How is school-based occupational therapy different from outpatient or home-based occupational therapy?

All occupational therapists work to help people participate in meaningful activities, called occupations. The primary occupations of children are school and play. A school-based occupational therapist works with students, parents, general and special education teachers, school psychologists, speech and language pathologists, and physical therapists to help children experience success at school.

Children qualify for occupational therapy services at school when their disability prevents them from fully participating at school. Some children with disabilities are able to be successful in school without additional support from an occupational therapist. Others may need the support of a school-based occupational therapist to meet their needs at school and an outpatient or home-based occupational therapist to help them experience success in activities outside of school.

 If you have concerns about your child’s ability to participate in school, discussing these concerns with your child’s teacher can help you determine if your child needs additional support. If there are concerns about participation in activities outside of school, talk with your child’s pediatrician to help you identify areas of concern and refer you to specialists, such as occupational therapists.

For more information on the role of occupational therapy in the schools:

 AOTA Fact Sheet - Occupational Therapy in School Settings

 If you would like more information on how school-based occupational therapists can support educators:

 School-based Occupational Therapy - Frequently Asked Questions for Educators