Exploring Barriers to Ayres Sensory Integration for Social Skills Development in Autistic Children: An Exploratory Study of Occupational Therapists’ Experiences in Saudi Arabia
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Date
2024
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Univiersity of Brighton
Abstract
Introduction: Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI) is recognized as a therapeutic approach for supporting
the social interaction skills of autistic children. However, implementing ASI in Saudi Arabia presents
challenges These challenges include limited resources and a lack of parental awareness about the
nature and requirements of ASI assessments and interventions, which may compromise the delivery of
to provide effective and holistic ASI therapy. This study explores the barriers occupational therapists
experience in using ASI to support social skills development for autistic children in Saudi Arabia.
Method: An exploratory qualitative design was employed using semi-structured interviews with six
occupational therapists. Reflexive thematic analysis was applied to identify and interpret recurring
patterns and themes within the data.
Findings: Four key barriers emerged: (1) the adaptation of ASI to Saudi Arabia's cultural and
institutional context, (2) challenges in applying ASI within clinical settings, (3) ASI’s perceived role
in enhancing social interaction skills, and (4) the impact of these barriers on professional identity and
practice. Limited access to ASI certification, resource shortages, and insufficient institutional support
were identified as significant constraints. Despite these barriers, participants highlighted the potential
benefits of interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly with speech therapists and psychologists, in
addressing the social needs of autistic children.
Conclusion: The findings emphasize the need for local ASI certification programs, enhanced
institutional support, and culturally tailored frameworks to facilitate the effective implementation of
ASI. Future research should explore interdisciplinary approaches and culturally adapted practices to
maximize the impact of ASI on social skills development in diverse settings. Addressing these barriers
can empower occupational therapists in Saudi Arabia to deliver more effective and culturally relevant
interventions, improving the quality of life for autistic children and their families.
Description
Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI) therapy is an emerging intervention approach in Saudi Arabia, where occupational therapists encounter significant challenges in fostering social interaction skills in autistic children. These challenges include limited resources and a lack of parental awareness about the nature and requirements of ASI assessments and interventions, which may
compromise the delivery of to provide effective and holistic ASI therapy. This study explores the lived experiences of occupational therapists, focusing on systemic, practical, and cultural barriers and their impact on effective ASI implementation for social skills development in autistic children. Semi-structured interviews with six occupational therapists practicing ASI in
clinical settings were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, offering valuable insights into the complexities of providing ASI in this context. The findings revealed an interplay of barriers, including restricted access to ASI certification, resource limitations, high caseloads, and conflicting parental expectations. Participants
identified that cultural factors, such as protective parenting behaviours, often limited children’s opportunities for independent exploration and social engagement, which are foundational for
ASI’s success. Despite these challenges, participants expressed strong confidence in ASI’s potential to enhance social interaction skills, particularly when supported by adequate
resources and interdisciplinary collaboration with speech therapists and psychologists.
The study highlights the critical need for systemic reforms, including increased institutional support, local certification programs, and culturally tailored interventions to bridge these gaps.
The findings also emphasize the importance of parent education programs to align expectations with ASI’s developmental approach and fostering structured interdisciplinary frameworks to
enhance collaboration. This research underscores the pressing need for targeted strategies to overcome systemic, practical, and cultural barriers to improve ASI outcomes. Recommendations include enhancing professional development opportunities, investing in specialized resources, and adopting culturally responsive practices to ensure effective and sustainable ASI implementation in Saudi
Arabia.
Keywords
Ayres Sensory Integration, Autism spectrum condition, Social interaction skills, Occupational therapy, Reflexive thematic analysis