Winter Topic-November/December 1999
"Parent's Guide to Understanding the
SIPT(Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests"
I have had many inquiries regarding the SIPT(Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests). Many parents have heard of this test but are unclear on the age guidelines, areas measured and those certified to administer and score the tests. I hope that the following information will help parents better understand what this test is and when it should be used.
Introduction:
A. Jean Ayres, commonly referred to as the founder of Sensory Integration, designed/developed a standardized test to measure areas of sensory processing difficulties. The original form of the test was called the SCSIT(Southern California Sensory Integration Tests). Later research of this test determined that modification was in order to promote the reliability and validity of certain subtests. This lead to it's revised form given the name SIPT(Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests).
SIPT(Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests):
The SIPT(Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests) is a standardized test used to help identify difficulties in the different areas of sensory functioning. It is the only current standardized measure of it's kind aimed very specifically at the different areas often related to sensory integrative dysfunction. The SIPT is designed to test children between the ages of 4.0 years/months-8.11 years/months. It's use outside these designated age ranges is strongly urged against for the sake of result reliability and validity. The test itself contains 17 different standardized subtests. It is usually administered in 2-3 sessions often totalling 4-5 hours of rigorous testing procedures.
Results:
The results yielded help to show the areas of sensory processing that the child is having the most difficulty with. This is shown by scores deviating a certain portion away from the means of "average functioning" for each subtest. This test, although often extremely helpful in pinpointing specific areas of sensory processing delays, is not always necessary to identify sensory integrative dysfunction in children. This test does not make provisions for specific treatment planning nor treatment strategies to be used to remediate the identified dysfunction.
Cost:
The SIPT is a fairly expensive test, often not covered by insurance providers. Cost for the test ranges anywhere from $300.00 to over $1000.00 depending on which area of the country you are in.
Who Can Administer the SIPT?
The only providers who are qualified to administer the test must be SIPT certified. In order to become SIPT certified, a therapist must complete the following: A three day course in sensory integration theory, a five day course which teaches the administration of the all the items on the SIPT, and a three day course in interpretation of the results received after giving the SIPT. Lastly, they must also pass various practical examinations within the courses, a practical observation of the therapist's test giving skills, and a written competency exam. You can obtain a list of SIPT certified therapists in your area by contacting Sensory Integration International. Their website is located at . As can be clearly seen in this certification track, although it provides a great deal of useful information about sensory integration, SIPT certification does not address any treatment planning nor treatment strategies. SIPT certification implies only the ability to administer, score and interpret the results of this specific test.
Does a Therapist Need to Be SIPT Certifed to Treat Sensory Integrative Dysfunction?
NO. SIPT certification, although a helpful compliment, is not necessary for an occupational therapist to be able to successfully treat Sensory Integrative Dysfunction. In fact and as stated above, the coursework taken to become a SIPT certified therapist does not address any treatment strategies nor treatment planning. Sensory Integration Therapy is treatment administered by a therapist(typically an occupational or physical therapist), who has received additional training specific to this approach. This is often acheived by attending a variety of courses/seminars regarding the different components of treatment in this approach. A therapist with the appropriate continuing education can easily administer Sensory Based Therapy or Sensory Integrative Therapy without having ever been SIPT certified.
If you have questions/comments or would like more information regarding "Parent's Guide to Understanding the SIPT(Sensory Integration and Praxis Tests)" you can "Ask the Occupational Therapist" through our online response option by clicking below.
"Ask the Occupational Therapist"
*Some of the above information was taken from the SIPT Manual published by WPS.