Appelbaum Vision - Bethesda

The occupational therapy process includes an OT evaluation before care starts. Here are the four steps your family can expect when starting occupational therapy:

1. Complete OT evaluation. An occupational therapist first identifies your strengths and needs through a thorough OT evaluation, also known as an OT assessment or screening. You’ll answer questions about you your skills, and you will most likely demonstrate these skills via hands-on activities with the therapist. Evaluations can last 30 minutes to a couple hours.
2. Approve OT plan. The therapist develops a care plan with individualized goals and customized interventions based on your needs. You can also share any specific goals or concerns before approving the OT plan.
3. Start therapy sessions. The therapist works directly with you, using various strategies and exercises to systematically improve areas of limitations and to build upon your strengths. If there are others part of your care team, the therapist may teach strategies for supporting your individualized needs at home and may recommend tools and techniques to use at home, in the community, or in the classroom to help you thrive.
4. Monitor your progress. You can expect ongoing progress monitoring and communication to ensure you're achieving your short and long-term goals.

Visual aids can be a game-changer when it comes to preparing your child for new experiences. Create a social story or a visual schedule that explains what will happen during the eye exam. Include pictures or drawings to help them understand the process and what to expect. Going through the visual supports with your child beforehand can help ease anxiety and build familiarity.

Videos can also be a great tool to help prepare your child for what to expect during their eye exam. Here is a great example from the QuadSquad!

To help things go even smoother, review the visual aid of your choice with your child multiple times — a week before, a few days before, and then again the day before.