How does your child's OT report on progress?

[Anonymous]

My child has been in (private) OT during the past school year for some motor and sensory issues, and I've been frustrated with the feedback we're getting on what kind of progress is being made. The goals (which haven't been updated since last August) seem to me more OT vs. real life-based - that is, they look at things like how often beanbags get tossed into buckets, rather than how our child can perform a sports-related activity or a school-related activity such as drawing shapes. And the reports just say that things are improving. But I still have no sense as to how serious the problems are, how what the OT sees relates to what happens at home, whether there are going to be long-term effects on DC's schooling or participation in things like sports and music, etc. So I'm wondering what others receive as feedback from OTs. (And yes, we're thinking of switching OTs or practices.) Thanks!

[Anonymous]

My child went to Good Beginnings for over a year. I was always very disappointed in the lack of feedback and the process (or lack thereof) of identifying goals. It's actually quite appalling. We had 2 different therapist and the feedback failure was consistent. I would not recommend Good Beginnings.

[Anonymous]

Funny, we go to GB and our therapist gives us feedback after every session. Every few months we go over DC's goals and the progress toward the goals. When a goal is met, a new one is created.

[Anonymous]

Our DC goes to Skillbuilders for OT and we have been pleased. We get weekly feedback in the waiting room and progress is definitely mentioned with regard to school skills (handwriting, etc). Skillbuilders does not take insurance unfortunately, though they provided needed forms. (I think GB still takes insurance right?)

[Anonymous]

Great question. I don't get a lot of feedback either. I keep hearing about how much progress my child is making (it's been 2 years!) but I have never gotten any measurable feedback. I just keep hearing that he's doing great and needs to continue and to keep up the good work. I don't know how long I'll continue- but really- can't we throw beanbags at home? I really don't get it, so I don't know why I keep paying...

[Anonymous]

feedback can be challenging, but I just scheduled a specific just parent/ot conference to talk about progress, status, and goals and that helped enormously. Also - I have a pretty clear idea about the specific issues that OT can address (and it is not everything). We think about OT as just one tool in the playbook. We also do gymnastics, swimming, and soccer (during the season) and tons of parent floortime. So, I guess it depends on why you are in OT. We also sat in on the first few months of sessions and now also do so occassionally. So, i really was able to see exactly how my child progressed - in particular how his vestibular system matured and he could tolerate all sorts of movement that was challenging for him before and can also do more complex activity. Ditto for improvements in wanting to draw and letters. We are not there yet, but I see positive developments.

So, that would be my rec. Schedule a parent/OT conference and also consider sitting on some sessions to see how your child is progressing. -ak

[Anonymous]

My DD just started OT a few months ago. I get 5-minute general feedback after each session and am also allowed to observe through a one-way mirror. Honestly, though, I haven't seen anything magical happening and I am thinking about dropping. DD is there for handwriting and bilateral coordination. They spend an awful lot of time playing with theraputty and simple little games, all of which I could easily do myself at home. It's also hard when insurance hardly reimburses a thing. I am beginning to wonder if OT is being overprescribed for kids like mine.