Ayres Sensory Integration® Intervention for Autistic Children: A Telehealth Adaptation

Abstract

Abstract Importance: Ayres Sensory Integration® is an evidence-based, manualized occupational therapy intervention for autism that is delivered in person. A telehealth adaptation could bridge service gaps for families who may have challenges accessing services. Objective: To create a telehealth adaptation of the evidence-based manualized protocol of Ayres Sensory Integration using best practice for telehealth guidelines and to obtain input on the adaptation from experts. Setting: Online survey of U.S. telehealth experts and occupational therapy clinicians in fall and winter 2022. Participants: Two telehealth experts and six occupational therapy clinicians. Outcomes and Measures: Two Qualtrics surveys focused on perceived feasibility and acceptability, resources included, and clarity of instructions. Results: Telehealth experts and occupational therapy clinicians rated the Ayres Sensory Integration telehealth adapted manual as easy to follow, aligned with telehealth best practices, and feasible for remote delivery. Suggestions for additional adaptations included adding resources for technology troubleshooting, intervention planning, rapport building, and continuing education. Conclusions and Relevance: Suggested adaptations were made; the manual is ready for feasibility testing. Plain-Language Summary: This report is the first to describe a telehealth adaptation of Ayres Sensory Integration®. The manual provides comprehensive training and resources to support clinicians in delivering sensory integration, telehealth-based interventions to autistic children. Two telehealth experts and six occupational therapy clinicians rated the Ayres Sensory Integration telehealth adapted manual as easy to follow, aligned with telehealth best practices, and feasible for remote delivery. The manual will be available to clinicians after feasibility and pilot testing.