Sensory Integration Education

At Sensory Integration Education we take a keen interest in following the development of any new SI assessment tools. This is to ensure that our postgraduate programme is fit for purpose and to keep our SI community abreast of the latest developments in the field. 

Assessing the impact of sensory processing and integration differences across the lifespan is complex and in terms of assessment tools it is important to note that there is no one-size tool that fits all. SIE’s SI Module 2: Clinical Reasoning in Sensory Integration: Assessment introduces the therapist to the principles of assessment and the different types of assessment tools commonly used in clinical practice. It includes access to training in the theory, administration, scoring and interpretation of the ASH, SPM-2 and SOSI-M/COP-R sensory processing and integration assessments, as well as providing an overview on Clinical Observations and SIPT Interpretation. 

In addition to this, SI Module 2 will also provide you with an overview of two assessment tools currently in differing stages of development, the EASI and the forthcoming SP-3D. SI Module 2 is part of the 3-module training pathway that enables therapists to qualify as a Sensory Integration Practitioner and delivers a Postgraduate Certificate in Sensory Integration, accredited by Sheffield Hallam University. If you wish to qualify as an SI Practitioner, find out more here. 

SIE also offers access to professional development training in the theory, administration and interpretation of the ASH, SPM-2 and SOSI-M/COP-R sensory processing and integration assessments as separate courses, which are often led by the test author/s. We have negotiated discounts to ensure they are competitively-priced to make them as accessible as possible. Please note that these courses do not include access to the manuals, scoring forms or tool kits so students will need to purchase these separately if they wish to use them in their own clinical practice. Please more information on SI assessments see here. 

For those wanting to know more about the EASI, please continue reading. 

What is the EASI?

The Evaluation in Ayres Sensory Integration Test (EASI), is an assessment for the clinical evaluation of Sensory Integration and related functions in children aged 3–12 years. On the Ayres 2020 vision webpage it is described as follows:

“The purpose of the Evaluation in Ayres Sensory Integration (EASI) is to provide a valid and reliable tool for assessing key sensory integration functions that underlie learning, behavior, and participation. The EASI measures sensory perception, sensory responsiveness, postural/ocular/bilateral integration, and praxis, in a manner that minimizes the influences or culture, language comprehension, and prior experience. ” 

Is it ready for use? 

The test developers report that the EASI test is starting to be used in clinical practice and the EASI Scoring Program (ESP) is now open for use. At present it is reliant on preliminary data collected through 2021. In time, this will be replaced by norms collected from the full International normative data collection which will end on the 31st December 2022. It is anticipated that the final test will be shorter than the present version, as some of the current test items will be discontinued. The initial scoring materials and manual will be subject to change at this final stage too. 

Is EASI training included in the SIE SI Practitioner Pathway? 

Within the UK, CLASI has chosen to restrict access to EASI training to its own students. SIE’s postgraduate training in SI includes an overview of this assessment tool, but is restricted from providing training in how to use it.

The main focus for the assessment module of SIE pathway is to equip you with the knowledge, clinical reasoning and critical thinking skills to recognise SI differences and challenges. We want to provide you with the skills needed to assess a range of individuals confidently and effectively across the lifespan. We want you to develop skills in developing hypotheses and selecting the right SI tests for the individuals with whom you work and be able to collate, analyse, synthesise and interpret data comprehensively and confidently from a wide variety of sources. 

Here at SIE, we  have been committed to supporting the development of the EASI assessment. Four of our team (Lelanie Brewer, Rosalind Rogers, Cathy Maguire and Dr Greg Kelly) trained as EASI testers and Cathy and Lelanie were able to contribute to the normative data collection in England before COVID-19 restrictions meant that the data collection needed to be paused. SIE has also sponsored 10 EASI 3-D pieces kits for other UK testing teams to use.