What is Sensory Integration Therapy – and Why I use it at Purple Crayon Therapy

Written By Rubika S

If you’ve ever watched your child spin on a swing, crash into pillows, or seek deep squeezes—and wondered, “Is this just play, or is something deeper going on?”—you’re not alone. At Purple Crayon Therapy, we call this sensory play with a purpose, and it’s a big part of what we do.

Let me introduce you to Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI®)—the heart of my therapy approach and the foundation behind the swings, slides, tunnels, ball pit, and movement-based activities in our space.

 

🧠 What Is Sensory Integration?

Sensory integration is the process your brain uses to take in information from your body and environment—things like movement, touch, sound, and body position—and make sense of it so you can respond.

Imagine trying to hold a pencil, sit in a chair, focus in class, or play with friends. All of these everyday tasks rely on your brain and body working together to process sensory input efficiently. When sensory integration isn’t happening smoothly, things like attention, coordination, regulation, or learning can feel a lot harder.

 

 👩‍🔬 Who Came Up with This?

The work of Dr. A. Jean Ayres, an occupational therapist and neuroscientist, laid the groundwork for everything we now call ASI®. She discovered that many children who were struggling with behavior, learning, or coordination weren’t just being “difficult”—they were having trouble organizing the sensory input their brains were receiving.

Her big insight? If we support the brain’s ability to integrate sensory information—especially movement, touch, and body awareness—we can help kids thrive in all sorts of areas.Who Came Up with This?

 

🎨 How I Use It at Purple Crayon Therapy

At my clinic, ASI® isn’t just a method—it’s a mindset. Here’s what it looks like in action:

  • The therapy space is a playground for the nervous system. There are swings that spin and rock, a climbing wall, slides, ball pits, tunnels, scooter boards, and more. Every piece of equipment is chosen to support sensory and motor development.

  • Your child leads the session. I follow their interests and use their curiosity as a guide. Whether they want to swing, crash, crawl, or draw, we build the session around what their body and brain are telling us they need.

  • I offer the “just right challenge.” That means the activity is never too easy or too hard—it’s right in that sweet spot where growth can happen. I might subtly change the environment, add a challenge, or bring in new materials to support their regulation, coordination, or attention.

  • We don’t push for compliance. I don’t make kids sit and write if their bodies aren’t ready for it. Instead, I support the foundation skills that make writing and sitting possible—like postural control, bilateral coordination, and sensory modulation—through play and movement.

 

🌱 Why It Works

Sensory integration therapy supports the root systems of a child’s development. When we help the brain process sensory information more efficiently, children often become:

  • More regulated and calm

  • Better able to focus and follow through

  • More coordinated and confident in their movements

  • More open to learning, trying, and connecting

And the best part? It feels like play. Because it is.

 

💜 Why I Chose ASI®

I chose this approach because it respects the child. It follows their lead. It acknowledges that behavior is communication. And it focuses on what’s underneath the challenge—not just what it looks like on the surface.

At Purple Crayon Therapy, we believe therapy should be joyful, empowering, and grounded in neuroscience—and Ayres Sensory Integration® gives us exactly that.

 
Rubika S