Applying sensory integration framework in educationally related occupational therapy practice (2003 statement)

• Published in: The American journal of occupational therapy Vol. 57; no. 6; p. 652
• Main Authors: Roley, Susanne Smith, Clark, Gloria Frolek, Bissell, Julie, Brayman, Sara Jane
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.11.2003
• Subjects: Child; Child, Preschool; Delivery of Health Care; Education, Special; Female; Humans; Male; Occupational Therapy - methods; Patient Selection; Sensation Disorders - diagnosis; Sensation Disorders - therapy; Societies; Students
• ISSN: 0272-9490
• DOI: 10.5014/ajot.57.6.652

Based on the educational team recommendations, occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants working in educationally related settings provide services to students who are eligible for Section 504 or special education under IDEA and need occupational therapy to benefit from their education program. It is the occupational therapist's responsibility to develop an intervention plan based on the student's needs and the therapist's professional knowledge base. The occupational therapist chooses and applies any frame of reference within the domain and process of occupational therapy. Regardless of the frame of reference utilized, the desired outcome of occupational therapy services is always engagement in occupations that allows participation in a student's daily life. When students demonstrate deficits in sensory integration that contribute to a significant and documented discrepancy in their skills within their educational program, the use of a sensory integrative approach may be one frame of reference for, intervention chosen by the occupational therapist.