Which option accurately describes the sequence of Ayres' phases?

• A. Phase 1: tactile/vestibular/proprioceptive integration in first year; Phase 2: emotional stability; Phase 3: speech language with auditory integration
• B. Phase 1: auditory integration; Phase 2: language; Phase 3: motor coordination
• C. Phase 1: visual processing; Phase 2: social skills; Phase 3: cognition
• D. Phase 1: motor skills; Phase 2: language; Phase 3: balance

Answer: (A)

The main idea is Ayres' three-stage progression of sensory integration, moving from foundational sensory organization to emotional regulation, then to higher-level processing like language with auditory integration. In Ayres' model, early on the child learns to organize tactile, vestibular, and proprioceptive input, which establishes a stable base in the first year. Once regulation improves, emotional stability follows, supporting more adaptive interactions with others and tasks. Finally, with solid regulation, the child can integrate auditory information with speech-language development, enabling more complex communication. That’s why the described sequence—early tactile/vestibular/proprioceptive integration, then emotional stability, then speech-language with auditory integration—best fits Ayres' phases. Other sequences don’t align with this developmental ordering, as they place auditory, visual, language, or higher-cognitive skills before foundational sensory integration.