FYI: OT & PT Questions
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Physical and Occupational Therapy?
Occupational and Physical therapy services are two of the many services that can be used to help make sure that your child is able to participate and learn to the best of his or her abilities. Both services focus on strength and body awareness, positioning, sensory skills. There are some differences between them however.
Occupational Therapy services focus more with fine motor skills (such as handwriting or cutting skills) and self care skills (such as washing hands or using the bathroom)
Physical Therapy on the other hand focuses on Gross motor skills (like walking or running) and independent mobility (like getting from class or being able to get around during recess)
What is the difference between physical/occupational therapy in school versus going to see a physical/occupational therapist outside of school for my child?
When your child is seeing a therapist in school, we are typically working on making sure that he or she is able to get to learn and get an education. Services are also provided in school and in the classroom, in such a way that we try to interrupt your child's education as little as possible. The focus is to help promote your child's independence and participation in school activities.
Therapy outside of the school typically focuses on making sure children are able to do all that they want to do outside school, and does not center on school and learning. It also is usually provided in a setting outside of school and can involve using different activities, equipment and resources to help improve in mobility and functional activities not related to school. Services provided outside of school may promote independence, but also could rely on family and caretaker services to help.
What are collaborative student-centered goals?
Collaborative goals are a group effort of those who are a part of the student's education. The whole process from start to finish is centered on the student's education. The whole team works together when they notice a child is having difficulty in school to assess what we can do and how we can help make sure your child is able to learn.
What is the difference between consult and direct services?