VIDEO, HANDOUTS & RESOURCES
Ayres Video (FREE!)
By: Dominique Blanche Kiefer & Shelby Surfas
This is the original video created by Dominique Blanche Kiefer and Shelby Surfas as part of their Master’s program in Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy at the University of Southern California.
We extend our gratitude to Pediatric Therapy Network for developing a later version of this video, which is no longer commercially available. Believing in the value of making this content accessible to parents and therapists, we are pleased to offer the original version free of charge.
Special thanks to Dr. Gelya Frank and Dr. Deborah Pitts for encouraging the development of this video during our graduate course, and to Dr. Florence Clark for her ongoing support of this project.
We are also deeply grateful to the individuals who contributed to this video and shared their valuable perspectives on Dr. Ayres’ life and work.
Clinical Observations Video (FREE!)
Skilled observations of sensory integrative dysfunction allow therapists to discreetly analyze a child’s behavior and skills and, in turn, develop more effective intervention plans. This very useful video provides guidelines for clinical observation and non-standardised assessment. Dr. Erna Blanche, an internationally renowned expert on sensory integration, shows therapists how to observe and interpret children’s behaviour from a sensory integration perspective. The video shows, step by step, how to administer specific observations, including those originally defined by Dr. A. Jean Ayres. These are specific tasks, postural responses, and signs of nervous system integrity associated with sensory integrative functioning. Dr. Blanche compares children’s skills using split-screen images and in-depth discussion.
This video is an excellent way for occupational therapists to develop skills in non-standardized assessment. The observations demonstrated can be used with children of varying ages and skill levels.
Executive Function Resources (Free!)
Resources by the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University
ALL OF THESE ARE FREE!
What is Executive Function and how does it relate to child development?
Here is a downloadable image
A brief summary of essential findings from recent scientific publications and presentations.
Executive Function: Skills for Life and Learning
Activities Guide:
This 16-page guide describes a variety of activities and games that represent age-appropriate ways for adults to support and strengthen various components of executive function/self regulation in children. Each chapter of this guide contains activities suitable for a different age group, from infants to teenagers.
Enhancing and Practicing Executive Function Skills in Children
Sensory Balance Book
By: Erna Imperatore
Balance is important for us as we often try to acquire a sense of equilibrium and stability in our lives. It may be balancing the checkbook at the end of the month, balancing our daily chores with our fun activities, balancing our diets, or balancing our time alone and with others. This book is about acquiring balance; more specifically, it is about balancing our sensory needs and our activities based on our sensory preferences. It is based on the theory of Sensory Integration originated by Jean Ayres.
Available on Amazon!