r/ABA • u/Fickle_Wishbone7818 • Nov 08 '23

Journal Article Discussion Sensory integration

Hey all, a fellow BCBA just informed me that our field is “recognizing sensory as an effective intervention.” I remain up to date on most research but was unaware of this shift in our field. Can anyone confirm or deny? If confirming, please could you share specific articles, podcasts, or CEUs on the subject. Thanks!

1 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

2 comments sorted by

4

u/Visible_Barnacle7899 Nov 08 '23

The newest report from the NPDC-ASD had the Ayres SI Protocol as an EBP, not just any “sensory” intervention a very specific protocol, but it’s outside of our scope of practice to be really honest. The other available information on “sensory” stuff demonstrates there is no therapeutic effect and a lack of methodological consistency. So IF an effect is observed, there isn’t a consistent protocol to determine why.

I would also caution that we are supposed to implement behavior analytic practices and the Ayres protocol as far as I know may have some data collection practices that may not be in line with our field (e.g., questionnaire gleaned data vs. more objective measurement). There is an additional issue of the conceptual system that relates to scope of practice. In essence, it he Ayres SI protocol may be an EBP, but that doesn’t mean we can or should implement it.

2

u/lem830 BCBA Nov 09 '23

This. I work with an OT who isn’t trained in the protocol and even she won’t implement it. We have no business implementing it.