The purpose of the Evaluation in Ayres Sensory Integration (EASI) is to provide a valid and reliable set of tests for assessing key sensory integration functions which underlie learning, behaviour, and participation. TheEASI measures sensory perception, postural/ocular/bilateral motor integration, praxis, and sensory reactivity, in a manner that minimizes the influences of culture, language comprehension, and prior experience. The EASI tests are designed for children 3-12 years of age and will be made available to appropriately trained professionals in a low-cost and accessible format.
Priorities in developing the EASI
Comprehensiveness: inclusion of core functions required to fully assess sensory integration and to identify patterns of dysfunction so that participation challenges can be understood and addressed appropriately and effectively.
Time: administration of 1-1.5 hours, eventually using predictive technology to guide basal and ceiling points to ensure testing of most critical items for age and functioning level.
Scoring: methods designed to be as simple and straightforward as possible.
Materials: test sheets and forms developed to be printed on home printers with measurements designated for various paper sizes used in different countries; non-paper materials are readily available as items that can be purchased or printed via 3D printing, at a low cost for both initial and replacement pieces; consideration to keep materials as minimal, simple and light-weight as possible.
Constructs
The specific tests of the EASI are founded on the constructs of Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI) which have been developed and refined through research since the 1960s, as follows:
| Sensory Perception Tactile Proprioception Vestibular Visual Auditory Localization | Praxis Somatosensory Based Praxis Ideation Based Praxis Visual Based Praxis Language-Based Praxis |
| Ocular-Postural-Bilateral Motor Integration Ocular Motor/Ocular Praxis Postural Control & Balance Bilateral Integration | Sensory Reactivity Hyper-reactivity Hypo-reactivity |
Taken from EASI Manual 15 August 2018
To Parents of Children all across the UK:
We are a group of occupational, physio and speech and language therapists practicing in the United Kingdom. There is currently a significant lack of available tools for therapists to assess and diagnose sensory integration difficulties in childhood. By collecting normative data on typically developing children between 3 and 12 years old, using the EASI (Evaluation in Ayres Sensory Integration – currently in it final testing of development phase), therapists will then be able to assess children with additional needs and identify their challenges.
Parent Information Sheet, EASI INDC UK
If you are a parent in the United Kingdom interested in the EASI International Normative Data Collection Project, please see here for more information and instructions about how to support this global initiative.
Please note: This study will not provide any feedback to parents about their child’s performance. The the data is completely anonymised for testing, collection and storage. Feedback or recommendations will not be available for any child participating in the study.
Please click here for more information about the individual EASI Test items.
Therapists can still volunteer on this global project to develop an assessment tool about sensory integration challenges, able to be used everywhere.
Sign up to be a Helper : Therapists, AHP students and others who would still like to be involved in supporting the study in their local area can still sign up.
EASI UK and Ireland Project 