The Role of Occupational Therapists in Schools and Their Collaboration with Speech and Language Therapists
Written By:
Occupational Therapist | Speech Therapy Services London Ltd.
Occupational therapists (OTs) play a critical role in supporting children within schools, enabling them to overcome participation challenges that school can bring. Their expertise is vital in addressing challenges that may affect a child’s ability to learn, engage socially, and thrive in the classroom. By working closely with speech and language therapists (SALTs), OTs ensure that each child receives comprehensive, multidisciplinary support tailored to their unique needs.
What Do Occupational Therapists Do in Schools?
In school settings, OTs focus on helping children develop the skills necessary for success in their educational and social environments. This includes:
1. Fine Motor Skills Development:
OTs help children improve skills required for writing, using scissors, and manipulating small objects. These foundational abilities are crucial for classroom tasks and daily activities.
2. Gross Motor Skills Development:
They also address challenges with posture, balance, and coordination, enabling children to sit comfortably, move efficiently, and participate in physical activities.
3. Sensory Processing Support:
Many children face difficulties in processing sensory information, which can impact attention, behaviour, motor skills, and emotional regulation. OTs design strategies and interventions to help children adapt to sensory stimuli in the school environment.
4. Self-Care Skills:
From fastening buttons to managing lunchtime routines, OTs assist children in becoming more independent in daily activities, promoting self-confidence and inclusion.
5. Accessibility and Environmental Adaptations:
OTs assess the physical classroom environment and recommend changes to allow for maximum participation. This may include specialized seating, sensory environment adaptations, assistive technology, or adjustments to classroom layouts.
How do Occupational Therapists and
Speech and Language Therapists Work Together?
Children often have overlapping needs that require a team approach. OTs and SALTs frequently collaborate to address challenges holistically, ensuring the best outcomes for the child. Their partnership is particularly effective when addressing:
1. Social Communication and Interaction:
SALTs work on verbal and non-verbal communication skills, while OTs address the physical and sensory components of social interaction, such as maintaining personal space, interpreting body language, and managing anxiety. This collaboration helps children navigate peer relationships more effectively.
2. Attention and Engagement in Learning:
SALTs may support language comprehension and expression, while OTs focus on sensory regulation and motor planning to improve a child’s ability to focus and participate in classroom activities.
3. Oral Motor and Feeding Challenges:
While SALTs focus on the mechanics of speech and swallowing, OTs contribute their expertise in posture, hand-to-mouth coordination, and sensory sensitivities that may impact eating habits. Together, they develop strategies to improve a child’s feeding and communication abilities.
4. Assistive Technology and Tools:
When a child uses tools to support communication, such as augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices, OTs ensure that the child can physically access and use the technology, while SLTs focus on language content and communication strategies.
What are the benefits of collaboration?
Collaboration between OTs and SLTs ensures a unified plan is made. Regular communication between these professionals ensures that interventions are consistent and progress is closely monitored. In addition, pupils are more likely to achieve their goals and expert advice for teacher’s will be covered in a quicker timeframe.
For example:
A child is struggling with handwriting and expressive language. The child is loosing confidence with school participation and the teacher is struggling to find new ways to communicate with them. As a result, behaviour is escalating and effecting the whole class. The OT may provide tailored exercises to improve fine motor coordination and address the sensory deficits impacting on precision and grip, while the SLT supports the development of vocabulary and sentence structure. By working together, they can integrate their strategies, such as having the child practice new vocabulary through multi-sensory writing activities that are also improving motor skills.
In summary,
Occupational Therapists are integral members of a school’s support team, providing specialised care that empowers children to succeed academically, socially, and personally. Their collaboration with speech and language therapists ensures that interventions are comprehensive, effective, and tailored to the child’s specific needs. Together, they create a supportive and neuro-affirming environment where every child can reach their full potential.
If you’d like to learn more about occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, or how our team can support your child’s needs, please feel free to contact us. We’re here to help!
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MEET MAI
Mai joins us with over 8 years’ experience in paediatrics, CAMHS, schools, and the community plus 3 years experience working with children with sensory needs. Mai will work collaboratively with parents to ensure that every child receives the tailored support they need to boost their confidence, independence, and participation in school, at home, and in the community.
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