Have you ever wondered, “What is school-based occupational therapy?” or have you ever wondered “What makes school-based OT different than other OT services?”
In this blog post, I will explore the purpose of school-based OT, its benefits, and the process of receiving this type of occupational therapy.
School-Based occupational therapy focuses on helping students develop the skills they need to participate fully in school activities.
School-based OT is often recommended for students who have physical, developmental, or cognitive challenges that make it difficult for them to keep up with their peers in the classroom.
The Purpose of School-Based Occupational Therapy
The main purpose of school-based occupational therapy is to help students with disabilities participate fully in school activities.
Occupational therapists work with students to develop the skills they need to succeed in the classroom, such as fine motor skills, sensory processing skills, visual perception skills, and handwriting skills.
They also help students learn how to use adaptive equipment and assistive technology to support their learning.
The Benefits of School-Based Occupational Therapy
The benefits of school-based OT are numerous. For students, this type of therapy can help them:
- Improve academic performance
- Increase independence and self-esteem
- Develop social skills
- Manage sensory processing challenges
- Enhance physical abilities
For parents, school-based OT can provide peace of mind knowing their child is receiving the support they need to succeed in school.
Teachers and other school professionals also benefit from school-based OT because it helps them better understand the needs of their students and provides them with strategies to support those needs.
The Process of Receiving School-Based Occupational Therapy
The process of receiving school-based occupational therapy begins with a referral from a teacher, parent, or other school professionals.
Once a referral is made, an occupational therapist will conduct an evaluation to determine the student’s strengths and challenges.
Based on the results of the evaluation, if the student qualifies for services, the occupational therapist will develop an individualized treatment plan (IEP) that outlines specific goals and objectives.
Therapy sessions may take place in the classroom or in a designated therapy room, depending on the student’s needs.
What’s Next?
This post is meant to be an overview of school-based occupational therapy.
It is critical to continue to find out more about the process and if you are a parent, your rights.
There are many online resources that can help guide you on your journey (see below to get started).
If you are wondering what the difference is between school-based and medically based OT, keep an eye on this space and look for my upcoming blog post on the difference between the two.
Until next time.
Want to learn more? Click on the links below.
American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
AOTA information sheet on school-based OT
Occupational therapy as a related service (IDEA)
SuperKids Pediatric Consulting Services 