+ What is Ayres Sensory Integration® ?

Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI) is a well-established and growing area of therapeutic practice with applications in various settings including the home, school, and community. Developed by A. Jean Ayres, PhD, OTR, FAOTA, an occupational therapist, psychologist, and neuroscientist, this framework was originally shown to be effective with children with learning and behavior difficulties and has since emerged as an evidence-based practice for use with children with autism. Applications have been broadly applied with individuals with a variety of disabilities and age- groups. ASI is trademarked to help researchers, therapists, and parents identify the core principles which define ASI and to differentiate this evidence-based intervention from other approaches which may use some aspects of sensory-based activities, but do not meet the criteria for ASI.

+ What is the CLASI-CASI?

The Collaborative for Leadership in ASI (CLASI) provides a certificate program in Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI) reflecting the evolution of the body of knowledge that is now trademarked as Ayres Sensory Integration® to reflect the theoretical principles, assessment methods, and intervention strategies developed and pioneered by Dr. Ayres. The CLASI CASI is an evidence-based program following in Dr. Ayres’s legacy of scholarship and a commitment to research.

CLASI’s Certificate in Ayres Sensory Integration (CASI) is an advanced training program that was initiated in 2016 to continue the legacy of excellence in education, research, and practice in the body of knowledge which was originated by Dr. A. Jean Ayres and which has been continued by other researchers, practitioners, and educators. This education program is produced according to the guidelines of the International Coalition of Education in Ayres Sensory Integration® and aligned with the Ayres 2020 Vision, promoting excellence in scholarship, assessment, and education in ASI. More>>

+ What is included in the CLASI-CASI program?

The CLASI CASI program includes 6 Modules, 30 contact hours each. Four modules are offered via asynchronous virtual format, and two modules are offered either onsite or in synchronous virtual format created due to COVID-19 prevention measures. These modules include supplemental activities, assignments, and webinars, for a total of 180 hours. The modules are designed for therapists as a comprehensive and practical foundation of knowledge and skills in ASI theory, assessment, and intervention. The training builds competencies from research to practice, including administering and interpreting standardized, norm referenced tests . Following completion of the 6 modules and all assignments, participants receive the CLASI Certificate in Ayres Sensory Integration. A detailed description of the six Modules can be found at www.cl-asi.org/casi.

+ Who can enroll in the CLASI-CASI program?

M1 – open to all who wish to learn about ASI theory.

M2, M3, M4 – open to healthcare professionals with at least bachelor level equivalent college/university degrees in occupational therapy, speech pathology, physical therapy, psychology, or medicine. Module 2 is a prerequisite to Module 3.

M5 – Open to all who wish to learn more about evidence-based manualized ASI Intervention.

M6 – is open to occupational therapists (OT), physical therapists (PT), and speech and language pathologists (SLP). For those pursuing a CLASI CASI modules 1-5 are prerequisite to Module 6. Those with prior training in ASI are welcome to enroll and update their knowledge. If you have advanced training in ASI, please contact your course host to confirm your eligiblity.

Participants will receive a certificate of attendance to verify continuing education credit (approved by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) for each Module. However, the CLASI – CASI Certificate in Ayres Sensory Integration is restricted to occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech and language pathologists

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTA) are welcome to join modules 1, 5, and 6 with a letter of recommendation from a supervising occupational therapist.

+ What assessments are included in the CLASI CASI training?

Based on our work with Dr. Ayres, we believe that comprehensive assessment is a cornerstone to appropriate and effective intervention. The Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT) were the gold standard for assessing sensory integration functions for many years. The Evaluation in Ayres Sensory Integration ©(EASI), designed for children aged 3 to 12 years and with international normative data from more than 80 countries, is now available for comprehensive assessment of sensory integration, in an inclusive and cost-effective manner. Standardized questionnaires, such as the Sensory Processing Measure, also continue to be an important aspect of comprehensive assessment in ASI. Therefore, the CLASI CASI includes instruction and mentored practice in the EASI and the SPM.

+ Therapists sometimes refer to themselves as “SIPT Certified.” Will I be SIPT Certified or EASI Certified if I complete the CLASI CASI?

The CLASI CASI modules provide detailed training in the EASI and the SIPT, as well as in the SPM. Rather than providing a certification in any one set of tests, we strive to enhance an understanding of the core concepts of ASI, including the main areas that must be included in a comprehensive assessment.

Simply, CLASI's certificate encompasses the broad set of knowledge and skills that support therapy practice using Ayres Sensory Integration ®. The CLASI program emphasizes the importance of comprehensive assessment and provides training and mentored support so that therapists can feel competent to administer and score assessments in a valid, reliable and feasible manner and then inform their clinical reasoning to plan and implement effective intervention with fidelity to evidence-based principles.

To provide some historical background, the idea of "Certification" was the name for the certificate process originated by the Center for the Study of Sensory Integrative Dysfunction (CSSID), later known as Sensory Integration International (SII), 1976-2006. SIPT Certification was first offered after professionals received training in the Southern California Sensory Integration Tests (SCSIT), then later in SIPT.

From 1998-2016, the USC/WPS program offered the Certificate in Sensory Integration, which included training in administering and interpreting the SIPT. The certificate was in Sensory Integration and included the SIPT, but was explicitly not a certification series, rather a certificate program and not "SIPT Certification" since it focused on all aspects of the Sensory Integration frame of reference, theory, assessment and intervention.

Completion of the CLASI CASI program provides therapists the opportunity to obtain the Certificate in Ayres Sensory Integration ®, which in includes administering and interpreting the tests which assess the core constructs of ASI and evidence based ASI intervention with fidelity to the structure and process elements as defined in the literature.

+ What are the requirements for completing the CLASI CASI?

A complete list of the courses and assignments required for receiving the CLASI CASI are available at: https://www.cl-asi.org/requirements

+ How long do I have to complete the CLASI-CASI Program?

Typically, once registered, online course content can be accessed for at least one year. This may be extended due to the pandemic for participants who are in the program during this time period. It is our hope that these materials will be reviewed to support ongoing learning throughout the process. We recommend that participants complete the whole program, Including the onsite modules and assignments, within one year. Since life sometimes gets in the way of plans, the maximum amount of time allowed for completion of the program is five years.

+ Can I take the modules out of order?

We recommend taking the modules in order, but we realize there may be exceptions.

M1 (Ayres Sensory Integration Theory) – These asynchronous virtual lessons in ASI theory can be completed over time, and review of this information throughout the program is recommended. While it will be helpful to complete M1 prior to M2 & M3, it is not essential. However, it will be very difficult to fully synthesize the information in lessons M4 - M6 if M1 has not been completed.

M2 (Comprehensive Assessment in ASI) – The asynchronous virtual lessons in ASI assessment must be completed prior to M3 since this module provides essential information for administering and scoring a variety of assessment tools which will be only briefly reviewed and then practiced in M3.

M3 (Hands-on Comprehensive Assessment in ASI) – This onsite or synchronous virtual ASI hands-on course assessment information must be completed prior to M4. The tests which are learned and practiced will be used to evaluate children with valid and reliable results prior to interpreting those data.

M4 (Clinical Reasoning in ASI) – this asynchronous virtual module provides analysis of the evidence supporting asi clinical reasoning. M4 is needed prior to M6 because Participants will need to complete assignments that rely on the content in M4, in order to participate in M6.

M5 (Evidence-Based ASI Intervention Including Fidelity to Intervention) – These asynchronous virtual lessons for M5 provide an introduction to the evidence and principles of ASI intervention including the ASI fidelity measure. M5 provides the tools to evaluate whether there is sufficient adherence to ASI principles during a therapy session to be considered evidence-based ASI intervention.Like M4, M5 involves assignments that are required prior to participating in M6.

M6 (Evidence-Based ASI Intervention Hands-on Practice and Review) – This onsite or synchronous virtual module in ASI hands-on intervention is best completed once you have a firm foundation in theory, assessment, and principles of intervention.

+ If I’ve started my Sensory Integration Certification process with another organization, can I switch to CLASI?

Applying hours of training completed from another organization toward the CLASI CASI will be decided on a case-by-case basis. Consideration of the completed training in regard to the ICEASI standards and the length of time since the training was completed will determine whether or not it is possible to apply credit from another program.

Professionals who have completed other certification programs or have participated in advanced training in ASI in the past, may find enrollment in any of the CLASI modules beneficial as “refresher courses."

+ Are continuing education/professional development units provided through this program training?

Each module will provide 30 hours of training, including the assignments, for a total of 180 hours for the program. CLASI is an approved provider of continuing education units (CEU) by the American Occupational Therapy Association.

+ How can I compare the CLASI CASI to other certificate or training programs in sensory integration?

While we cannot evaluate or represent other programs, we are happy to describe ours. The CLASI program was developed by Zoe Mailloux, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA and Susanne Smith Roley, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA both of whom were students of Dr. A. Jean Ayres. They are committed to following her tradition of excellence and research in practice. Course materials are derived from Ayres’ original publications and subsequent research in basic and applied science related to sensation and the impact on human function. In addition, CLASI instructors are lecturers with in-depth knowledge in the areas of ASI, representing first- and second-generation students of Dr. Ayres. The instructors have national and international experience in presentations of information on ASI and expertise in ASI research, education, and practice.

CLASI is also a founding member of the International Council for Education (ICEASI) in Ayres Sensory Integration®, an organization which aims to provide global standards for education and training in ASI.

+ What is ICEASI?

The ICEASI is a non-profit organization with the purpose of promoting the exchange of knowledge among member organizations, support research and provide global standards for education in ASI. ICEASI has developed a set of principles to guide the education of professionals to ensure that those who have completed training to the ICEASI standards will have the competencies required to ensure best practice with Ayres Sensory Integration®. ICEASI is developing “levels of competencies” to assist professionals to track their own professional development and to assist consumers and those who need to make referrals to locate appropriate resources.

+ What materials will I need for the assessment part of the program (Modules 2 & 3)?

To receive the final certificate, learners must document the completion of a comprehensive assessment of sensory integration applying the EASI with at least two typically developing children and analyze an assessment on at least one child who has been identified as having concerns. A checklist of items needed for learning, practicing, administering, and scoring the EASI are provided in the resources section of CLASI's assessment Modules (Modules 2 & 3). The estimated total cost for the EASI items is $200-$300.

Participants in the CLASI CASI who have access to SIPT materials and who wish to test children on the SIPT as part of the case requirements may do so. Therapists will be guided through the interpretation process with the tests they apply and through cases provided in the modules.

+ What is the EASI?

The Evaluation in Ayres Sensory Integration© (EASI) is a set of tests which measure the core constructs of Ayres Sensory Integration (i.e., sensory perception; ocular, postural, & bilateral integration; praxis; and sensory reactivity.) The tests are “open access” meaning that appropriately trained professionals will be able to obtain the files needed for printing the test sheets, test forms, and test manual and they can obtain the other materials needed for administering and scoring the tests, without copyright restrictions. The EASI is designed to assess children ages 3-12 years of age, with comparison to an international normative data sample.

+ How much does the EASI cost?

The EASI authors, Zoe Mailloux, Susanne Smith Roley, and Diane Parham, developed the EASI with the help of countless international volunteers. Since the EASI was developed to increase accessibility and equity in the availability of comprehensive assessments for children worldwide, the tests are offered in a non-profit model. Professionals who are trained on the EASI will be able to gather their own test materials from regular stores and online sources. It is estimated that the cost of EASI test materials and storage containers will be approximately $200-$300 USD, which includes the current cost of the 3D printed shapes, available from numerous verified 3D printers around the world. While the first year of scoring is free, to sustain the scoring platform, there will be a an annual fee or $50 USD for unlimited access to EASI scoring.

+ Which professions can be trained in and use the EASI?

Dr. Ayres’ training as an occupational therapist had great influence on the way she developed sensory integration theory, therefore, this approach is primarily an occupational therapy intervention. However, Dr. Ayres also recognized that physical therapy and speech-language therapy graduate level educational programs also prepared those therapists for applying the ASI approach appropriately. In addition, Dr. Ayres was a licensed psychologist who relied on her training in that domain to recognize the power of psychometrically sound assessments and research studies. With Dr. Ayres’ perspective in mind, CLASI Modules 2 & 3 are open to healthcare professionals with at least bachelor level equivalent college/university degrees in occupational therapy, speech pathology, physical therapy, psychology, or medicine.

+ Who can use and access scoring for the EASI?

Access to the EASI Scoring Program will require completion of CLASI Modules 2 & 3. EASI normative data collectors who have submitted at least 5 data sets will receive a certificate of equivalency for CLASI Modules 2 & 3, once data entries are verified. These individuals will also have met the requirements for using the EASI scoring program. Initial access to the ESP is provided with completion of CLASI Modules 2 & 3 (or with a certificate of equivalency for the international normative data collectors who meet the requirements). Subsequent access will likely be on an annual subscription basis, with a nominal annual fee.

+ How long will it take to administer and score the EASI?

The current version of the EASI does not yet include basal or ceiling levels by age, nor discontinuation criteria (all of which will be included when the final norms are collected and analyzed). The current time needed to administer the full set of 20 tests is estimated at 2.5 to 3 hours, typically split over two sessions. Once the tests are finalized, we expect that proficient testers will be able to administer and score the tests in 1 to 1.5 hour.

+ Does the EASI replace the SIPT?

Dr. Ayres was committed to careful assessment throughout her career and the trajectory of ASI has a long and rich history of evolution in the development of evaluation tools. We view the EASI as part of that evolution and expect that additional assessment tools will be developed in the future. The SIPT was the last set of a long series of tests that Dr. Ayres developed. They set the standard for performance testing in sensory integration, and they will continue to be useful tools. The EASI will assess all the functions measured by the SIPT, plus additional sensory integrative functions not included in the SIPT. The EASI covers a broader age range (3-12 years versus 4-8 years), has international norms and is made available outside of a “for-profit” model”, with the goal of facilitating access to comprehensive assessment for all children. Professionals will decide which tools best fit the needs of their clinical practices.

+ I was trained on the SIPT. Will I need additional training to use the EASI?

Although it is common for professionals to refer to themselves as being “SIPT certified” or SIPT trained,” most ASI related training programs in this century (i.e., since 2000) have emphasized the full ASI framework from theory through intervention. This is true for programs which meet international standards. Professionals who completed ASI certification programs which included the SIPT can continue to use the knowledge and skills they achieved in that training. Use of the EASI will require additional training. Completion of CLASI Modules 2 & 3 is required for accessing the ESP.

+ I am participating in EASI normative data collection. Will I need additional training to receive a certificate in ASI?

EASI normative data collectors who have submitted at least 5 data sets will receive a certificate of equivalency for CLASI Modules 2 & 3, once data entries are verified. These individuals will also have met the requirements for using the ESP. The CLASI Certificate in ASI includes 6 modules, so the other 4 modules must be completed to receive the full Certificate in ASI. CLASI partners with many international organizations which also offer Certificates in ASI. Specific requirements for each program should be verified with the program organizers.