Advertise on podcast: The OT Schoolhouse Podcast for School-Based OT Practitioners

Many school-based occupational therapists are working with students who have cortical visual impairment (CVI) but don't recognize it. Unlike ocular visual impairments, CVI is a brain-based processing issue that affects functional vision in ways that fluctuate with environment, fatigue, and sensory complexity. In this episode, Lauren Andelin, OTD, OTR/L, BCP, assistant professor at Virginia Commonwealth University and assistive technology clinician at Children's Hospital, explains what CVI looks like in school settings and why it matters for OT practice. This episode is for school-based OT practitioners who may be working with students with CVI without fully recognizing the signs, or who want practical strategies to support functional vision in the classroom. Lauren explains the difference between ocular and cortical visual impairments, shares the key behavioral signs to watch for, and offers immediately useful strategies like using preferred colors, managing visual complexity, and understanding visual fatigue. Whether you suspect a student on your caseload might have CVI or you want to better support students with known diagnoses, this episode will give you actionable strategies you can use starting tomorrow. Listen now to learn the following objectives: — Learners will describe why CVI is a brain-based visual processing difference and how environmental factors like clutter, lighting, fatigue, and sensory load can affect functional vision. — Learners will identify common behavioral signs and red flags that may indicate CVI in school settings. — Learners will recognize why CVI is often under-identified and misunderstood in schools. Thanks for tuning in! Thanks for tuning into the OT Schoolhouse Podcast brought to you by the OT Schoolhouse Collaborative Community for school-based OTPs. In OTS Collab, we use community-powered professional development to learn together and implement strategies together. Don't forget to subscribe to the show and check out the show notes for every episode at OTSchoolhouse.com See you in the next episode!

What if the way we've been supporting autistic students is missing the mark? In this groundbreaking episode, Jayson sits down with Kieran Rose—autistic advocate, researcher, and author—to tackle the tough questions school-based OT practitioners submitted about autism, masking, stimming, and neurodiversity-affirming practice. This isn't your typical autism training. Kieran challenges core assumptions about behavioral interventions, handwriting goals, conformity in classrooms, and what "support" really means for autistic students. You'll hear why masking isn't just "acting neurotypical for a bit," how monotropic attention changes everything about learning, and why occupational therapy is uniquely positioned as the most important profession for autistic people—if we return to our justice roots. Jayson and Kieran also discuss the moral injury many school-based OTs feel when trapped between what they know students need and what the system allows, the problem with ABA's grip on schools, and practical ways to create "islands of safety" even within flawed systems. This episode tackles the hard questions. Kieran doesn't offer quick fixes — but does offer frameworks, permission to rethink your goals, and the reminder that holding space for one hour a week might save a life. Listen if: You've ever felt trapped between what a student needs and what the system demands. Listen now to learn the following objectives: Learners will understand the difference between impression management (context switching) and masking (chronic identity management driven by stigma and lack of safety), and describe its impact on autistic students' long-term mental and physical health outcomes. Learners will understand how masking can impact autistic students' long-term mental and physical health outcomes. Learners will understand the concept of monotropism and how deep, focused attention can make frequent school transitions difficult for autistic students. Learners will identify common school-based demands that may unintentionally prioritize conformity over meaningful participation, such as forced eye contact, suppressing stimming, sitting still, or handwriting expectations. Thanks for tuning in! Thanks for tuning into the OT Schoolhouse Podcast brought to you by the OT Schoolhouse Collaborative Community for school-based OTPs. In OTS Collab, we use community-powered professional development to learn together and implement strategies together. Don't forget to subscribe to the show and check out the show notes for every episode at OTSchoolhouse.com See you in the next episode!

What if occupational therapy wasn't confined to pullout sessions and IEP goals? Nicole Pfirman, M.Ed., OTR/L, shares how she brought an OT lens to every role—designing multi sensory environments for behavioral regulation, creating prevention and wellness teams that operated outside of special education, and reframing the "mental health crisis" as an intensity crisis that demands systems-level change.  You'll learn why sensory regulation and mental health can't be separated, how to advocate for OT involvement at tier one and tier two, and what it takes to shift from waiting for an IEP to meeting student needs proactively.  This conversation will challenge you to reclaim participation as the core of your practice and see new pathways for OT leadership in schools. Listen now to learn the following objectives: — Learners will recognize the distinction between a "mental health crisis" and an "intensity crisis," and explain how this reframing reflects the current reality school-based OT practitioners are seeing in students' behavioral presentations. — Learners will identify that sensory system regulation and mental health outcomes are directly connected, and that trauma responses impact the sensory system — meaning trauma-informed care cannot be effectively delivered without also addressing sensory dysregulation. — Learners will identify how OTP's core focus on participation and meaningful occupation applies across all MTSS tiers — from tier one environmental and policy conversations to tier two consultation — not only at the point of IEP eligibility. Thanks for tuning in! Thanks for tuning into the OT Schoolhouse Podcast brought to you by the OT Schoolhouse Collaborative Community for school-based OTPs. In OTS Collab, we use community-powered professional development to learn together and implement strategies together. Don't forget to subscribe to the show and check out the show notes for every episode at OTSchoolhouse.com See you in the next episode!

What's really happening in school-based OT practice across the country? In this episode, Jayson sits down with Hannah Smiles, OTD, OTR/L, to unpack findings from a national survey of 331 school-based occupational therapists across 41 states, published in the open-access Open Journal of Occupational Therapy. Hannah and her research team examined the entire OT process — from referral through intervention — using the OTPF as a guiding framework, revealing that narrow referral patterns persist (handwriting, sensory, and fine motor still dominate), over two-thirds of OTPs aren't using formal environmental assessments, and most practitioners are operating in a "blended" workload/caseload model. Three major interconnected themes emerged from the data: role confusion, inconsistent leadership opportunities, and an incomplete transition to the workload approach. Whether you're looking for validation, language to advocate for your role, or a clearer picture of where the profession stands today — this episode is for you. Press play to discover where school-based OT stands today and what needs to change to move the profession forward. Listen now to learn the following objectives: — Learners will identify the most common referral patterns in school-based OT and recognize gaps in scope. — Learners will recognize the three major themes affecting school-based OT practice. — Learners will identify the unique value of school-based OT using research evidence. —Learners will identify practical ways to expand their role, advocate for involvement in MTSS/RTI activities, and move toward more leadership within their schools. Thanks for tuning in! Thanks for tuning into the OT Schoolhouse Podcast brought to you by the OT Schoolhouse Collaborative Community for school-based OTPs. In OTS Collab, we use community-powered professional development to learn together and implement strategies together. Don't forget to subscribe to the show and check out the show notes for every episode at OTSchoolhouse.com See you in the next episode!

What if we've been asking the wrong question all along? For years, school-based occupational therapy practitioners have debated whether challenging student behaviors are driven by sensory processing differences or behavior. But what if that distinction isn't the most important one? In this episode, Jayson is joined by Kristen Brokamp, OTR/L and Breanna Lynch, OTR/L, co-founders of Holding Space Collaborative, to explore how OTPs can move beyond labels and instead focus on participation, regulation, trauma-informed care, and systems-level change. Together, they discuss why behavior is often a signal—not the problem itself—and how occupational therapy practitioners are uniquely positioned to help schools build environments that promote wellness, collaboration, and meaningful participation for every student. Whether you're supporting students individually, consulting with teachers, or hoping to expand OT's impact throughout your school, this conversation will challenge your thinking and inspire new possibilities. Listen now to learn the following objectives: — Learners will identify why focusing solely on "sensory vs. behavior" may limit occupational therapy intervention. — Learners will recognize OT's role in supporting school-wide wellness and prevention efforts. — Learners will identify opportunities to implement systems-level strategies that promote student participation and regulation. Thanks for tuning in! Thanks for tuning into the OT Schoolhouse Podcast brought to you by the OT Schoolhouse Collaborative Community for school-based OTPs. In OTS Collab, we use community-powered professional development to learn together and implement strategies together. Don't forget to subscribe to the show and check out the show notes for every episode at OTSchoolhouse.com See you in the next episode!

In this episode, Jayson Davies sits down with Kelli Fetter, founder of Handwriting Solutions, to explore the world of dysgraphia — from the challenges of diagnosis and assessment to evidence-based, school-based intervention strategies. Kelli shares her personal journey as both an OT and parent of a child with dysgraphia, and explains why she believes school-based OTs are the most well-positioned experts to lead the charge on handwriting support. Kelli and Jayson dig into practical topics including how to assess handwriting across different cognitive load levels, the difference between top-down and bottom-up intervention approaches, and how MTSS frameworks can be used to build tiered handwriting programs in schools. They also discuss the emerging "science of writing" movement and why now is a critical moment for OTs to step into a leadership role in this space. Whether you're new to school-based practice or looking to sharpen your handwriting intervention skills, this episode is packed with actionable strategies you can bring directly to your students. Listen now to learn how to confidently support students with dysgraphia and written expression challenges — and why it's never too late to make a difference. Listen now to learn the following objectives: Explain the OT's role in supporting students with dysgraphia within a tiered MTSS framework, including how to collaborate with teachers, SLPs, and special educators to address written expression as a shared team goal. Apply assessment strategies across varying cognitive load levels — from tracing and near-point copying to dictation and self-generated writing — to identify automaticity gaps and guide intervention planning. Design intensive, frequency-based handwriting intervention models (such as handwriting clubs or camp programs) that leverage motor learning principles to produce faster, more meaningful outcomes than traditional once-weekly sessions. Thanks for tuning in! Thanks for tuning into the OT Schoolhouse Podcast brought to you by the OT Schoolhouse Collaborative Community for school-based OTPs. In OTS Collab, we use community-powered professional development to learn together and implement strategies together. Don't forget to subscribe to the show and check out the show notes for every episode at OTSchoolhouse.com See you in the next episode!

If you're a school-based occupational therapy practitioner feeling burnt out, dysregulated, or overwhelmed by your caseload, this episode is for you. Robyn Chu, MOT, OTR/L, author of Sensory Wellness: The Art and Science of Thriving, joins us to flip the traditional sensory conversation on its head. Instead of focusing solely on how to support students' sensory needs, Robyn discusses how understanding your own sensory processing can be the foundation for everything else you do. Robyn discusses why "calm all the time" isn't the goal, how sensory input actively creates emotions (not just reactions to them), and why you have more control over your regulation than you think—even in challenging school environments. Drawing from neuroscience research and years of clinical experience, she offers practical insights on energy management, nervous system regulation, and why addressing your own sensory wellness isn't just another item on your to-do list—it's what makes everything else work. Whether you're driving between five schools in a week or sitting down to write reports in a fluorescent-lit room, this episode offers practical wisdom on energy management, nervous system regulation, and why "calm all the time" isn't the goal. Listen now to learn how sensory wellness can help you be your best self for your students—and for yourself. Listen now to learn the following objectives: Learners will identify how your own sensory processing patterns impact your daily regulation and work performance Learners will recognize the difference between interoceptive and exteroceptive sensory input and why it matters for adults Learners will apply practical sensory adjustments to your work environment that you can control, even in challenging school settings Thanks for tuning in! Thanks for tuning into the OT Schoolhouse Podcast brought to you by the OT Schoolhouse Collaborative Community for school-based OTPs. In OTS Collab, we use community-powered professional development to learn together and implement strategies together. Don't forget to subscribe to the show and check out the show notes for every episode at OTSchoolhouse.com See you in the next episode!

Struggling to figure out how occupational therapy fits within your school's MTSS framework? In this episode, Dr. Courtney Boitano shares findings from two groundbreaking studies on sensory processing interventions for kindergarten and fifth-grade students. As a faculty member at San Jose State University and a school-based OT with over 15 years of experience, Courtney provides practical insights into implementing tiered sensory supports that actually work. You'll learn how to use free screening tools like the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) to identify students who need additional support, why teacher consultation may be more impactful than you think, and how to implement Zones of Regulation strategies across different tiers. Whether you're new to MTSS or looking to refine your approach, this episode offers evidence-based strategies you can start using tomorrow to support students and empower teachers with sensory processing challenges in your schools. Listen now to learn the following objectives: Learners will identify the research findings from tier 1 and tier 2 sensory interventions with kindergarten and fifth-grade students Learners will implement evidence based teacher consult strategies as a high- impact MTSS intervention. Learners will Identify the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire as a screening tool to identify students who may benefit from sensory processing interventions and determine appropriate tier- level supports. Thanks for tuning in! Thanks for tuning into the OT Schoolhouse Podcast brought to you by the OT Schoolhouse Collaborative Community for school-based OTPs. In OTS Collab, we use community-powered professional development to learn together and implement strategies together. Don't forget to subscribe to the show and check out the show notes for every episode at OTSchoolhouse.com See you in the next episode!

Are you still relying on the Peabody or BOT as your go-to assessment? You're not alone, but you might be missing something critical. In this episode, we dive deep into occupation-based assessment with Dr. Alysha Skuthan and Dr. Erin Gaby, who recently published groundbreaking research on the occupational profile in school-based practice. This conversation is for every school-based OT who has ever wondered: What actually makes an assessment occupation-based? Why does the occupational profile matter? And how can I fit it into my already overwhelming workload? The research reveals surprising findings from their research showing that 35% of school-based OTs don't complete occupational profiles, despite it being a formal requirement in the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework. You'll hear practical strategies for collecting occupational profiles, honest talk about barriers like time constraints and parent communication, and compelling reasons why using occupational language in your reports matters for advocacy. Plus, they discuss occupation-based alternatives to common standardized tests and share their favorite tools like the School Function Assessment. Listen to learn how shifting to occupation-based practice can transform not just your assessments, but your entire intervention approach. Learning Objectives — Learners will identify the key characteristics that distinguish occupation-based assessments from skill-based assessments — Learners will recognize why the occupational profile is an important component of every SBOT evaluation — Learners will identify the importance of using occupational language in evaluation reports for professional advocacy Thanks for tuning in! Thanks for tuning into the OT Schoolhouse Podcast brought to you by the OT Schoolhouse Collaborative Community for school-based OTPs. In OTS Collab, we use community-powered professional development to learn together and implement strategies together. Don't forget to subscribe to the show and check out the show notes for every episode at OTSchoolhouse.com See you in the next episode!

When a student refuses to eat at school, it affects everything—academic performance, regulation, social interactions, and the afternoon meltdown that follows. In this episode, @Jayson Davies sits down with Alisha Grogan, MOT, OTR/L, founder of Your Kid's Table, to talk about feeding challenges in school-based OT. Alisha brings over 20 years of experience working with extreme picky eaters and shares what school-based practitioners need to know about supporting students who struggle with lunch and snacks. You'll learn how to identify when picky eating crosses into extreme territory, why the cafeteria environment can be so overwhelming for sensory-sensitive students, and what accommodations actually help. Alisha also clarifies the often-confusing scope question: what can school-based OTs reasonably address versus what requires outside support? Whether you're freezing up when feeding comes up in an IEP or wondering how to support a student who won't eat at school, this conversation offers practical, realistic guidance grounded in both clinical expertise and respect for the school setting. Listen now to learn how to make lunchtime less stressful and more successful for the students on your caseload. Learning Objectives By the end of this episode, learners will be able to: Learners will identify the clinical indicators that distinguish extreme picky eating from typical developmental selectivity, including the 20-food threshold and sensory-behavioral red flags (Remember/Understand)Learners will identify and address environmental barriers in the cafeteria that prevent students from eating at school—including sensory overwhelm from noise, lighting, smells, and peer interactions—and implement appropriate accommodations such as quiet eating spaces, noise-canceling headphones, weighted lap pads, and regulation strategiesLearners will identify scope of practice for feeding intervention in schools by understanding what is appropriate for school-based OT (supporting participation in lunch/snack routines, environmental modifications, family education) versus what requires outside clinic-based or medical feeding therapy (expanding food repertoire, intensive feeding protocols, home mealtime culture changes) Thanks for tuning in! Thanks for tuning into the OT Schoolhouse Podcast brought to you by the OT Schoolhouse Collaborative Community for school-based OTPs. In OTS Collab, we use community-powered professional development to learn together and implement strategies together. Don't forget to subscribe to the show and check out the show notes for every episode at OTSchoolhouse.com See you in the next episode!

This course explores the evolving landscape of school-aged mental health in a post-COVID world and the expanding role of occupational therapy in supporting students’ emotional, behavioral, and functional participation. Dr. Monica Keen examines current mental-health trends, trauma-informed care, behavior changes following the pandemic, and evidence-aligned OT strategies for school settings. Participants will learn practical, occupation-based approaches for addressing emotional regulation, engagement, and school participation within a tiered model of support. This course is part of the OT Schoolhouse Collaborative Community, where school-based practitioners come together to deepen clinical reasoning, explore meaningful topics, and translate evidence into real-world practice. If you’re looking to earn CEU’s for this course and access a full library of professional development opportunities, you can join the community here 👉 https://www.otschoolhouse.com/collab Learning Objectives —Learners will identify three mental illness diagnoses of school-aged children. —Learners will identify reasons/events for childhood mental illness and how it impacts occupational engagement. —Learners will recognize the role of OT in addressing these mental health issues in the school setting Thanks for tuning in! Thanks for tuning into the OT Schoolhouse Podcast brought to you by the OT Schoolhouse Collaborative Community for school-based OTPs. In OTS Collab, we use community-powered professional development to learn together and implement strategies together. Don't forget to subscribe to the show and check out the show notes for every episode at OTSchoolhouse.com See you in the next episode!

Transitioning from OT student to practicing clinician isn’t always a straight path—and in this episode, Chandler Sarkozi shares her real, unfiltered journey into school-based practice. From taking the NBCOT multiple times to navigating job options and ultimately choosing a travel-based school position, this conversation highlights the challenges many new grads face but don’t often talk about. Chandler dives into what it actually looks like to start mid-year as a contract OT, including figuring out housing, building rapport with students and staff, and working through imposter syndrome. She also shares practical insights on the interview process, key questions to ask employers, and how a strong support system can make all the difference. Whether you're a new grad, exploring school-based OT, or curious about travel therapy, this episode offers honest guidance and reassurance. 🎙️ Press play to hear how Chandler learned to trust herself, stay flexible, and grow into her role. Listen now to learn the following objectives: Learners will identify… Identify strategies for transitioning from OT student to school-based practitionerLearners will identify key considerations when choosing between contract and district school-based OT rolesDetermine essential interview questions to assess support, caseload, and job expectations Thanks for tuning in! Thanks for tuning into the OT Schoolhouse Podcast brought to you by the OT Schoolhouse Collaborative Community for school-based OTPs. In OTS Collab, we use community-powered professional development to learn together and implement strategies together. Don't forget to subscribe to the show and check out the show notes for every episode at OTSchoolhouse.com See you in the next episode!

In this episode, Jayson discusses the often-overlooked but critical role that state and national occupational therapy associations play in protecting and advancing the profession. He highlights major advocacy wins from the past year, including AOTA's successful defense of Section 504, California's groundbreaking administrative credential legislation, Nevada's prevention of ABA encroachment on ADL services, and Nebraska's modernized OT Practice Act. Whether you're already a member or considering joining your state or national association, this episode offers compelling reasons to get involved—from joining and volunteering to simply sharing advocacy updates with colleagues. Listen now to discover how your support can secure the future of school-based occupational therapy and ensure OT continues thriving in education settings. Thanks for tuning in! Thanks for tuning into the OT Schoolhouse Podcast brought to you by the OT Schoolhouse Collaborative Community for school-based OTPs. In OTS Collab, we use community-powered professional development to learn together and implement strategies together. Don't forget to subscribe to the show and check out the show notes for every episode at OTSchoolhouse.com See you in the next episode!

In this episode of the OT Schoolhouse Podcast, host Jayson Davies is joined by Aimee Piller and Dr. Sultan Alfawaz to explore a powerful shift in school-based occupational therapy practice. Together, they break down how aligning OT services with academic standards can transform both student outcomes and how practitioners advocate for their role in schools. You’ll learn practical strategies for linking evaluation data and sensory processing patterns to educational goals, including how to connect assessments like the EASI, SOCM, and BOT-3 to specific academic standards. The episode also unpacks proximal vs. distal outcomes and helps you confidently determine when to use Ayres Sensory Integration® versus sensory-based interventions in school settings. Whether you're looking to strengthen your evaluations, improve collaboration with teachers, or better justify your services in IEP meetings, this episode provides a clear, actionable framework you can start using right away. 🎧 Listen now to learn how to connect your OT services to what matters most in schools—student participation and academic success. Learning Objectives — Learners will identify how to link occupational therapy interventions to academic or state standards to improve educational relevance and advocacy in school settings. — Learners will differentiate between proximal (sensory processing) and distal (participation/academic) outcomes to strengthen clinical reasoning and goal writing. — Learners will identify how to integrate state standards into the referral and evaluation process. Thanks for tuning in! Thanks for tuning into the OT Schoolhouse Podcast brought to you by the OT Schoolhouse Collaborative Community for school-based OTPs. In OTS Collab, we use community-powered professional development to learn together and implement strategies together. Don't forget to subscribe to the show and check out the show notes for every episode at OTSchoolhouse.com See you in the next episode!

Artificial intelligence is quickly entering healthcare and education, and occupational therapists are asking an important question: How can we use AI responsibly without losing the clinical reasoning that defines our profession? In this episode, Jayson Davies sits down with OT educator and researcher Tara Mansour to explore practical, ethical ways school-based OT practitioners can begin using AI tools. Tara shares how she teaches future occupational therapists to use AI as a “first draft partner” while still prioritizing evidence-based practice, professional judgment, and student-centered care. They also discuss privacy considerations, prompt strategies, treatment planning ideas, and how AI can support data collection, documentation, and intervention development. If you're curious about how AI might fit into your school-based OT workflow—or concerned about how it could impact clinical reasoning—this episode provides a thoughtful and practical perspective. Tune in to learn how AI can support occupational therapy while keeping the human clinician firmly in the loop. Listen now to learn the following objectives: — Learners will describe appropriate ways AI tools can support school-based OT practice, including treatment planning, documentation drafting, and intervention idea generation. — Learners will explain ethical and privacy considerations when using AI, including FERPA and HIPAA concerns and strategies for de-identifying student information. — Learners will identify the "human-in-the-loop" approach to AI-assisted practice, distinguishing between AI-generated versus AI-assisted work and the role of critical clinical reasoning in evaluating AI outputs. Thanks for tuning in! Thanks for tuning into the OT Schoolhouse Podcast brought to you by the OT Schoolhouse Collaborative Community for school-based OTPs. In OTS Collab, we use community-powered professional development to learn together and implement strategies together. Don't forget to subscribe to the show and check out the show notes for every episode at OTSchoolhouse.com See you in the next episode!