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Evidence in perspective: The findings apply most directly to children aged 48–59 months receiving therapist-delivered, fidelity-checked Ayres Sensory Integration in this study. They do not demonstrate the same benefit for every age, every sensory program, or every outcome.
What was tested?
Researchers in Turkey randomly assigned 63 autistic preschool children to usual individualized education or the same education plus Ayres Sensory Integration occupational therapy. Sixty completed the study and were included in the analysis, 30 per group. The intervention delivered approximately 36 hours over 12 weeks and was assessed for adherence to the defined method.
DAILY-LIVING SKILLS
Improved relative to usual care
The Vineland-II Daily Living Skills outcome favored the ASI group (p = .042). This is one measured functional domain, not a global change in autism.
INDIVIDUAL GOALS
Goal attainment favored ASI
Goal Attainment Scaling scores were higher with ASI (1.65 vs 0.69; p < .001). These goals were tailored to each child.
BROADER OUTCOMES
Mixed findings
Several adaptive-function measures did not show statistically significant differences; overall Vineland adaptive behavior was close to—but did not reach—the study's significance threshold (p = .055).
STUDY DESIGN
Small and single-blind
One setting, short duration, retrospective registration and limited generalizability mean larger independent trials are needed.
What does functional progress look like?
For a child with sensory-related participation barriers, useful goals might be getting dressed comfortably, taking part in play, moving between activities or managing parts of a daily routine with less distress. The aim is improved comfort, agency and participation—not making a child seem less autistic.
What does the study not show?
It does not establish that sensory integration changes core autistic traits, works for every child, or is superior to all other occupational therapy. A result from a fidelity-monitored ASI program cannot automatically be applied to every clinic advertising "sensory therapy." The short follow-up does not establish how long gains last.
Questions to ask an occupational therapist
- Which specific child-led goals are we trying to improve, and how will progress be measured?
- What training and fidelity measures support the therapy approach being offered?
- How are sensory preferences, consent, distress and communication differences respected?
- How will therapy connect to routines and participation outside appointments?
- When will we review whether this is helping, and what alternatives should be considered?
Use function and quality of life as the test
Evidence-informed autism support considers what matters to the child and family, current needs, other available supports, costs and the individual response—not promises to "normalize" behavior or cure autism.
Original study and registration
- Cangi and Bumin — BMC Pediatrics randomized controlled trial (October 6, 2026) ↗
Peer-reviewed, single-blind 12-week study; full outcomes, fidelity measures and study limitations.
- ClinicalTrials.gov — registered study record NCT07507630 ↗
Registered March 27, 2026, retrospectively; review protocol and population.
Source checked October 17, 2026. Educational editorial draft; independent clinical review pending. A single trial should not determine an individual child's care plan.