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What is an Occupational Therapist for? Is it routine?

disneyprincess

Hi,

My daughter who is 4 years and 10 months attends an autistic rescourse based school.

I had a letter home today to say that they have requested an occupational therapist to come and do some observations on her. They then go on to say that they will update me with the results.

I am unsure why they have requested this? Is this something that all children diagnosed with autism get to check their progress or is it only called for when the staff think there is a problem.

She has a taxi/escort to school so I only communicate with the staff via her daily diary which is sent home every night.

She is very happy at the school, I am sat here worrying that maybe they think there is a problem, and that she may be moved somewhere else but surely they'd tell me if they thought this.

Has anyone else's children been visited by an occupational therapist and is it routine?

Thanks for any help.

  • I don't THINK that the OTs alone would be able to give a second opinion in relation to her suitability to integrate back into the mainstream.  If anything, I imagine it's because they've picked up on some additional needs that she has rather than the reverse.  I'm quite sure they couldn't move her back over without a good deal of discussion with you first and your agreement. 

    It can be a very stressful time can't it?  All these people seeing your child, especially if you don't fully understand why.  You can feel a bit out of control.  Perhaps it is worth you asking for a  regular phone appointment with school just to voice your concerns and explain you feel a bit 'out of the loop'.  I'm pretty sure they need your consent to have people come in a review your daughter and you can only really give it if you understand why they are coming in the first place. 

    Best of luck.

  • Hi, That is great. I can imagine it would be a bit scary someone outlining her areas where she needs help but I welcome any help. I was just a bit worried that they might have thought that she wasnt fitting into the setting and what they wanted as its a very small resource base on the side of a mainsteam school and they look to try and integrate the children slowly into mainstream lessons. I thought if they thought she wouldnt be able to do this then they might have requested a second opinion.

    If its going to be something that will benefit both her and us then it will be excellent.

    Thanks for your help, you've put my mind at rest Smile

  • My son is seen by the OT's regularly and they have offered really good advice.  They have covered everything from fine/gross motor skills to ways  to make shopping easier and everything inbetween.  It has only been a positive experience as far as I am concerned.  Yes, they did come along and point out the areas where he has significant problems which is a bit scarey at first, but they have given a lot of advice which has really helped!

  • Hi, Thanks for your reply.

    I found it strange why they didnt speak to me about it and got a bit worried. However, I am glad of any additional help she can get as she has more then a few areas of the list above where she needs help mostly including eating, dressing and play skills.

    I really appreciate the time you've taken to give me some information.

    Hopefully it will be a positive experiance that she can get something out of which will help her.

    Thanks Smile