When doctors recommend occupational or speech therapy for school-aged patients, some parents may respond that their children already receive therapy through the public school system. However, a doctor’s medical goals or the family’s functional goals and the goals of the school’s therapist often differ. Understanding the difference between school-based therapy and clinic-based therapy will help families avoid the false impression that services are being duplicated. More importantly, understanding the difference will help families avoid the pitfall of refusing helpful, clinic-based therapy because of the false impression.
For the most part, public schools deliver speech or occupational therapy under the orders of the Individuals with Disabilities Act–Part B. To qualify for services, children must meet the Act’s definition of being “disabled”. The Act states that school-based therapy must focus only on goals that are related to a child’s ability to benefit from special education. Therefore, school-based therapy puts emphasis on education-based skills. Challenges that affect a child’s ability to function normally at home or in the broader community may be excluded from therapy.
On the other hand, clinic-based therapy takes a more global outlook on the well-being of the child and the family. In the clinic setting, therapists will often coordinate with teachers, school-therapists, and physicians. Treatment focuses first on defining the underlying foundations of each child’s challenges. Subsequent therapy focuses on those foundations with goals that encompass success at home, school, public, and later in life.
On the other hand, clinic-based therapy takes a more global outlook on the well-being of the child and the family. In the clinic setting, therapists will often coordinate with teachers, school-therapists, and physicians. Treatment focuses first on defining the underlying foundations of each child’s challenges. Subsequent therapy focuses on those foundations with goals that encompass success at home, school, public, and later in life.
For optimal therapeutic outcomes, school-based therapy should be utilized in conjunction with intensive clinic-based services.
If you have questions about school or clinic based services and/or the differences between the two, speak to your occupational therapist, speech-language pathologist, and/or school administrator today. Or call us today to schedule your child’s FREE consultation or evaluation.
If you have questions about school or clinic based services and/or the differences between the two, speak to your occupational therapist, speech-language pathologist, and/or school administrator today. Or call us today to schedule your child’s FREE consultation or evaluation.
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