From the category archives:
School-based occupational therapists work with children to help them reach their academic potential. Therapists that think they may be a good fit for school-based therapy should consider several factors before making the leap. [continue reading…]
{ 0 comments }
Occupational therapists are often part of a multidisciplinary team to treat patients. Many of the people that receive occupational therapy can also benefit from other services and therapies. In a hospital setting, occupational therapists often work together with doctors, nurses, and discharge planners to treat patients.
A school-based occupational therapist also has a team. Working effectively with your team allows you to provide better services to your students. Your team can also be a source of information and support.
If you are new to school-based therapy, it’s helpful to learn about what each team member does and how you can work together to help your students reach their goals. [continue reading…]
{ 0 comments }
Speech therapists need to have certain traits and skills, such as compassion, good communication, and patience, but that’s not all. If you are planning to work as a school-based speech therapist with children, there are also additional skills and traits you need to be successful.
As a therapist, it’s important to take an honest look at the skills you need to work on. Remember most of us, could always improve on something. Below are five skills and traits, school-based therapists should master. [continue reading…]
{ 0 comments }
As a school-based occupational therapist, you may treat children with various conditions including oppositional defiant disorder. Most children occasionally test boundaries. Teens may become a little rebellious. Toddlers might frequently say no to a caregiver and do what they want. Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is different.
According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, it is estimated that one to sixteen percent of school-age children have oppositional defiant disorder. Since not all children are diagnosed, it is difficult to determine an exact percentage.
The cause of oppositional defiant disorder is not fully understood. Children with the disorder often have signs of the condition from an early age. [continue reading…]
{ 0 comments }
For students considering a career as an occupational therapist, shadowing is one of the best ways to get an idea of what an OT does. Along with shadowing in settings, such as a hospital or clinic, it’s also beneficial to see OTs at work in other areas. Shadowing a school-based occupational therapist is one option to consider. [continue reading…]
{ 0 comments }
School-based speech therapists work with children will various types of conditions, such as down syndrome, autism, and cleft-palates. Although it might not be as common, school speech therapists also treat children who have had traumatic brain injuries (TBI). According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, about 18% of speech therapists who work in a school setting treat children with traumatic brain injuries.
Traumatic brain injuries in children may result from car accidents, falls, and sports-related injuries. Non-accidental brain injuries from abuse can also occur in children. Depending on the extent of the injury, children may have cognitive, physical, and speech impairments. [continue reading…]
{ 0 comments }
Occupational therapy is beneficial at any age, especially during the teenage years. Teens are transitioning into adulthood and hopefully moving towards more independence. Occupational therapy can help adolescents learn ways to deal with academic and social challenges they may face due to their disability. [continue reading…]
{ 0 comments }