Individuals with challenges in sensory processing struggle to make sense of their world and integrate their senses. This can interrupt the sequence of motor and cognitive development and make every day activities challenging for children and their families. Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI), developed by Dr. A. Jean Ayres in 1950’s, is a therapeutic approach that helps individuals, especially children, process, and respond to sensory information in a more effective, organized way. ASI is rooted in neuroscience and has become a pillar of evidence-based practice, a heavily data driven intervention tool that is well accepted as a primary intervention tool for the neurodiverse community.

To explain ASI- Imagine the brain as a busy traffic controller, receiving signals from all senses—sight, sound, touch, taste, smell, movement, gravity, and the internal organs. Sometimes, these signals can become mixed up or overwhelming, like a traffic jam. Other times the volume of one sense is too loud and overshadow other senses. These inputs are typically developed overtime at critical times in development, and sequentially contribute to motor skill development, emotional regulation, language, concepts such as spatial awareness, and language development. ASI clears up that traffic jam, ensuring the brain processes sensory information smoothly and efficiently allowing for ongoing learning and skill development.

Through activities like swinging, playing with different textures, integrating retained reflexes, sequencing an obstacle course, or balancing exercises, ASI aims to improve how the brain takes in and integrates that sensory input and leading to better behavior, learning, and social interactions. It's like giving the brain a workout to help it function better in everyday life. By supporting the foundational central nervous system development, you provide your child a strong foundation for future skill development in all areas of their life.

ASI requires an advanced sensory motor gym, objective evidence-based assessments, and professional with advanced training, mentorship, and ongoing education. At OT Works, we are dedicated to providing the most current treatment, providing fidelity, and best outcomes. OT Works is dedicated to training all staff in the highest standard of ASI, through the Collaborative Leadership for Ayers Sensory Integration (CLASI). Check out the amazing parent resources provided by CLASI by clicking on the links below.

The DIR (Developmental, Individual-differences, & Relationship-based) model, pronounced as D.I.R., was developed by Dr. Stanley Greenspan. This model provides a framework for understanding human development, emphasizing the importance of social-emotional growth from birth through the lifespan. It also highlights how each person perceives and interacts with the world in unique ways.

Central to the DIR model is the role of relationships and emotional connections in promoting development. By understanding the developmental (D) and individual differences (I) components, we can use relationships (R) to support healthy growth and help everyone reach their full potential. Although rooted in the science of human development, the DIR model offers a straightforward approach to fostering development through respectful interactions that build connections, understanding, love, communication, and engagement.

The DIR model aims to establish robust foundations for social, emotional, and intellectual capacities, rather than concentrating solely on skills and isolated behaviors.

D (Developmental): Examines an individual's current developmental stage and future trajectory, respecting and guiding each person's unique journey.

I (Individual Differences): Considers how each person processes, regulates, responds to, and understands the surrounding environment in their own way.

R (Relationships): Emphasizes the significance of relationships in driving our development. As social beings, humans rely on relationships to grow.

DIR leverages the emotional aspects of relationships to promote development. This understanding is particularly beneficial for supporting the development of children on the autism spectrum or those with other developmental or emotional challenges.

Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) is a naturalistic, play-based intervention designed to improve social communication and functional skills in neurodiverse children and adolescents. Developed by Dr. Robert Koegel and Dr. Lynn Kern Koegel, PRT focuses on pivotal areas such as motivation, response to multiple cues, self-management, and initiating social interactions. By targeting these key areas, PRT aims to enhance overall social and communication skills.

Although PRT is an evidence-based practice derived from behavioral psychology, it differs from Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA). PRT is child-led, emphasizing individuality and intrinsic motivation. It prioritizes client autonomy and natural “reinforcement”  through responsive engagement from parents or therapists. PRT fosters meaningful engagement and provides a structured and approachable way to help create, and expanding functional communication.

At OT Works, we believe PRT is an excellent early intervention model for families, providing a strong foundation for understanding what motivates learners. We feel strongly that the power of PRT lies within how it supports caregivers understanding how their behavior influences the learner. The model is structured and provides a great deal of parent education on helpful principles in learning; However, we recognize that PRT alone has its limitations. For a comprehensive intervention, we incorporate neurodevelopmental and sensory integrative approaches to address broader developmental needs, such as motor development, reflex integration, central nervous system regulation, sensory processing and emotional regulation. This multifaceted approach ensures meaningful and lasting progress by supporting all aspects of a child's development and well-being.

We have found that PRT can be a great way to introduce play to parents that feel overwhelmed by the DIR Floortime model, or a starting point for child led intervention for families that have not felt successful in more structured ABA therapies. It offers a framework and discrete teaching for families, yet is pivotal in forming a child’s individuality, motivation, and interest. We often will utilize preferences and communication achieved through PRT as the foundation for a more robust play based approach found in DIR Floortime. This can be a great stepwise approach for early intervention and caregiver skill building.

The Sequential-Oral-Sensory (SOS) Approach to Feeding is a transdisciplinary program designed to assess and treat children with feeding difficulties. Developed by Dr. Kay Toomey, the SOS Approach focuses on the sequential, oral, and sensory experiences involved in eating.

Here's a brief overview:

Sequential: The program follows a step-by-step process to help children become comfortable with food, starting from tolerating the presence of food in the room to eventually eating it.

Oral: It addresses oral motor skills necessary for chewing and swallowing.

Sensory: It considers the sensory aspects of food, such as texture, smell, and taste, helping children overcome aversions.

The SOS Approach uses play with a purpose to make food interactions fun and non-stressful. It involves a team of professionals to create a comprehensive treatment plan and support parent training and intervention.

It’s important to note that we know feeding challenges can cause significant stress on the family. We are here to support you every step of the way and to help lessen the stress of daily mealtimes. Additionally, OT Works will be offering periodic group interventions to introduce sensory feeding concepts. These groups are focused on community building, creating healthy habits, and supporting families with knowledge and practical interventions that can be implemented at home.

Occupational Therapist, Speech Therapist, and Physical Therapist use many therapeutic tools when providing services to their clients.

When these disciplines utilize equine movement as a therapeutic tool to support functional outcomes it is Hippotherapy. The term comes from the Greek words "hippos" (horse) and "therapy" (treatment).

During hippotherapy sessions, a trained and AHCB Certified Therapist uses the horse's rhythmic and repetitive movements to stimulate the patient's sensory, neuromotor, and cognitive systems. This can help improve balance, coordination, posture, and overall motor skills.

Hippotherapy is particularly beneficial for individuals with conditions such as cerebral palsy, autism, and multiple sclerosis. It can also enhance cognitive processing and emotional well-being.

OT Works is currently accepted clients for waitlist for equine assisted therapies and is excited to expand our capacity as we grow.

Occupational therapists (OTs) play a vital role in sensory integration therapy for adolescents and young adults, particularly those with a late neurodivergent diagnosis. Our focus areas include:

Sensory Processing Challenges: Helping individuals understand their unique neurotype and redesign their lives for authenticity and sustainability.

Visual Vestibular Dysfunction: Addressing balance and visual system issues to improve coordination, visual tracking, and overall balance.

Nervous System Regulation: Using sensory strategies like deep pressure therapy and rhythmic movements to achieve calm and focus.

Environmental Redesign & Energy Conservation: Modifying environments to reduce sensory overload and enhance comfort.

Executive Functioning Tools: Providing strategies for planning, organization, time management, and problem-solving.

Unmasking: Assisting individuals in uncovering and addressing hidden sensory needs for improved self-regulation.

Strengthening, Muscular Balance, and Flexibility: Incorporating exercises to improve muscle strength, balance, and flexibility.

Remediating Maladaptive Body Postures: Correcting postures through training and ergonomic adjustments.

Identifying Comorbid Health Conditions: Offering targeted interventions and referrals for comprehensive support.

Through these interventions, OTs help individuals achieve greater sensory integration, functional independence, and overall well-being