attainment Scaling each session
- Parent Stress Index to monitor family wellbeing