1. A. Jean Ayres, PhD, OTR, FAOTA
The Pioneer Behind
Sensory Integration

2. Reference
Blanche Kiefer, D. Surfas, S. (2010). A. Jean Ayres: The Pioneer Behind Sensory Integration. Torrance, CA: Pediatric Therapy Network (DVD)

3. Every field of study has founding and influential theorists and leaders
Developmental Psychology ~ Piaget
Psychoanalysis ~ Freud
Neuro-Developmental Treatment/
The Bobath Concept ~
Berta and Karel Bobath

4. Examples of Founders, Leaders & Theorists in Occupational Therapy
Eleanor Clarke Slagle
Margaret Rood
Anne Mosey
Mary Reilly

5. Why learn more about the leaders in occupational therapy?
Helps us to understand the foundations of core knowledge and skills in OT
Guides us to have a greater understanding of the depth and breadth of the OT profession
Inspires us!

6. A. Jean Ayres~ Who is she in the world of OT?
Developed the theory of sensory integration
One of the first occupational therapists to use “evidence based practice”
Conducted systematic research to build constructs and demonstrate efficacy
Invented tests, equipment, and intervention methods that have become one of the most common OT frameworks

7. Leadership Touch Points
What qualities do you think Dr. Ayres must have had in order to be able to come up with a new and innovative theory?
We hear a lot about “evidenced based practice” now. What do you think would have motivated Dr. Ayres to conduct her research?

8. Her Early Years She grew up on a farm in central California
Her father was scientific (a chemist) and her mother was sensitive and artistic
Her family had a strong work ethic
Add scan of handwritten notes

9. Her Struggles She spoke about having some learning difficulties
Visual tasks were easier for her than verbal language activities
She had some health challenges throughout her life

10. Her Personal Side Many artistic skills ~ painted in water color
made charcoal drawings
accomplished seamstress
(made many of her own clothes)
enjoyed Tai’chi and dance
appreciated nature and outdoors
Insert slide of clothes she made

11. Her Personal Side Married late in life (in her 50’s) to Franklin Baker
Spoke of Franklin as her biological soul mate
Never had children of her own, but was close to nieces and nephews

12. Leadership Touch Points
How do you think Dr. Ayres’ early life affected her goals, plans and dreams in life?
In what ways might the personal health and learning difficulties Dr. Ayres’ experienced influenced her professional work?

13. Early Training and Professional Work
BS in OT from USC ~ 1945
MA in OT from USC ~ 1954
PhD in Psychology from USC ~ 1961
Post-Doctoral study at Brain Research Institute at UCLA ~
Worked with children with cerebral palsy and war veterans in the 1950’s and 60’s
Add scan of early article

14. Sensory Integration Theory
First paper- AJOT 1954
Ontogenetic principles in the development of arm and hand functions
Developed tests and conducted studies to understand patterns of sensory integration problems between 1950’s and 1980’s
Described several main patterns based on numerous factor analysis studies
Published Sensory Integration & Praxis Tests (SIPT) January 1989

15. Professional Challenges
Not initially accepted within OT
Was unable to find funding & OTs willing to help with first test standardization
Work was criticized by people outside the profession of OT
Sensory integration often confused with other methods/interventions

16. Leadership Touch Points
How do you think being a woman in the 1950’s affected Dr. Ayres’ professional aspirations and plans?
Why do you think that the OT profession did not initially embrace sensory integration theory?

17. Major Accomplishments
Eleanor Clarke Slagle Lectureship 19
One of the first occupational therapists to receive grant funding for research
One of 3 first inductees into the
AOTF Academy of Research
Author of more than 60 publications
Sensory integration is one of the most widely used theories and interventions in OT

18. Final Years
Spent her last 15 years at her private practice in Torrance CA where she continued to develop assessment and intervention innovations
Trained hundreds of therapists in her 4 month hands-on course in collaboration with USC~ OT610
Developed and standardized the Sensory Integration and Praxis Test in collaboration with Western Psychological Services

19. Leading a Completely Meaningful Life
Her work ethic evident to the end of her life
Dr Ayres passed away in December 1988
SIPT published January 1989
Her husband, Franklin, although previously in good health, experience a quick decline and passed away in
At her memorial service, hundreds of people recounted stories of Dr. Ayres’ mentorship, support and guidance

20. Leadership Touch Points
What qualities and attributes are required to become a leader?
How do you think Dr. Ayres’ work has influenced the profession of OT?
Do you think Dr. Ayres ideas have had an influence outside of OT? If so, how?