Marina Scott MS, OTR/L

The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to School-Based Occupational Therapy Is Here!

If you’re stepping into the world of school-based occupational therapy or thinking about making the transition, you likely have more questions than answers. What’s the difference between clinical and school-based OT? How do you handle IEPs, caseloads, and collaboration with teachers? Where do you even start? You’re not alone—and that’s exactly why I created AContinue reading “The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to School-Based Occupational Therapy Is Here!”

Creating Inclusive Spaces: A Pediatric Occupational Therapist’s Perspective

As a pediatric occupational therapist, I’ve spent over two decades supporting children of all abilities to navigate their world more comfortably, confidently, and independently. Whether I’m working in a classroom, clinic, home, or community space, one message remains clear: inclusive environments matter. They don’t just benefit children with disabilities—they create a more empathetic, accessible, andContinue reading “Creating Inclusive Spaces: A Pediatric Occupational Therapist’s Perspective”

The Difference Between Developmentally Appropriate and Academically Appropriate: A Pediatric Occupational Therapist’s Perspective

As a pediatric occupational therapist, I often encounter parents, educators, and caregivers who struggle to understand the difference between what is developmentally appropriate and what is academically appropriate for children. In today’s fast-paced, achievement-driven society, there is a growing emphasis on academic milestones at younger ages, often at the expense of a child’s natural developmentalContinue reading “The Difference Between Developmentally Appropriate and Academically Appropriate: A Pediatric Occupational Therapist’s Perspective”

10 Tips For What To Do When Your Child Has BIG Feelings

If you are a parent, you are probably no stranger to “big feelings” from your child. They aren’t called the terrible twos and the teen years for no reason. But even children who are not 2 years old or a teenager can have big feelings. Sometimes, it can seem that our children always have bigContinue reading “10 Tips For What To Do When Your Child Has BIG Feelings”

School-Based Vs. Medically-Based Occupational Therapy. What’s the Difference?

I frequently get asked the question “What’s the difference between school-based and medically-based occupational therapy?”. Working in schools, sometimes there is confusion with staff and parents between what a school-based OT should be addressing vs what is considered medically-based OT. Whether you are a school-based OT or a medically-based OT, parent, teacher or caregiver, theContinue reading “School-Based Vs. Medically-Based Occupational Therapy. What’s the Difference?”

A Summer Refresh

If you are a school-based clinician your summer has either begun or is about to begin. I don’t know about you, but summer is always bittersweet. I miss my students and families but also look forward to the break. The end of the school year is always busy and even 21 years into my careerContinue reading “A Summer Refresh”

5 Fun Summer Activities to Improve Your Child’s Fine and Visual Motor Skills

Summer is a great time to engage in fun activities with your child while also improving their fine and visual motor skills. Here are 5 fun summer activities to improve your child’s fine and visual motor skills. Incorporating these five activities into your child’s summer routine can help improve their fine and visual motor skillsContinue reading “5 Fun Summer Activities to Improve Your Child’s Fine and Visual Motor Skills”

How Can Occupational Therapy Help With Executive Function?

Occupational therapy (OT) helps children and people of all ages to engage in daily activities, occupations, and roles that are meaningful and important to them. Occupational therapists often work with children who have difficulty with executive function skills. What is Executive Function? Executive function refers to the cognitive processes that help children plan, organize, initiate,Continue reading “How Can Occupational Therapy Help With Executive Function?”

Discharging Students from School-Based Occupational Therapy Services: A Guide for Parents and Educators

As a parent or educator, it can be challenging to navigate the process of discharging a student from school-based occupational therapy services. Discharging a student from occupational therapy services can be a positive outcome, indicating that the student has made significant progress in achieving their goals. In this blog post, I will discuss what theContinue reading “Discharging Students from School-Based Occupational Therapy Services: A Guide for Parents and Educators”

What is School-Based Occupational Therapy?

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 developContinue reading “What is School-Based Occupational Therapy?”