How To Collaborate Effectively With Your Child's Occupational Therapist

Working effectively with your child's occupational therapist (OT) is crucial for maximizing the benefits of therapy and ensuring consistent support across environments. Here's a comprehensive guide for a productive partnership with your child's OT:

Understand the Goals

1. Clarify Therapy Objectives: Begin by understanding the specific goals set for your child. Ask the OT to explain the purpose of different exercises and how they contribute to your child's progress.

2. Stay Informed About the Therapy Plan: Request regular updates on the therapy plan and any adjustments made over time. Understanding the plan helps you reinforce these strategies at home.

Effective Communication

1. Establish Regular Check-ins: Schedule regular meetings or calls to discuss progress, challenges, and any adjustments needed in the therapy plan. Consistent communication ensures that you and the OT are on the same page.

2. Share Observations and Concerns: Your insights as a parent are invaluable. Share observations about your child's behavior, challenges, and any changes you notice at home or in other settings.

3. Be Open to Feedback: Occupational therapists can help you effectively support your child's development. Be receptive to their advice and feedback.

Reinforce Therapy at Home

1. Implement Strategies at Home: Work with the OT to identify strategies and exercises that can be easily incorporated into your daily routine. Consistent practice is key to progress.

2. Use Therapeutic Tools and Resources: Ask the therapist for recommendations on therapeutic toys, tools, and resources to support your child's development at home.

Create Independence

1. Encourage Independence: Based on the therapist's recommendations, look for opportunities to encourage your child's independence in daily tasks, such as dressing, eating, and personal hygiene.

2. Create a Supportive Environment: As the OT recommends, modify your home environment to support your child's therapy goals. This might include organizing spaces to reduce distractions or using adaptive equipment.

Collaborate on Problem-Solving

1. Work Together to Address Challenges: If you encounter challenges, brainstorm solutions with the OT. Their expertise can help you find effective strategies to overcome obstacles.

2. Set Realistic Expectations: Understand that progress can be slow and varies from child to child. Setting realistic expectations can help maintain a positive outlook and reduce frustration.

Support from School and Community

1. Coordinate with School: If applicable, facilitate communication between the OT and your child's school to ensure that therapeutic strategies are consistently applied across environments.

2. Leverage Community Resources: Ask the OT about community resources, groups, or activities that could support your child's development outside of therapy sessions.

Personal Growth and Learning

1. Educate Yourself: Take the initiative to learn more about your child's needs. Attend workshops, read books, or join support groups the OT may recommend.

2. Practice Self-Care: Supporting a child with occupational therapy needs can be challenging. Remember to take care of your own physical and emotional well-being.

These strategies can build a strong, collaborative relationship with your child's occupational therapist. This partnership is essential for creating a cohesive support system that nurtures your child's development and helps them achieve their full potential.

Kimberley Arnett-DeSimone, a career pediatric occupational therapist in Huntersville, North Carolina, authored this post.