Understanding Ayres Sensory Integration Therapy: How It Helps Children Thrive in Irvine, CA

At Centerpointe for Children in Irvine, CA, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. Our pediatric occupational therapy services are uniquely designed to support children’s development—emotionally, physically, socially, and cognitively. Whether your child is struggling with sensory processing, fine motor skills, or everyday tasks, occupational therapy (OT) can be a life-changing support system.

What Is Pediatric Occupational Therapy?

Pediatric occupational therapy helps children gain independence and improve their ability to perform daily activities at home, school, and in the community. At our Irvine-based center, we work with children who may have challenges related to:

• Sensory processing disorders
• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
• ADHD
• Delays in motor skills
• Emotional regulation difficulties
• Developmental delays

Our licensed occupational therapists use evidence-based strategies tailored to each child’s needs, including therapeutic play, strength-building exercises, and sensory integration therapy.

Ayres Sensory Integration®: A Proven Approach to Help Kids Flourish

One of the foundational therapies we offer is Ayres Sensory Integration® (ASI)—a powerful, research-supported method developed by occupational therapist Dr. A. Jean Ayres in Southern California. This approach focuses on helping children who struggle with how their brain processes sensory information such as touch, movement, and body awareness.

Children with sensory processing challenges may:

• Avoid textures, sounds, or bright lights
• Struggle with coordination and balance
• React emotionally to routine changes
• Display difficulty with attention and self-regulation

ASI uses play-based, child-led activities in a specially designed “sensory gym” to provide calming or stimulating sensory input. For example, a child might swing, climb, jump, or squeeze through padded tunnels—building neurological connections while having fun.

At Centerpointe for Children in Irvine, we follow the fidelity measures developed by the Collaborative for Leadership in Ayres Sensory Integration® (CLASI) to ensure our therapy is rooted in research and best practices. Studies show that ASI is particularly effective for children aged 4–12 with autism and sensory modulation challenges.

Why This Matters to Families in Irvine and Greater Orange County

Southern California families face unique challenges and opportunities—whether it's adapting to active outdoor lifestyles or navigating competitive educational environments. Pediatric OT offers individualized tools to help your child succeed not just in therapy sessions, but in real-world settings like the playground, the classroom, and at home.

By identifying underlying sensory, motor, or emotional challenges early, our therapists can create personalized intervention plans that support long-term development. We work closely with parents, educators, and other healthcare providers to ensure holistic care.

Is Your Child Struggling with Sensory or Developmental Challenges?

If your child:

• Is easily overwhelmed by sounds or textures
• Avoids climbing or shows low muscle tone
• Has difficulty with handwriting or dressing themselves
• Shows inconsistent attention or meltdowns
  …it might be time to explore pediatric OT with a certified team like ours.

At Centerpointe for Children, we proudly serve families throughout Irvine, Tustin, Costa Mesa, Lake Forest, and surrounding Orange County communities. Our therapists are trained in Ayres Sensory Integration and other specialized interventions proven to help children grow and succeed.