Occupational Therapy Evaluation for Children

Chapter 1 : Introduction to OT Evaluation for Children Across Practice Settings This chapter will introduce the evaluation process, application of AOTA’s OT Practice Framework, the importance of using research evidence in the selection of evaluation tools and assessment strategies, discuss the OT clinical reasoning process for making clinical decisions regarding OT evaluations for children, and pediatric system and setting considerations. Client and family-centeredness, and the importance of implementing an occupation-based approach to assessment will be emphasized. Finally, content from CH 6, working as a member of a team will be moved to this first chapter. Sample assessment reports will all be moved to the Appendix. This chapter will change substantially.
Chapter 2 : A Guide to Evaluation : This chapter will include the steps in the evaluation process, and be updated to reflect the revised AOTA Practice Framework. This will not change substantially.
Chapter 3:Typical Child Development: This chapter will provide an overview of developmental theories and principles, occupations of childhood, the development of motor, cognitive, perceptual, and social-emotional skills. This chapter will not change substantially.
Chapter 4Standardized Assessment Tools:This chapter will address the use and evaluation of standardized assessment tools. In addition, tables listing and describing various assessment tools will be included, with the tables updated to include some new tests, and with other tests based on reviewer feedback. The sample reviews could go in the Appendix, will 1 -2 new ones added.
Chapter 5Interviewing and Conducting Observations: This chapter will provide information about interview skills, and conducting observations. More information on making occupation-based observations, with tables summarizing the types of functional skills and play observations that should be considered with children of various ages will be included.
Chapter 6Intervention Planning and Documentation : this chapter will provide an introduction to the intervention planning process, including goal writing. Report writing and the presentation of assessment information with parents, and in the context of professional meetings will be covered. Sample assessment reports will be included in the Appendix.
Chapter 7Specialty Areas of Practice and Populations : This is the only new chapter. The areas of practice/populations that I propose to be covered include: evaluations of children with or suspected of having an autism spectrum disorder, evaluations of assistive technology needs, evaluations in neonatal intensive care units, evaluations for supporting adolescent in transition to adulthood, and evaluations for supporting outcomes-based research and occupation-based practice.