Overview
The Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests (SIPT; Ayres, 1989) are a clinician-administered, norm-referenced series of tests designed to measure the sensory integration processes that underlie learning and behavior among children 4 years through 8 years, 11 months. Seventeen tests measure visual, tactile, and kinesthetic perception, as well as motor performance. The entire battery requires approximately two hours to administer, though individual tests take approximately 10 minutes and norms are available for each test. Scoring is completed via CD, which is sold separately. SIPT administration, scoring, and interpretation requires professional training. (Note: as of October 2015, the WPS Sensory Integration Certification Program was closed; the University of Southern California began offering courses in a continuing education format in summer 2016.)
Summary
Age: 4 years 0 months to 8 years 11 months
Time to Administer: Approximately 2 hours to administer all 17 tests; 10 minutes for individual tests
Method of Administration: Norm-referenced, clinician-administered; series of 17 tests designed to measure sensory integrative and praxis skills including visual, motor, tactile, and kinesthetic tasks; may be administered as a full battery or as individual subtests
Requires specialized training in sensory integration theory and administration of the SIPT.
Yields z-scores (M = 0, SD = 1) for each test, SEM bands
Subscales: Test Scores: Space Visualization; Figure Ground Perception; Standing Walking Balance; Design Copying; Postural Praxis; Bilateral Motor; Coordination; Praxis on Verbal Command; Constructional Praxis; Post-Rotary Nystagmus; Motor Accuracy; Sequencing Praxis; Oral Praxis; Manual Form Perception; Kinesthesia; Finger Identification; Graphesthesia; Localization of Tactile; Stimuli
Autism Related Research
Roley et al. (2015)
Age Range: 4-11 years
Sample Size: 89
Topics Addressed:
Characterize sensory integration and praxis patterns of children with ASD; whether these relate to social participation
Outcome:Roley et al. (2015)
Children with ASD showed relative strengths in visual praxis. Marked difficulties were evident in imitation praxis, vestibular bilateral integration, somatosensory perception, and sensory reactivity. Scores from the Sensory Processing Measure’s (SPM) Social Participation were inversely associated with areas of deficit on SIPT.
Conclusion: children with ASD display strengths in visuopraxis and difficulties with somatopraxis and vestibular functions, which appear to greatly affect SOCIAL participation.