title: State of the Science: A Roadmap for Research in Sensory Integration.
abstract: This article builds on the work of Case-Smith and colleagues and proposes a roadmap to guide future research in occupational therapy. To foster best practice in the application of principles and practices of sensory integration (SI), the pillars of practice, advocacy, and education are identified as elements that provide the foundation for research. Each pillar ensures that SI research is conducted in a rigorous and relevant manner. To this end, achievements to date are discussed, with proposed goals presented for each pillar. Finally, the roadmap builds on the pillars and outlines implications for occupational therapy with the overarching theme that a wide array of scientists, educators, therapists, and service recipients will be needed to ensure that those who may benefit most have access to intervention that is evidence based, theory driven, and provided within the highest standards of service delivery.
authors.affiliation: Roseann C. Schaaf, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, is Professor and Chair, Department of Occupational Therapy, Jefferson School of Health Professions, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA; roseann.schaaf@jefferson.edu.
authors.forename: Roseann C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Schaaf
authors.affiliation: Sarah A. Schoen, PhD, OTR, is Associate Director of Research, Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation, and Associate Professor, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, Provo, UT.
authors.forename: Sarah A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Schoen
authors.affiliation: Teresa A. May-Benson, ScD, OTR/L, FAOTA, is Executive Director, SPIRAL Foundation, Newton, MA.
authors.forename: Teresa A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: May-Benson
authors.affiliation: L. Diane Parham, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, is Professor, Occupational Therapy Graduate Program, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque.
authors.forename: L Diane
authors.initials: LD
authors.lastname: Parham
authors.affiliation: Shelly J. Lane, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, is Professor, Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.
authors.forename: Shelly J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Lane
authors.affiliation: Susanne Smith Roley, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA, is Owner, Susanne M. Smith Inc., Aliso Viejo, CA.
authors.forename: Susanne Smith
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Roley
authors.affiliation: Zoe Mailloux, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA, is Adjunct Associate Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, Jefferson School of Health Professions, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA.
authors.forename: Zoe
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Mailloux
mesh_terms: D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000639:trends*; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice; D006801:Humans; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000639:trends*; D012678:Sensation Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*