WINTERFEST: Implementing (ASI®) Sensory Integration Interventions in the Schools to Improve Student Outcomes

ON DEMAND WEBINAR

Presented by Kareen Robbins MS OTR/L

1.0 Contact Hours

Description:

Historically, implementing sensory integration constructs into direct occupational therapy services in the school setting has been challenging. Due to occupational therapists’ lack of sensory integration education, environmental and space barriers, alignment with educational guidelines and laws, and lack of research, sensory integration interventions are often excluded from a student’s treatment plan in the school setting.

Recent research suggests sensory integration (Ayres SI ®) interventions, with teacher consultation, can improve school performance and the participation of students in their educational environment. (Whiting et al., 2023) This has led to increased discussions to empower occupational therapists to incorporate sensory integration constructs to support children in their learning environment. (Whiting, et al., 2025) Providing appropriate and effective sensory integration interventions can improve performance and participation in the school setting within the delivery of special education services and the MTSS process. (Whiting, et al., 2021 & 2023) (Piller, et al., 2023) With education on Ayres’ sensory integration frame of reference, there is potential for increased implementation of interventions. With effective sensory integration interventions, students will have positive outcomes with their participation and performance in the school environment. Barriers to implementing sensory integration interventions, such as space and equipment, may be overcome with advocacy and modifications.

The challenge of providing sensory integration in the school setting can be transformed into opportunities to support learning and successful outcomes for children through education on Ayres’ sensory integration frame of reference. (Whiting, et al, 2025 and Miller-Kuhaneck et al.,2018)

Objectives:

• After this session, participants will define sensory integration theory and constructs.
• After this session, participants will define the application of sensory integration constructs to a student’s performance and participation in the school setting.
• After this session, participants will describe potential performance outcomes with direct sensory integration interventions and teacher consult
• After this session, participants will describe the potential implementation of sensory integration constructs in the MTSS process in the school setting.
• After this session, participants will implement an action plan with at least one professional goal to advocate or implement sensory integration in their school.

Presenter bio:

Kareen Robbins is an experienced occupational therapist and consultant with over 30 years of expertise in school-based practice, pediatric intervention, and professional development. She holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Temple University, with a specialty in pediatrics, and has been certified in Sensory Integration since 1996. As the owner of Kareen Robbins & Associates, LLC, she provides mentoring, consulting, and AOTA-approved professional development for occupational therapists, school administrators, and related service providers. Her extensive career includes serving as Director of Related Services at the Licking County Educational Service Center in Ohio, where she coordinated and supervised over 50 providers across 14 school districts, and as a staff occupational therapist managing large caseloads in public school settings. Kareen is a skilled presenter who has developed and delivered dozens of training sessions on topics such as sensory processing, handwriting, goal writing, and culturally responsive care, including presentations at the AOTA Inspire Conference. She holds multiple Ohio licenses and certifications, including as an educator and administrative specialist.

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