Wrentham Public Schools Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy can look different depending on where your child receives services. Both types of OT support children’s growth, but they focus on different goals:

School-Based OT

School OT helps children develop the skills they need to participate in their school day. This includes things like functional handwriting skills , using classroom tools, and managing sensory needs so they can learn comfortably. School OT services are provided only if a skill challenge is affecting the child’s ability to access their education.

Outpatient OT

Outpatient OT takes a whole-child approach and can work on a wider range of life skills. Therapists may address things like strengthening, coordination, self-care skills (dressing, feeding, bathing), sensory processing, emotional regulation, and motor development. Outpatient OT can also focus on medical or developmental concerns that may not directly impact school performance.

In short:

● School OT - helps the child do well in school
● Outpatient OT - helps the child grow and succeed in all areas of daily life

Purpose of an Occupational Therapy Evaluation in Schools:

In school, an occupational therapy (OT) evaluation helps us understand how a child is developing the skills they need to participate independently and comfortably in their school day. These skills include things like handwriting, using school tools, organizing materials, paying attention, and managing sensory input.