Version 2023

 

Coursework

Participants complete the three modules Theory, Evaluation, and Intervention in the given sequence ideally within 1.5 years. The study time can be extended up to 3 years. Individual extensions will be given in case of serious reasons (e.g., severe long illness, childbirth). 

 

Completion of the courses (online lessons and onsite presence) plus additional requirements (e.g. presentation, checks, testing) must be completed to receive a certificate of completion for each course.

 

Following the coursework, there is a one day in person or online Hospitation: shadowing of a therapist and analysing the sessions.

 

ASI® Case Supervision

5 Supervision sessions are required for the GSIÖ certificate. Our cooperation partner SI-SeminarInstitut offers  monthly online supervision sessions. Alternatively, the local course organizer can offer a 1-2 day supervision workshop taught by an ASI®docent/GSIÖ. Presentation of the case study following the CLASI template is required during supervision.

 

Calibration

After completion of all requirements (coursework, Hospitation, Supervision), the therapist is eligible to undergo the calibration process. Calibration requires registration together with background information about the child and submission of a 10 minute video clip of a therapy session using the ASI® approach. The video clip will be  forwarded to an independent international ASI®FM rater who will rate the session's fidelity to the principles of ASI®. If the session meets the criteria for ASI®, the therapist receives the certificate as "ASI®Practitioner" (Level 2) issued by GSIÖ e.V.

 

Time-Limited Validity of The ASI Practitioner Certificate

GSIÖ's ASI® Practitioner Certificate is valid for 5 years. Renewal of the certificate after 5 years requires registration and submitting proof of 24 hours of SI specific continuing education (usually two 2-day seminars, courses, or a conference).

 

The first renewal period is an exemption: during the first renewal period, the new ASI®Practitioner has to participate in the workshop "The Art of Therapy: Play & Relationship" and complete one other 2 day SI-specific seminar.

 

 

Local onsite course or online webinar

 

Duration (online): 2.5 days; with translation 3 days

Requirements: none, open for all interested persons

Number of participants: 24 per instructor

Instructor: ASI Lecturer/GSIÖ

 

This course provides an introduction into Ayres’ theory and intervention without simplification and establishes the link between OT and ASI. Participants can experience how their senses work and how it feels to play with SI equipment.

 

Learning Objectives:

After completion of course SI101 participants shall

• understand how the senses influence behavior, emotions, and learning.
• know the roots of SI theory.
• recognize a child with a potential SI dysfunction and know where to recommend him/her for a professional SI evaluation.
• understand the extensive consequences of SI disorders on children and their families.
• appreciate the close link between OT and SI.

 

Course Content:

1.     Concepts of Ayres’ Sensory Integration theory related to normal development

2.     Overview of neurophysiological basis of sensory integration

3.     SI dysfunctions and associated problems in daily life

4.     Recognizing SI dysfunctions

5.     Insights into OT-ASI®

6.     Applying SI principles in daily life and diverse fields of practice

 

Methods of Instruction: Lecture, videos, "Sensory Quiz", practicum (SI therapy room and equipment), book table

 

Required Readings:

Ayres, A.J. (1979/2005). Sensory Integration and the Child (25th Anniversary Edition), WPS. 

 

 

Methods of Evaluation:

1.     Participation (certificate of attendance) 

 

 

SI102A CLASI M1 online (6 weeks, 30 hrs)

 

SI102B "Review of Ayres' Theory" onsite, 3 days (18 hrs)

 

Requirements: Course SI101

Maximum Number of participants: 40

Instructor: ASI Docent/GSIÖ

 

This course provides detailed knowledge about theory development, neurophysiology of the body senses, and sensory integrative disorders. It evaluates SI research and places SI theory within current neurophysiological, developmental, and intervention research.

 

Learning Objectives:

After completion of course SI102 participants shall

• know how Ayres developed SI theory with empirical means and appreciate the core role of the SIPT
• deepen their understanding of the neurophysiological basis of sensory integrative  processes
• understand the proposed mechanisms of sensory integrative function and dysfunction
• know sensory integrative disorders as proposed by Ayres and why they are still current
• build informed arguments for ASI® theory and intervention

Methods of Instruction: Lecture, video analyses (including Ayres’ original videos), group work, participants’  presentation on neuro, integration of new media (e.g., YouTube clips, 3D brain models)

 

Course Content:

1. Theory development, Ayres as a researcher, factor analytical studies
2. The SIPT as a core element of SI theory development
3. Relationship of SI and occupation in daily life
4. Sensory reactivity and disorders in sensory reactivity
5. Vestibular, proprioceptive, and tactile system – neurophysiological basis, function, dysfunction, disorders
6. Praxis and dyspraxia

Required Readings:

Ayres, A.J. (1979). Sensory Integration and the Child (25th Anniversary Edition Book) - was obligatory for SI101!

 

Smith Roley, S., Blanche, E.I., Schaaf, R. (2001). Understanding the Nature of Sensory Integration with Diverse Populations. WPS.

Bundy, A. & Lane, S. (2020). Sensory Integration: Theory & Practice.

 

 

Recommended Readings:

• Ayres, A.J. (1972). Sensory Integration and Learning Disorders. WPS (Book)

The following articles are provided by the course provider as resources:

• Mailloux, Z., & Miller-Kuhaneck, H. (2014). From the Desk of the Guest Editors—Evolution of a theory: How measurement has shaped Ayres Sensory Integration®. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 495–499.
• Su, C.-T., & Parham, L. D. (2014). Validity of sensory systems as distinct constructs. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68, 546–554.
• Parham, L.D. et al. (2011).  Development of a fidelity measure for research 
on effectiveness of Ayres Sensory Integration intervention.  American Journal of Occupational 
Therapy, 65, 2, 133-142
• Mailloux, Z., et al. (2011). Verification and clarification of patterns of sensory integrative dysfunction in a 
retrospective clinical sample.  American Journal of Occupational Therapy. 65.2. 143-151.

 

Methods of Evaluation:

1. Completion of online course plus requirements
2. Participation (certificate of attendance)
3. Neuro presentation
4. Written assignment “Letter to The Editor” (group assignment, 45min)

 

 CLASI M2 "Comprehensive Assessment in ASI" online (6-8 weeks, 30 hrs)

 

Requirement: SI102

Number of participants: unlimited

Instructor: CLASI instructor Dr. Zoe Mailloux

 

Learning Objectives:

After completion of course SI201 participants shall

• have built their own EASI test kit
• administer sensory questionnaires (WN-FBG or SPM)
• administer all 20 EASI tests  and understand what they are testing in terms of function and participation

Methods of Instruction: online lessons and instructional videos of test administration

Course Content:

1. The DDDM Process
2. Assessments for sensory reactivity 
3. Assessments for vestibular, proprioceptive, tactile, visual, and auditory perception
4. Assessments for praxis

SELF STUDY

Practice of test administration of all tests presented in the course that do not require test material

Participants are recommended to practice administration and scoring with the trainings videos and then with adults and typically developed children.

 

Methods of Evaluation:

1.     Completion of online course incl requirements

2.     Quiz

 

CLASI M3 "Comprehensive Assessment in ASI Hands-on Practice", onsite

Duration: 4 days (30 hours) plus one 2hr live online Q&A meeting with test author Dr Zoe Mailloux

Requirements: Course SI201

Number of participants: 30

Instructor:  CLASI instructor or EASI-Docent/GSIÖ

 

This course focuses on the relationship between functional problems (activity and participation levels) and underlying sensory integrative deficits and on data collection and clinical reasoning that is necessary for valid and reliable evaluations of sensory processing.

 

Learning Objectives:

After completion of course SI202 participants shall

• generate hypotheses about the relationship between functional problems at the activity and participation levels and potentially underlying sensory integration deficits.
• choose appropriate assessments for each sensory integrative function (i.e., vestibular, proprioceptive, tactile, visual, auditory reactivity and perception as well as praxis).
• adminster all 20 tests of the EASI
• choose appropriate clinical observations in cases where standardized testing is not feasible.

Methods of Instruction:

Lecture, hands-on practice of EASI tests in partner or small group setting with test materials

 

Course Content:

1. Assessments for direct and indirect data collection
2. Practice of all 20 EASI tests 

 

Following the course, participants have to complete the TASC (Test Administration & Scoring check)

 

Methods of Evaluation:

1. Participation (certificate of attendance)
2. TASC

CLASI M4 online (6 weeks, 30 hrs)

Requirement: Course SI202

Number of participants: unlimited

Instructor: CL-ASI instructor Dr. Zoe Mailloux

 

Learning Objectives:

After completion of course SI301 participants shall

• Describe the patterns of sensory integration function and dysfunction
• Analyze and interpret assessment results according to the patterns of SI function and dysfunction
• Relate the data obtained through the application of the instruments with the difficulties of occupational performance of the individual
• Identify client-centered goals and objectives from presenting concerns linked to the interpretation
• Create the intervention plan based on the evaluation performed
• Determine how the intervention will be conducted, as well as various contexts for children identified with sensory dysfunction

 

Methods of Instruction:

Lecture, video, problem-based learning, group work, discussion, case presentation

 

Course Content:

1. Identification of patterns of SI dysfunction through interpretation of questionnaires, observations, and test results
2. Strategies of interpretation
3. The data-driven intervention planning process
4. From functional problems to functional intervention goals

 

SELF STUDY

Practical exercises

 

Methods of Evaluation:

1.     Course Completion incl. additional requirements

 

 

SI302A CLASI M5 "Evidence-Based ASI Intervention incl. Fidelity" 

 

Duration:  4 weeks online (30 hours)

Requirements: Course SI301

Number of participants: max. 30

Instructor: CLASI Instructor

 

SI302B  HANDS-ON ASI®INTERVENTION COURSE

Duration:  6 days onsite (36 hours)

Requirements: Course SI302A

Number of participants: max. 24

Instructor: ASI Docent/GSIÖ

 

This course provides guidelines and practical experience of problem-specific application of ASI® techniques within the client-centered and playful context of ASI® intervention.

 

Learning Objectives:

After completion of course SI302 participants shall

• identify the sensory experience and the adaptive responses to work on in therapy
• ensure safety throughout the child in the therapy session
• create meaningful and playful interactions with the child and ensures success
• make sensible choices of equipment and purposeful activities in the therapy session
• use their therapeutic self: adapt to the sensory and personal needs of the child

 

Methods of Instruction: 

Live demonstration of intervention by an instructor with course kids; practicum (play experience), hands-on sessions (1 eval, 2 treatment) in small groups with a course kid under direct supervision of docent and assistant(s), lecture, video analyses of demos and hands-on sessions

 

Course Content:

1. Activity analyses with regard to sensory input and adaptive response in arousal regulation, attention, organization of behavior, postural control, ideation, motor planning, and social interaction in relation to the functional problems of the client
2. Data-driven intervention planning considering key concepts addressed in ASI® intervention: adaptive response, inner drive, self-organization, creating the environment
3. ASI®treatment principles according to Fidelity Measure (Parham 2007)
4. Identification, goals and direct intervention with different types of sensory processing and modulation dysfunctions at different ages
5. Effectiveness of SI intervention

 

  

Methods of Evaluation:

1. Course completion of online course plus requirements (passing the ASIFM check)
2. Presence and participation in onsite course  (90%)
3. Hospitation: Reflection and discussion of structured observations 

 

After completion of the course work, the participant is eligible to participate in ASI case supervision led by an ASI Docent/GSIÖ. During the supervision, participants have to present their case study.

 

Learning Objectives:

After the supervision period, participants shall  

• reflect their own therapeutical actions
• have improved clinical reasoning skills
• have clarity  about theory, concepts, and clinical questions.

Methods of Instruction: 

Participation in 5 live online supervision sessions or a case supervision seminar (in case the local organizer provides it)

 

Content:

1. Comprehensive presentation of one case from own caseload using the CLASI template
2. Participation in discussions
3. Learning from questions and cases of other participants

 

Methods of Evaluation:

1.     Active participation in discussions (certificate of attendance)

2.     Case presentation

 

 

After completion of tall 4 modules, the therapist is eligible to undergo the calibration process. She submits a 10 minute video clip of a therapy session she conducted using ASI® principles, plus the required paperwork to GSIÖ. The video clip is forwarded to an independent international trained ASI®FM rater who rates the session's fidelity to the principles of ASI® intervention using the ASI®Fidelity Measure. If the session meets the criteria for ASI®, the therapist receives the certificate as "ASI®Practitioner" (Level 2) issued by GSIÖ e.V.

 

Time-Limited Validity of The ASI Practitioner Certificate

The ASI® Practitioner Certificate is valid for 5 years. Within the first renewal period, the new ASI®Practitioner has to complete the courses of Module 5 (SI501, SI502, and SI503).

 

For all subsequent renewals, of the certificate, the therapist has to show proof of participation in at least two 2-day seminars, courses, or conference specific to SI.

 

Duration: 2 days, onsite (12 hrs)

Number of participants: max. 24

Instructor: SI & D.I.R Instructor (guest lecturer)

 

Learning Objectives:

After completion of the Art & Science workshop, participants shall

• enjoy to play and be playful
• know features of play
• have strategies to engage in playful interactions
• have strategies to support parent’s playful interactions with their children

Methods of Instruction:

Fun with practical exercises, video analysis and immediate feedback, lecture

 

Course Content:

1. The Art of ASI® intervention
2. Play & ASI® intervention
3. Use of Therapeutic Self
4. Observing different degrees of playfulness
5. Experiencing own playfulness
6. Strategies to foster relationships
7. Empowering parents to find ways to play with their children

Methods of Evaluation: Participation (certificate of attendance)