OT Practice

BIG List of Sample IEP Goals for School Occupational Therapy

1. Abstract thinking: The student will develop abstract thinking skills to understand and apply concepts or ideas that are not concrete or directly observable. 2. Adaptive equipment and strategies: The student will learn to use adaptive equipment or strategies to accommodate physical or cognitive challenges and maximize independence in daily activities. 3. Assistive technology: The … Read more

Alternative Outcome Measures (with Examples) to Behavioral Reward-Based Approach in School Occupational Therapy

Why Not Behavioral in School In a recent blog post, I discussed the limitations of the rewards-based behavioral approach commonly used in schools. I highlight how relying solely on external incentives can have negative effects, such as a short-term focus, dependency on rewards, diminished interest in learning, unrealistic expectations, competition, narrow task focus, and a … Read more

The Problem With Rewards-Based Approach to School Occupational Therapy

In occupational therapy school, students learn about the behavioral approach for pediatrics and mental health. This approach is widely popular across different practices and beliefs from parenting to schools to the workplace. However, there are many potential problems with using a systematic rewards-based approach in schools for students and their learning, motivation, success, and growth. … Read more

Push In versus Pull Out in School Occupational Therapy

Introduction In school occupational therapy, the delivery of services can be approached through two primary models: push-in and pull-out services. These models provide different ways of supporting students in achieving their therapy goals within the school environment. By understanding the characteristics and benefits of each model, occupational therapists can tailor their interventions to meet the … Read more

What is Skilled Occupational Therapy? And What is NOT?

What is skilled occupational therapy? Introduction to Skilled Therapy Occupational therapy is a highly skilled profession and skilled therapy is important for occupational therapy practitioners (occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants) to understand as it affects how they choose the therapy they deliver, provide interventions, and even more importantly document and bill for them. First, … Read more

Occupational Therapy Practice Guidelines

One helpful resource for occupational therapy practitioners, both occupational therapists and occupational therapy practitioners is using evidence-informed research for practice. However, OTPs often don’t have the time, knowledge, or energy to research approaches for conditions. Furthermore, staying on top best-practices for multiple conditions can be even more time-consuming. One of the benefits of becoming an … Read more

The Evidence-Based Practice Contradiction in Occupational Therapy

The term evidence-based practice (EBP) is now widely used, taught, and practiced. But should occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) accept EBP as the ‘gold standard’ for how we choose OT interventions? What are the downsides to EBP for a health profession like OT? What can we do instead? What should we use instead? The term evidence-based medicine … Read more

Fidgeting vs. Stimming in Autism

This post will use identify-first language, e.g., Autistic person, as the community overwhelmingly prefers this language, and the capital A is in accordance with APA recommendations. You may or may not have heard of the term ‘stimming’, which is a colloquial term for motor stereotyped behaviors such as finger-flicking, hand flapping, and rocking back and … Read more