Creative Occupational Therapy Solutions Ltd.

Why We Recommend Using ‘Sensory Integration and Processing’, and Framing Reports Around Strengths and Difficulties Impacting Participation At ASI Wise and The Sensory Project, we recommend using the term ‘sensory integration and processing’ because it more accurately reflects the full scope of sensory experiences — not just how sensory input is received, but how it is understood, organised, and used to support participation in everyday life. This terminology honours the original theory of Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI®) while staying up-to-date with current research across neuroscience, occupational therapy, and education. Rather than focusing only on deficits or ‘problems,’ we structure our reports to highlight both strengths and difficulties, particularly how they influence a person’s ability to participate meaningfully in daily activities. Participation is at the heart of occupational therapy and is a key measure of well-being and development. By framing reports this way, we: •Emphasise what a person can do, building confidence and supporting self-efficacy. •Clearly identify needs without labelling or limiting the individual. •Maintain a neuroaffirming, person-centred approach. •Focus intervention planning on supporting adaptive responses, skill development, and increased independence. •Enable collaborative, goal-oriented support between individuals, families, educators, and therapists. This approach also better aligns with contemporary frameworks like the ICF (International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health), promoting a holistic view of health and participation rather than focusing purely on medicalised diagnoses. sensoryproject.org/2025/02/0…