Questions to Ask an Occupational Therapist
Practical prompts for OT evaluations and care plans—centered on function, environment, and what matters to the client’s daily life.
1What functional goals are we targeting and how will we measure progress?
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What functional goals are we targeting and how will we measure progress?
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Why this works
Turns therapy into observable outcomes tied to daily tasks.
2Which activities should we prioritize first and why?
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Which activities should we prioritize first and why?
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Why this works
Focuses effort on highest-impact wins early.
3How can we adapt the home or school environment to help now?
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How can we adapt the home or school environment to help now?
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Why this works
Shifts from willpower to environmental supports.
4What should home practice look like between sessions?
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What should home practice look like between sessions?
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Why this works
Creates continuity and accelerates gains.
5How will we generalize skills to real-life contexts?
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How will we generalize skills to real-life contexts?
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Why this works
Prevents clinic-only gains from fading.
6How do you tailor strategies for sensory needs or fatigue?
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How do you tailor strategies for sensory needs or fatigue?
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Why this works
Improves comfort and adherence to plans.
7What tools or assistive tech could be helpful?
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What tools or assistive tech could be helpful?
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Why this works
Introduces devices that unlock function safely.
8What’s a realistic timeline and how will we adjust?
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What’s a realistic timeline and how will we adjust?
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Why this works
Sets expectations and review points to pivot.
9How will you collaborate with PT, SLP, or teachers?
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How will you collaborate with PT, SLP, or teachers?
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Why this works
Coordinates supports across providers and settings.
10What signs show we should escalate or refer?
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What signs show we should escalate or refer?
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Why this works
Defines thresholds for additional care.
11What can we stop doing that isn’t working?
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What can we stop doing that isn’t working?
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Why this works
Makes room for approaches with better ROI.
12How can we make practice enjoyable and sustainable?
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How can we make practice enjoyable and sustainable?
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Why this works
Motivation drives repetition and progress.
13How do we support independence without frustration?
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How do we support independence without frustration?
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Why this works
Balances challenge with success to build confidence.
14What metrics or logs should we keep at home?
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What metrics or logs should we keep at home?
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Why this works
Data improves adjustments and caregiver communication.
15What safety considerations should we keep in mind?
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What safety considerations should we keep in mind?
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Why this works
Prevents injury and builds caregiver confidence.
16How will we plan for transitions (school year, new home, etc.)?
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How will we plan for transitions (school year, new home, etc.)?
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Why this works
Protects gains through change.
17What community resources or groups would you recommend?
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What community resources or groups would you recommend?
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Why this works
Extends support beyond sessions.
18What’s the most common blocker for progress and how do we handle it?
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What’s the most common blocker for progress and how do we handle it?
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Why this works
Prepares for setbacks without losing momentum.
19How will we know when to reduce or end therapy?
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How will we know when to reduce or end therapy?
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Why this works
Defines readiness and discharge criteria.
20What should we do today after this session?
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What should we do today after this session?
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Why this works
Ends with immediate, concrete next steps.
OT That Changes Daily Life
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Function, Context, Consistency
Start With the Task
Tie goals to real activities that matter to the client.
Tune the Environment
Small environmental changes drive big gains.
Practice in Context
Rehearse where skills will actually be used.
Home Practice Loop
3 Steps
Common Pitfalls
Clinic-Only Wins
If it doesn’t work at home, redesign the plan.
Overloading Caregivers
Pick one or two practices and make them easy.