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 31220

Bethesda, Maryland 20824-1220

www.aota.org

Sandra Schefkind, MS, OTR/L, Pediatric Coordinator

sschefkind@aota.org

301-652-2682 ext 2000