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Beginner Guide

What OT Sessions Look Like — and How to Collaborate with Your Team

New to occupational therapy? This guide explains session formats, what therapists work on, how families participate, and how to track progress across home, school, and clinic.

Back to Beginner Hub Read: Starting Therapy Read: Funding & Insurance 101

Quick overview

  • Session length & frequency: commonly 30–60 minutes, weekly or every other week, adjusted to goals and availability.
  • Focus areas: participation in daily activities (ADLs), sensory regulation, fine/visual‑motor skills, handwriting, play, feeding, and more.
  • Family involvement: observe, coach, and practice strategies; your input guides real‑life goals.
  • Data & progress: therapists document goals, strategies, and outcomes—you should see periodic progress updates.
Tip: Bring a short list of recent wins and challenges to each visit; it helps target the session.

Where sessions happen

Clinic

Equipment‑rich spaces (swings, scooter boards, climbing) for sensory‑motor work, fine‑motor tools, and feeding rooms.

Often best for targeted practice with specialized equipment.

School

Focus on educational access and participation: handwriting, classroom routines, organization, regulation for learning.

Delivered under an IEP or 504 plan.

Home / Early Intervention

Coaching in natural routines like meals, bath, dressing, play, or bedtime—high carryover to daily life.

Especially common for ages birth–3.

Telehealth may be an option for coaching, home setup, and caregiver training.

Typical session flow

  1. Check‑in & plan — share updates (sleep, school notes, successes); agree on focus for today.
  2. Warm‑up & regulation — movement or heavy‑work prep; visual schedule for the session.
  3. Targeted activities — playful tasks tied to goals (e.g., fine‑motor games, handwriting drills, feeding steps).
  4. Coaching & modeling — therapist explains the “why,” shows you how, and has you try it.
  5. Cool‑down — calming routine; quick debrief.
  6. Home plan — choose 1–2 practice ideas; note duration/frequency; confirm next steps.

Your role as a parent/caregiver

  • Share context: what’s working this week, times of day that are tough, upcoming events or changes.
  • Observe strategies and practice them during the session with coaching.
  • Pick small, doable home activities (2–5 minutes) that fit natural routines.
  • Track what helps and what doesn’t; bring notes to the next session.

Try this: Use our Sensory Diet App to log what you try at home and share results with your therapist.

Goals, documentation & progress

Goals

Clear, functional goals guide sessions (e.g., “participate in morning routine with one prompt”). Ask to review or re‑prioritize as life changes.

Documentation

Therapists record strategies, responses, and safety notes. You can request summaries or progress updates.

Measuring progress

Look for both skill growth (e.g., buttoning) and participation (e.g., smoother transitions). Track across settings: home, school, community.

Home programs & sensory plans

  • Start tiny: 1–2 strategies before predictable tough times.
  • Use visuals/choice boards so your child can request preferred tools.
  • Pair vestibular input with deep pressure/heavy work when appropriate.
  • Stop anything that causes pain, dizziness, or distress; adjust with your OT.

Open free templates in the app

Collaboration across settings

School

Share clinic notes with the IEP/504 team. Ask how classroom strategies (fidgets, seating, visuals) will be taught and monitored.

Medical

Update your pediatrician; request referrals or letters of medical necessity when needed for insurance or equipment.

Other providers

Coordinate with SLP/PT/behavior specialists so home strategies are consistent and realistic.

Questions to ask your OT

  • What are the top two goals we’re working on this month?
  • Which strategies should we practice at home, and how often?
  • How will we know if a strategy is helping? What should we look for?
  • Can you share a brief summary we can send to school?

Safety notes

  • Use weighted items and intensive vestibular activities with OT guidance.
  • Supervise new or intense activities; stop if there’s pain, dizziness, or distress.
  • Ask about alternative options if something isn’t tolerated.

FAQ

Can adults use OT for sensory goals?
Yes. Adults benefit from proactive strategies for work, commutes, and sleep. Adjust intensity, duration, and equipment with your OT.
How do we handle cancellations and make‑ups?
Ask about your clinic’s policy. Some offer cancellation lists, telehealth, or home‑program reviews to keep momentum.
How do we share progress with school?
Request brief progress notes from the clinic OT and bring them to IEP/504 meetings. Align school accommodations with home strategies.