Abstract
The purpose of this critically appraised topic was to examine the evidence regarding the effectiveness of Ayres Sensory Integration (ASI) on motor skill development for children with Down syndrome. Within the United States, approximately 6,000 children are born with Down syndrome annually. Children with Down syndrome often experience poor muscle tone, joint instability, and delays in motor skill development; research identified specific delays in standing position, balance and strength, and functional mobility. The delay in motor skill development among children with Down syndrome greatly impacts the child and can create additional challenges for their caregiver. ASI implements the theory of sensory integration to utilize specific assessment methods to measure a child’s ability to process sensory information and implement interventions that adhere to identified challenges in sensory integration. This may include addressing any of the following sensory systems: vision, auditory, gustatory, olfactory, tactile, proprioceptive, or vestibular. Impairments in sensory integration can create challenges for a child with Down syndrome in social skills, play skills, and fine and gross motor skills. For children with Down syndrome, implementing ASI into pediatric occupational therapy practice can facilitate the child in reaching their potential and maximize their skill development by addressing muscle strength, muscle endurance, joint stability, and mastering motor skills. Evidence suggests that implementing ASI into pediatric occupational therapy practice to address impairments in balance, postural control, and fine motor skills positively correlates to an increase in safety and independence in community participation, family participation, and peer group participation, as well as improves the quality of life among children with Down syndrome.