EASI – Evaluation in Ayres Sensory Integration®
How a child processes and integrates sensory information
The Evaluation in Ayres Sensory Integration (EASI) is a comprehensive assessment used by appropriately trained Occupational Therapists to explore how a child processes and integrates sensory information and how this may influence their movement, coordination, motor planning and participation in everyday life.
The EASI is based on the principles of Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI) and provides therapists with detailed information about different sensory integration functions. Rather than simply identifying whether a child is sensitive to particular sounds, textures or movement, it helps us understand how the child’s nervous system is receiving, interpreting and using sensory information to support purposeful action.
Not every child who experiences sensory differences requires an EASI assessment.
At Connect, we consider the individual child, their everyday difficulties and the questions that need answering before recommending an assessment.
What does an EASI assessment explore?
Depending on the individual child and reason for referral, the EASI can provide information about areas including:
- Praxis and motor planning – how a child thinks of, plans and carries out new or unfamiliar movements
- Postural control and balance – the ability to maintain and adjust body position during activities
- Bilateral integration – how effectively both sides of the body work together
- Vestibular processing – how movement and balance information is processed
- Proprioceptive processing – awareness of the body, joints and muscles and how this information supports movement
- Tactile processing and perception – how touch information is detected, discriminated and used
- Visual and ocular-motor functions relevant to sensory integration
- Sensory perception and discrimination – recognising and making sense of sensory information
- Praxis and participation in increasingly complex motor activities
An EASI assessment may be recommended when sensory integration difficulties are thought to be contributing to challenges with areas such as:
- Movement
- Coordination
- Motor planning
- Postural control
- Play
- Learning
- Self-care
- Regulation
- Confidence
- Participation in everyday activities
The findings can help identify a child’s individual strengths and areas of sensory integration difference and inform recommendations for home, school and everyday activities.
Where appropriate, the assessment can also help determine whether the child may benefit from Ayres Sensory Integration® intervention and support the development of individualised therapy goals.