Jefferson Autism Center of Excellence

The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) is pleased to announce a significant advocacy win for occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs), clients, and their families in Michigan. Following outreach and engagement by AOTA, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) will begin covering Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI) for individuals with an autism diagnosis, effective March 1, 2026.

This important policy change expands access to evidence-based occupational therapy (OT) services and reflects the growing recognition of sensory integration's role in supporting meaningful participation and functional progress.

Supporting evidence played a central role in AOTA’s advocacy efforts with BCBS Michigan. During the December meeting, AOTA highlighted the growing body of peer-reviewed research demonstrating that Ayres Sensory Integration techniques, when delivered by OTPs, can lead to measurable improvements in sensory processing, functional participation, adaptive behavior, and goal attainment for individuals with autism.

The Jefferson Autism Center of Excellence is dedicated to evidence-based research and sharing the most up-to-date evidence in support of autistic and neurodiverse individuals and their families. We are sharing resources that unpack some of the most discussed topics in autism today.

Developed by the Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, these tip sheets offer clear, trustworthy, and practical answers to common questions. They present research findings in a way that is clear and reliable. Two versions are available: one for families and another for healthcare professionals to make the science accessible and useful for everyone.

The Jefferson Autism Center of Excellence (JeffACE) is now offering consultative services to support individuals and organizations seeking guidance on autism-related practices.

Our team offers expert support in areas such as the creation of multi-sensory environments, and neurodiverse -friendly spaces that promote inclusion, accessibility, and meaningful participation.

JeffACE is committed to partnerships to create supportive, inclusive experiences for autistic and neurodiverse individuals across multiple settings such as healthcare, work, school. Workplaces, and others.

For more information, please reach out to Lady.Rios-Vega@jefferson.edu for assistance.

Two self-paced modules for Data-Driven Decision Making and Goal Attainment Scaling led by Dr. Schaaf are available in English and Spanish. Each course meets the requirements of two contact hours.

Dr. Schaaf is an author on this new landmark research that establishes a model for understanding how early sensory differences in autism impact the neurodevelopmental trajectory of autism.  It provides great support for the Jefferson Autism Center for Excellence work in Ayres Sensory Integration®. 

Using Ayres Sensory Integration & Behavioral Intervention for Autistic Children: A comparative Effectiveness Trial

Occupational Therapy using Ayres Sensory Integration (OT-ASI) is a frequently requested and utilized evidence-based intervention for autism. Studies show it improves daily living skills and socialization using standardized outcome measures. However, this intervention has not been compared to other autism intervention methods, such as behavioral intervention (ABA). This session presents the findings of a highly controlled randomized trial comparing these interventions. Analysis showed both treatment groups improved in daily living skills and in individual goals. The ASI group improved more in daily living skills while the ABA group improved more on repetitive behaviors.

Breaking Boundaries: The Feasibility of a Telehealth-Adapted Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI) Intervention for Autistic Children

An evidence-based Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI) manual was adapted for remote delivery based on telehealth best practices; and then reviewed and rated by telehealth experts and OT clinicians. Families report positive feasibility and acceptability. The intervention provided parents with fun ways to promote home carryover, and methods of recognizing and addressing sensory needs in their children.

Parent-perceived Facilitators & Barriers to Implementation of Ayres Sensory Integration® Parent Education Modules for Autistic Children

• Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI) is an evidenced based occupational therapy intervention used in different settings with children whose participation challenges are related to sensory integration. Parent education is an important part of ASI.
• ASI Parent Education Modules were developed to: 

1. Educate caregivers about the sensory integrative factors that may be impacting their child’s ability to participate fully in activities, tasks, and occupations
   

2. Provide suggestions for integrating therapeutic activities into daily routines
3. Promote collaboration between therapists and parents

• The purpose of the project is to investigate parents’ perceived facilitators and barriers to implementation of ASI Parent Education Modules for autistic children. This project utilizes a qualitative, phenomenological approach to examine the experiences of caregivers who used the modules during their child’s occupational therapy intervention. Following the initial stages of reflexive thematic analysis, preliminary overarching codes include parent perspectives on ASI information, understanding the why, and home vs. clinic.

Preliminary Outcomes of a Sensory-Friendly Vaccine Clinic for Autistic Children.

Sensory adaptations were rated with high levels of satisfaction, acceptability, and usefulness by participating caregivers. Feedback from participants indicate that areas for improvement could be in enhancing the waiting room experience or providing additional sensory toys. Preliminary findings reinforce importance of utilizing a manualized protocol to ensure successful implementation of sensory-friendly vaccine clinic procedures.