Pediatric Occupational, and Speech therapies have more advantages than disadvantages. One important factor to consider when choosing the best therapy for your child, in order to maximize its advantages, is the environment in which the therapy is delivered.
The Benefits of Therapy in a School Setting
Children benefit from therapy provided within a school setting because they are treated by professionals who view the process as a collaborative one. Your child is more likely to be seen by the therapist in the school setting because it’s a more natural setting for them to get to know your child. Your child’s therapist is assessing social, emotional, and academic impacts of your child’s functioning. School settings afford your therapist greater insight into your child’s everyday life. By doing so, it is possible to identify any difficulties that might arise during the day that could obstruct or facilitate therapy progress. The school environment can be used for therapy sessions to help your child navigate everyday life more independently, as well as provide guidance to administrators and teachers on how to best help students reach their individual goals.
What is unique about therapy in a school setting?
When the therapist sees your child in a school setting, it allows speech therapists to get detailed information about your child’s strengths and weaknesses. The observations made by others can guide the therapy being provided. Children who stutter or have articulation difficulties need Speech therapists to collaborate with teachers in order to find out if these difficulties are hindering their academic performance. A child who is doing well in Speech therapy may be reevaluated and may be close to being discharged. However, if communication with the classroom teacher is established and the therapist discovers that the speech difficulties interfere with academic performance, there will be enough evidence to continue therapy. Therapy frequency and duration are determined by the IEP team, therapy may be done in groups or individually. As a parent or guardian, you are part of this team, along with the administration, therapists, and teachers.
What are some advantages of therapy in a clinic setting?
The school setting may allow for occupational therapy and physical therapy to be done in the classroom and in a therapy room. Classroom therapy focuses mainly on improving fine and gross motor skills, stamina and attention to learning tasks through the use of specific tools and techniques. Your child can benefit from Physical and Occupational Therapy in school by having the therapist analyze the environment and make suggestions to maximize participation and success. Your child can benefit from Physical and Occupational Therapy in school by having the therapist analyze the environment and make suggestions to maximize participation and success. A successful therapy session leads to a more successful classroom experience.
What are some potential disadvantages of therapy in a school setting?
No matter what therapy setting your child attends, he or she will need to be excused from class. It is not possible to provide all therapy services in the classroom. Communication between your child’s therapist, classroom teacher, parents, and administration regarding the best times and places for therapy is important. When your child receives therapy in the school setting, his or her therapist will have to use more creativity. There may not be the tools needed for sessions on campus, and bringing them to every session may not be feasible. Creativity and collaboration are the keys to success with on campus therapy.
The Benefits of Therapy in a Clinic
It is common for the environment in which clinical therapy takes place to be simulated to mimic a variety of settings, such as a classroom, kitchen, playroom, or other social setting. The therapists here will work together to ensure that your child receives the best and most well researched therapy. In comparison to an in-school therapy session, where the toys and tools may not be available for each session, clinical therapy ensures that each session goes smoothly with all necessary materials always available. As the parent or guardian you will have access to professionals who understand your child’s needs and accommodations. You can also interact with other parents and guardians facing the same challenges and successes as you. The various needs of your child and other children with similar needs are taken into account when creating the environment in which clinical therapy takes place.
What is unique about therapy in a clinic?
AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) Therapy, sensory integration therapy, and neurodevelopmental therapy are among the speciality services provided in clinical therapy. Children benefit greatly from receiving services in a controlled environment. Parents and guardians can observe techniques used by the therapist and implement some of the same things at home. Because clinical therapy is in a controlled environment, the sole focus is on the therapy and achieving those therapeutic goals.
Individual clinical therapy is provided to the child, along with training for the parent or guardian when at-home therapy is needed. If a child is stable and will only require maintenance therapy, therapy may be decreased or discontinued when targeted skills are achieved, no progress is being made, or required participation in services cannot be obtained.
What are some potential disadvantages of therapy in a clinic setting?
In clinical therapy, the therapist is not always able to gain the same insight into the impact of your child’s learning. Therapy is also conducted outside of school. As a result, your child may need to be checked in late or checked out early from school in order to make it to appointments at the clinic. As far as cost, frequency, and duration are concerned, insurance companies determine these things.
How do I know which type of therapy setting will be most advantageous and valuable for my specific child?
Choosing the right therapy environment for your child requires consideration of their individual needs. Communicating with teachers, therapists, and administrators is essential when making this decision. Support groups can also be a good resource for parents and guardians. You can gain insight from others who have faced similar decisions. You know your child better than anyone else. Learn as much as you can about your child’s disability. Your child may benefit from a combination of clinic and school therapy at various stages of therapy. In most cases, combining both therapy environments is the best approach. The key is to keep an eye on the bigger picture! How does your child’s needs affect their lives and what tools can we give him or her to be their best self and achieve the most success both inside and outside of school?
How do I know what environment is best for my child’s therapy?
When choosing the right environment for therapy it is important to consider the different needs of your child. Communication with therapists, teachers, and administrators is very important when making this decision. Asking questions to parents and guardians in different support groups is also important. Others have had to make similar decisions and can help provide insight. No one knows your child better than you. It is important to learn as much as you can about your child and their disability. At various stages of therapy your child may benefit from therapy in the clinic, school, or both. Often the combination of both therapy environments is best. The bigger picture is key.
New Jersey is home to three convenient Therapy Place clinics. There are many schools in this area that our therapists serve as well. For a free evaluation and consultation, call us today to find out which therapies and environments your child will benefit from.
Call us todayat The Therapy Place to hear about which services would be best for your child! Or visit our website at https://www.therapyplacenj.com/
Medically removed by Leah Gross OTR/L
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Occupational therapist in schools: Role, Skills, & Benefits. (n.d.). Retrieved November 12, 2022, from https://www.sunbeltstaffing.com/blog/occupational-therapist-in-schools-role-skills-benefits/
Bcotbadmin. (2022, August 12). Benefits of in-clinic therapy: ABA therapy provider: BCOTB. Behavior Analysts Tampa: ABA Therapy, Autism, Behavior Problems. Retrieved November 13, 2022, from https://bcotb.com/benefits-of-in-clinic-therapy/
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