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Difference Between Physical Therapy And Occupational Therapy As Related
Services In Education
by: Christine Dugan One common question asked by parents is what is the difference between
physical therapy and occupational therapy services provided through schools as a
related special education service? Both therapies are related services to
special education and are provided only if the child needs therapy to function
in the educational setting. The role of physical therapist and an occupational
therapist is to facilitate a student's independent functioning and decrease the
effects of a disability on his/her ability to participate in the educational
setting and process. The following is a general response to the difference
between the two. Physical Therapy (PT): emphasizes the acquisition of basic motor skills
necessary for functional mobility about the school environment as well as the
physical capability for participating with peers during education and recess.
Areas of focus for the school physical therapist include: - Gross motor skills: activities that use large muscles - Mobility skills: moving safely throughout the school environment,
including entering and exiting the school bus - Postural control and alignment needed to perform school activities and
for increasing independence in life skills Occupational therapy (OT): emphasizes the acquisition of or compensation
for functional performance skills needed by students during their educational
experience: - Fine motor skills: small, finely coordinated hand movements - Visual perceptual skills: the ability to understand and interpret what
is seen - Visual motor skills: the ability to coordinate visual skills and motor
skills - Self care skills: feeding, dressing, hygiene, and toileting skills for
increasing independence in necessary life skills Both physical and occupational therapists may address the following areas: - Strength and endurance - Body awareness - Classroom positioning and adaptations - Sensory motor skills necessary for participation in an educational
program Physical therapists and occupational therapists have similar training.
Occupational therapists receive more training in oral and hand skill
interventions and physical therapists receive more training gross motor and
postural development.
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