Exploring the Art of Occupation

Embarking on the journey to become certified in ASI Wise CLASI Certificate. Module 1:

The acronym stand for ASI (Ayres Sensory Integration) (CLASI) Collaborative for Leadership in Ayres Sensory Integration

is a rewarding and enlightening experience, particularly for professionals in occupational therapy and related fields. This blog will walk you through my experience attending Module 1 of the certification program, which focuses on Ayres Sensory Integration Theory.

Module 1: The Foundation of Ayres Sensory Integration Theory

Overview

Module 1 offers an in-depth exploration of the theoretical underpinnings of ASI. This module is designed to equip participants with a robust understanding of the sensory systems, how they interact, and the impact of sensory processing on behaviour and function. It is heavy going. It has been a long time since I have learned any anatomy and physiology however this time learning about the direct impact on function and ability to engage in occupation made more sense.  Perhaps a reflection there on how I was taught at university.

Course Content

The module covers several key areas:

Introduction to Sensory Integration: Understanding the historical development and core concepts of ASI was a mind-blowing experience. Learning about Ayres’ endeavour and determination to understand the impact of sensory needs on a person’s ability to engage in occupation was truly enlightening.

The module delved into the sensory systems, including an in-depth study of the visual, auditory, tactile, proprioceptive, and vestibular systems, and their respective roles in sensory integration. We also explored theoretical frameworks, including neurobiological and psychological theories that support ASI.

Case studies were presented through real-life cases via video recordings, allowing us to see the application of theory to practise in action.

The learning experience was immersive and interactive, combining lectures, readings, discussions, practical activities, and case study reviews. The engaging lectures were packed with valuable information, shared by expert instructors with extensive experience in the field.

Throughout the days, we were encouraged to participate in hands-on activities to deepen our understanding of the practical applications of the theory. These activities simulated sensory processing challenges, providing us with a deeper empathy and understanding.

One highlight of the course was the collaborative learning approach. We were assigned groups at the beginning of day one and had the opportunity to decompress with a smaller group during breaks in a virtual room. This same group was also tasked with working together on a group presentation on day 3.

My group was fantastic, and it was evident that we all had some form of neurodiversity. This reinforced my belief that there is something about the profession of occupational therapy that resonates with neuro-diverse individuals. Perhaps there is potential for a future blog post on this topic?

Connecting with professionals from diverse backgrounds and areas of the country added richness to the learning experience. We were all very supportive of each other and worked well together, using our strengths to contribute to a great presentation. 

Teaching part of the course really helped me learn; I find that I learn much better by being creative in how I present information to others. 

Our group focused on the autonomic nervous system, with my particular focus on the sympathetic nervous system and the polyvagal theory. I wanted to bring my own lived experience to the presentation as I believe it is a great way to connect theory to memory. I read a lot about the fight or flight response, which led me to connect with lived experience blogs by others with cerebral palsy about the startle reflex or mono reflex. 

It was always known within my family that I tended to be more jumpy than others, and my brother growing up was often amused by my reactions. I remember talking to my friend Georgia online one time when her dad was in the other room watching football. When the team scored and her dad shouted, it triggered both of our sympathetic nervous systems. 

During the presentation, we showed a video of a car driving down the road then suddenly a Halloween character appeared and made a scary noise. I must have watched that clip over 20 times in the run-up to our presentation, and even though I knew the jump scare was coming, it still startled me every time.

I learnt that the startle reflex, also known as the Moro reflex, is an involuntary response to a sudden stimulus, typically seen in newborn infants. This reflex is a normal part of infant development and typically appears at birth, disappearing around 3 to 6 months of age, however  absence of the Moro reflex, or its persistence beyond the typical age range, can be a sign of neurological problems. Conditions such as brachial plexus injury, cerebral palsy, or other central nervous system disorders may be associated with abnormal Moro reflex responses. Hence explaining my jumpiness. 

Reading more about the Polyvagal Theory has given me a better understanding of how our autonomic nervous system impacts mental health. By acknowledging the physiological foundations of emotional and social experiences, this theory offers valuable insights for both individuals and mental health professionals. It emphasises the significance of safety, social connection, and autonomic regulation in attaining psychological well-being and resilience. These elements are often the focus of occupational therapists working with individuals, aiming to engage them in meaningful occupations.