Enhancing the Clinical Identification of Sensory Integration Challenges in Children: Age-Based Modeling of the EASI Vestibular and Proprioceptive Tests

We developed a clinically applicable system for assessing vestibular and proprioceptive functions. The results showed marked developmental improvements, especially between ages 7 and 9 yr. The findings suggest that occupational therapists can use a hyperbolic model with EASI vestibular and proprioceptive tests to better identify SI challenges, which supports the development of evidence-based intervention plans. Plain-Language Summary: Sensory integration plays a vital role in children's typical development and tends to follow a predictable pattern as they grow. The Evaluation in Ayres Sensory Integration (EASI) is a tool that is used to assess children's sensory, motor, and motor planning skills. This study focused specifically on the vestibular and proprioceptive tests. The vestibular system in the inner ear maintains balance, posture, head position, and keeps our eyes stable during movement. Proprioception lets us sense limb position without seeing them. We assessed 209 children between the ages 3 and 12 years to explore how performance on these tests changes with age. We compared two types of models: (1) a linear model (which assumes steady, constant growth) and (2) a nonlinear model (which allows for more complex growth patterns). The results showed that the nonlinear hyperbolic model better captured how children's vestibular and proprioceptive abilities develop over time. One key finding was that these skills improved most noticeably between the ages of 7 and 9 years. We developed a clinical decision support system using the EASI vestibular and proprioceptive tests. For occupational therapists, this means that applying a hyperbolic model to interpret test results may lead to more accurate identification of sensory integration difficulties. This enhanced approach can guide the development of evidence-based intervention plans.