Parents often hear both terms and wonder if they're different things. Short answer: sensory integration therapy is a specialized approach used within occupational therapy — not a separate profession.
What Is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy is a broad profession that helps children participate in daily activities — fine motor, self-care, play, school skills, and sensory processing. An OT may use many approaches depending on a child's needs.
What Is Sensory Integration Therapy?
Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI), developed by occupational therapist Dr. A. Jean Ayres, is a specific, play-based, evidence-informed approach for sensory processing difficulties. It's delivered by occupational therapists (and some other professionals) with specialized training, using individualized sensory-motor challenges.
How They Relate
| Occupational Therapy | Sensory Integration Therapy | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A profession | An approach used within OT |
| Scope | Broad (motor, self-care, sensory, play) | Focused on sensory processing |
| Provider | Occupational therapist | OT with SI training |
In short: not all OT is sensory integration, but sensory integration is a recognized specialty within OT. If sensory processing is your child's main concern, look for an OT with advanced SI training.
How to Find the Right OT
Ask whether the OT has advanced training in sensory integration (e.g., SI certification or Ayres SI fidelity training), how they assess sensory processing, and how they'll measure progress. A clinic with a "sensory gym" (swings, crash pads, climbing equipment) often signals an SI focus.
Questions to Ask
- Do you have advanced sensory-integration training?
- How do you assess my child's sensory processing?
- What does a sensory-integration session look like?
- How will we measure progress?
Find an OT who specializes in sensory processing
Browse vetted pediatric occupational therapists by location in the DrSensory directory.
Find an Occupational Therapist →Frequently Asked Questions
Is sensory integration therapy the same as OT?
Not exactly — sensory integration therapy (Ayres SI) is a specialized approach used within occupational therapy. OT is the profession; SI is one of the approaches an OT may use.
Who provides sensory integration therapy?
Occupational therapists with advanced sensory-integration training most commonly provide it; some other professionals use sensory-based strategies too.
Does my child need 'OT' or 'sensory therapy'?
Look for an OT who specializes in sensory integration. They provide both — broad OT plus the specific sensory approach if that's your child's main need.
Is sensory integration therapy evidence-based?
Ayres Sensory Integration is the most-studied sensory approach and has fidelity measures; evidence continues to develop. Look for clear, measurable goals to judge whether it's helping.
What is a sensory gym?
A clinic space with swings, crash pads, ball pits and climbing equipment used in sensory-integration OT to provide graded sensory-motor challenges through play.
References & resources
- AOTA — Sensory Integration and Processing
- Ayres, A. J. — Sensory Integration and the Child
This information is educational and does not replace professional medical, financial or legal advice. Cost and coverage figures are estimates that vary by provider, plan, location and date. Confirm details directly with providers and your insurer.
