Implementing School-Based Occupational Therapy Services: A Multi-Tired Approach to Sensory Processing Needs

This book focuses on providing occupational therapy sensory interventions through a tiered approach to help improve academic participation, covering assessment of the sensory aspects of the environment and population as well as at the group level.

Chapters showcase how occupational therapy practitioners can effectively contribute to each tier of the multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) framework, with an emphasis on Tiers 1 and 2. The book also provides evidence-based methods to monitor outcomes of provided interventions and discuss how and when to modify the interventions, and highlights innovative strategies to support a broad range of students, especially those who may need additional assistance but do not qualify for specialized services.

While there are many reasons students might require support, this book zeroes in on sensory processing challenges and their impact on classroom participation and academic performance. By addressing these needs, occupational therapy practitioners can foster a more inclusive, engaging, and supportive learning environment for every student.

Aimee Piller is the owner and director of Piller Child Development, an outpatient pediatric therapy company with three locations in the greater Phoenix area. She is a practicing occupational therapist with almost 20 years of experience in a variety of pediatric settings including outpatient home health, and schools.