AOTA Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield AOTA facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. In Ayres' hierarchy of sensory integration development, which level involves the integration of vestibular, proprioceptive, and tactile inputs? → Level 2 — body percept, bilateral coordination, gravitational security
2. Vestibular system receptors are located in which structure of the inner ear? → Semicircular canals and otolith organs
3. How does the proprioceptive system assist with motor planning? → By offering feedback on body movements and spatial positioning.
4. A therapist notices a loose bolt on a platform swing before a session. The BEST course of action is to: → Remove the swing from service and report the defect immediately
5. What is the importance of informed consent in sensory integration therapy? → It ensures that the client is aware of the therapy's benefits, risks, and goals.
6. For a child with a recent orthopaedic injury, which step is ESSENTIAL before resuming sensory integration activities that involve movement? → Obtain physician clearance specifying any movement restrictions
7. In Sensory Integration theory, the term 'sensory dormancy' or 'under-registration' refers to: → Failure to notice or respond to sensory stimuli that most people detect
8. A child who gags at the sight of certain foods, dislikes tags in clothing, and avoids standing in lines is most likely demonstrating: → Tactile and gustatory hypersensitivity
9. A therapist is training a therapy assistant (OTA) to support SI sessions. Which task should the OTA NEVER perform independently without OT supervision? → Modifying or grading the intensity of sensory intervention based on client response
10. The limbic system's primary role in sensory integration involves: → Emotional and arousal responses to sensory input
11. Which abbreviation system should a therapist use when documenting SI sessions in a medical record? → Only facility-approved abbreviations listed in the official abbreviation policy
12. What is peer review in AOTA Pharmacology & Medication Management? → Quality evaluation by qualified colleagues for improvement
13. What is evidence-based practice in AOTA Infection Control & Prevention? → Integrating research evidence with expertise and client needs
14. Which action by a therapist best demonstrates the principle of 'source control' in a post-pandemic sensory integration clinic? → Requiring clients to wear masks when symptomatic
15. Which standardized assessment is specifically designed to measure tactile discrimination and vestibular-proprioceptive processing in children ages 4–8? → DeGangi-Berk Test of Sensory Integration
16. When a teacher requests classroom strategies for a student with sensory processing challenges, the OT is providing which level of service? → Consultation and collaboration
17. Which outcome measure BEST evaluates the effectiveness of family education in sensory integration? → Parent self-report of confidence and competence in implementing sensory strategies
18. A therapist notices a child becomes dysregulated after 20 minutes in a noisy classroom but is calm in a quiet room. This pattern best illustrates which concept? → Sensory modulation disorder
19. How does the proprioceptive system contribute to sensory integration? → It assists in understanding body movements and positioning.
20. Under HIPAA and AOTA ethical standards, an OT may share a client's sensory integration assessment results with a teacher without a signed release when: → The teacher is part of the IEP team and sharing is for treatment purposes under IDEA
21. A pediatric OT is consulting about a child whose melatonin supplementation has been increased. What sensory integration consideration becomes most relevant? → Possible residual drowsiness affecting morning alertness and engagement
22. An occupational therapist is setting up a sensory gym for immunocompromised pediatric clients. Which air quality measure is MOST important? → Installing HEPA filtration systems
23. In Ayres Sensory Integration, which processing system is foundational to BOTH postural control AND praxis development? → Vestibular-proprioceptive processing
24. Neural pruning during development refines sensory integration by: → Eliminating weak or unused synaptic connections to improve neural efficiency
25. Which of the following is a contraindication for vestibular stimulation in pediatric sensory integration treatment? → History of seizures or undiagnosed neurological conditions
26. When conducting a sensory history with a caregiver, which area of inquiry is MOST relevant to identifying vestibular processing differences? → Response to movement activities such as swings, car rides, and spinning
27. When assessing gravitational insecurity, which behavioral observation would be most informative? → Excessive emotional distress when feet leave the ground or when height changes occur
28. Which type of touch receptor provides the slow-adapting tactile input most relevant to tactile discrimination? → Merkel's discs
29. What are the five process groups in AOTA project management? → Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring & Controlling, Closing
30. A child consistently avoids light touch, becomes distressed when touched unexpectedly, and refuses certain clothing textures. This pattern most likely reflects: → Sensory modulation disorder — tactile overresponsivity