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A. Jean Ayres, PhD, OTR, FAOTA. The Pioneer Behind Sensory Integration. Reference. Blanche Kiefer, D. Surfas , S. (2010). A. Jean Ayres: The Pioneer Behind Sensory Integration. Torrance, CA: Pediatric Therapy Network (DVD).
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A. Jean Ayres, PhD, OTR, FAOTA The Pioneer Behind Sensory Integration
Reference • Blanche Kiefer, D. Surfas, S. (2010). A. Jean Ayres: The Pioneer Behind Sensory Integration. Torrance, CA: Pediatric Therapy Network (DVD)
Every field of study has founding and influential theorists and leaders • Developmental Psychology ~ Piaget • Psychoanalysis ~ Freud • Neuro-Developmental Treatment/ The Bobath Concept ~ Berta and Karel Bobath
Examples of Founders, Leaders & Theorists in Occupational Therapy • Eleanor Clarke Slagle • Margaret Rood • Anne Mosey • Mary Reilly
Why learn more about the leaders in occupational therapy? • Helps us to understand the foundations of core knowledge and skills in OT • Guides us to have a greater understanding of the depth and breadth of the OT profession • Inspires us!
A. Jean Ayres~Who is she in the world of OT? • Developed the theory of sensory integration • One of the first occupational therapists to use “evidence based practice” • Conducted systematic research to build constructs and demonstrate efficacy • Invented tests, equipment, and intervention methods that have become one of the most common OT frameworks
Leadership Touch Points • What qualities do you think Dr. Ayres must have had in order to be able to come up with a new and innovative theory? • We hear a lot about “evidenced based practice” now. What do you think would have motivated Dr. Ayres to conduct her research?
Her Early Years • She grew up on a farm in central California • Her father was scientific (a chemist) and her mother was sensitive and artistic • Her family had a strong work ethic
Her Struggles • She spoke about having some learning difficulties • Visual tasks were easier for her than verbal language activities • She had some health challenges throughout her life
Her Personal Side • Many artistic skills ~ painted in water color made charcoal drawings accomplished seamstress (made many of her own clothes) enjoyed Tai’chi and dance appreciated nature and outdoors
Her Personal Side • Married late in life (in her 50’s) to Franklin Baker • Spoke of Franklin as her biological soul mate • Never had children of her own, but was close to nieces and nephews
Leadership Touch Points • How do you think Dr. Ayres’ early life affected her goals, plans and dreams in life? • In what ways might the personal health and learning difficulties Dr. Ayres’ experienced influenced her professional work?
Early Training and Professional Work • BS in OT from USC ~ 1945 • MA in OT from USC ~ 1954 • PhD in Psychology from USC ~ 1961 • Post-Doctoral study at Brain Research Institute at UCLA ~ 1964-1966 • Worked with children with cerebral palsy and war veterans in the 1950’s and 60’s
Sensory Integration Theory • First paper- AJOT 1954 Ontogenetic principles in the development of arm and hand functions • Developed tests and conducted studies to understand patterns of sensory integration problems between 1950’s and 1980’s • Described several main patterns based on numerous factor analysis studies • Published Sensory Integration & Praxis Tests (SIPT) January 1989
Professional Challenges • Not initially accepted within OT • Was unable to find funding & OTs willing to help with first test standardization • Work was criticized by people outside the profession of OT • Sensory integration often confused with other methods/interventions
Leadership Touch Points • How do you think being a woman in the 1950’s affected Dr. Ayres’ professional aspirations and plans? • Why do you think that the OT profession did not initially embrace sensory integration theory?
Major Accomplishments • Eleanor Clarke Slagle Lectureship 19 • One of the first occupational therapists to receive grant funding for research • One of 3 first inductees into the AOTF Academy of Research • Author of more than 60 publications • Sensory integration is one of the most widely used theories and interventions in OT
Final Years • Spent her last 15 years at her private practice in Torrance CA where she continued to develop assessment and intervention innovations • Trained hundreds of therapists in her 4 month hands-on course in collaboration with USC~ OT610 • Developed and standardized the Sensory Integration and Praxis Test in collaboration with Western Psychological Services
Leading a Completely Meaningful Life • Her work ethic evident to the end of her life • Dr Ayres passed away in December 1988 • SIPT published January 1989 • Her husband, Franklin, although previously in good health, experience a quick decline and passed away in 1989 • At her memorial service, hundreds of people recounted stories of Dr. Ayres’ mentorship, support and guidance
Leadership Touch Points • What qualities and attributes are required to become a leader? • How do you think Dr. Ayres’ work has influenced the profession of OT? • Do you think Dr. Ayres ideas have had an influence outside of OT? If so, how?