Our Occupational Therapy services at ITS are rooted in Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI) to support neurobiological foundations, motor skill development, motor planning, and self-regulation. Grounded in neuroscience, ASI uses sensory experiences to help the brain build connections essential for learning, social engagement, and emotional resilience. We view sensory processing as the bridge between brain and body, supporting regulation, adaptation, and participation across development. Therapy is sensory-rich, relationship-based, and guided by the child’s motivation and emotional connection, using playful, multi-sensory, child-led experiences to foster growth, adaptive responses, and success.
- Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI)
Our occupational therapists have extensive training, mentorship, and experience in identifying, evaluating, and providing treatment to support individuals with sensory processing challenges. By providing sensory enriched motor opportunities through intrinsically motivating and playful activities, our approach helps individuals develop the skills necessary to process sensory input more effectively, leading to improved engagement, motor development, and emotional regulation. - DIR®/Floortime–informed
Our occupational therapists skillfully combine a deep understanding of each child’s unique sensory profile with strategies to support social-emotional development. By integrating this insight with DIR/Floortime® techniques, we create meaningful, relationship-focused opportunities for co-regulation and growth—whether between the child and therapist or with family members—fostering connection, engagement, and developmental progress. Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)
For some children, we may also recommend the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) as part of an individualized occupational therapy plan. SSP is a listening program that uses specially filtered music to support nervous system regulation, sound sensitivity, and social engagement. When appropriate, SSP can be a supportive tool to help children feel more calm, connected, and available for learning, communication, and participation in daily routines.
SSP may be helpful for children who experience:
- Sound sensitivity or auditory overwhelm
- Difficulty with regulation, transitions, or emotional coping
- Anxiety, shutdown, or frequent fight/flight responses
- Challenges with attention, engagement, and social connection
(SSP is always individualized and thoughtfully paced based on each child’s needs and tolerance.)
- Neuro-affirming
Neuro-affirming OT celebrates how each child’s brain works. We focus on helping children feel safe, regulated, and confident so they can participate in daily life in ways that feel meaningful and true to them.
Parents and caregivers are active partners in the therapy process. We prioritize collaboration, coaching, and education so families feel confident supporting communication, regulation, and connection at home and in everyday routines.
Areas We Support
- Sensory processing and integration
- Nervous system regulation and modulation
- Body awareness
- Balance and movement
- Motor coordination and postural control
- Motor planning and praxis
- Interoception, emotional regulation and resilience
- Attention, engagement, and participation
- Social interaction and play
- Functional skills for daily routines
What Sessions Look Like
An OT session grounded in Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI) is active, playful, and thoughtfully designed to meet each child where they are. While it may look like “just play,” every experience is intentional and rooted in neuroscience. Through uniquely created movement experiences, swinging, climbing, building, pretending, and shared joy, the therapist is supporting brain–body integration, nervous system regulation, and meaningful participation in everyday life.
What Makes Us Different
- It addresses the “why,” not just the skill
Sensory Integration based OT focuses on how the brain processes and integrates sensory information—the foundation for movement, attention, regulation, and behavior. Rather than only practicing skills (like handwriting or dressing), it supports the underlying sensory-motor systems that make those skills possible. - It is grounded in Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI)
ASI is a specific, evidence-based approach with defined principles, fidelity measures, and advanced therapist training. Sessions are intentionally designed to promote adaptive responses through sensory-rich experiences. - Child-led and play-based by design
Unlike more adult-directed or task-based therapy, Sensory Integration based OT follows the child’s intrinsic motivation. Play is the primary medium for engagement, helping children feel safe, regulated, and ready to learn. - Strong focus on regulation and the nervous system
Sensory Integration based OT prioritizes nervous system regulation and co-regulation, recognizing that attention, learning, and behavior improve when a child feels regulated and connected. - Emphasis on movement and sensory-rich environments
Sessions often include swinging, climbing, jumping, balancing, and tactile play to provide vestibular, proprioceptive, and tactile input—key systems for brain-body integration. - Relationship-based and individualized
The therapeutic relationship is central. The therapist continually adjusts activities to provide “just-right challenges” tailored to the child’s unique sensory profile and developmental needs.
