Role of Occupational Therapy in Advancing School Mental Health
Occupational Therapy Promotes: Active Participation Engagement in Daily Routines Independent Living Skills
Areas of Occupation: Social Participation Work Play Leisure Education Daily Living
Occupational Therapy practitioners have unique knowledge and skills in: Task Analysis Modification of Task or Environment …To Enhance School Function
Occupational Therapy Supports: All Students, with or without disabilities Children to meet demands of student role Access, participation, and progress in curriculum In collaboration with team including parents
Examples of service provision: Early detection through screening Enhance social participation during school routines in cafeteria and playground Professional development for school personnel, for example: psychoeducation Develop strategies to address sensory needs Promote leisure and play skills
Examples of service provision: Teaching strategies for organization Promoting self advocacy Identifying learning styles Enhancing ability to manage stress
AOTA, Inc. American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) is the professional organization representing the interests of more than 100,000 occupational therapy practitioners.
Completed AOTA Activities On SMH: Formed Task Group of Experts Developed FAQ
Current AOTA Activities on SMH: Planning SMH presentation for AOTA Conference 2009 Connecting to States Engaging in community work of IDEA Partnership
Future AOTA Activities on SMH: Develop: Fact Sheet OT Practice Article Strengthen: Collaboration with multi-disciplinary partners
FAQ on School Mental Health
Contact: American Occupational Therapy Association 4720 Montgomery Lane PO Box Bethesda, Maryland Sandra Schefkind, MS, OTR/L, Pediatric Coordinator ext 2000